Bowl Protectors perform the very basic function of protecting the upper bowl sealing areas and load shoulder of a head from the drill bit, drill pipe and downhole tools during drilling or workover operations.
They are installed in the head by running through the BOP stack using a running tool
They land on the same load shoulder used by the casing hangers
The I.D. of the bowl protector needs to allow the drill bit to pass through
They are normally retained in the head by the Lock Down Screws (LDS) in the upper flange
Should be pulled regularly to remove any built up mud or sand
Are inexpensive insurance for protecting the wellhead investment
