Assembly and Method for Monitoring Position of Blowout Preventer Rams

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to an assembly and method for monitoring the position of one or more opposing rams in a ram-type blowout preventer ("BOP") during opening and closing operations. In particular, a BOP includes a vertical bore extending through the body, a ram cavity intersecting the bore, and a port located below the ram cavity. A sensor assembly is locatable in the port and is configured to monitor the position of at least one opposing ram contained in the BOP. At least one of the rams includes a detection feature on a lower surface of the ram which is distinguishable from the rest of the ram body, other features of the BOP, and any debris in the bore of the BOP. The detection feature is detectable by the sensor assembly. The detection feature may include a visual indicator.