Method and system for sealing a wellbore

A system for sealing a wellbore, the wellbore having a pipe therein for the passage of fluid therethrough, the system comprising:

• a BOP receiving the pipe therethrough;
• and
• at least one seal assembly positionable about the BOP, each of the at least one seal assemblies comprising:
• a plurality of blocks positionable within the BOP, each of the plurality of blocks having an opening extending into a cavity therein;
• at least one actuator for selectively moving the plurality of blocks to a contact position surrounding the pipe of the wellbore;
• and
• a plurality of pipe seals carried by the plurality of blocks for creating a seal about the pipe of the wellbore, the plurality of pipe seals being positionable in the cavity of the plurality of blocks and flowable through the opening thereof whereby at least a portion of a pressure applied to the plurality of pipe seals is released from the plurality of blocks.

A method for sealing a wellbore, the wellbore having a pipe therein for the passage of fluid therethrough, the method comprising:

• positioning the pipe through a BOP, the BOP having a seal assembly therein comprising a plurality of blocks, each of the plurality of blocks having an opening extending into a cavity therein and a pipe seal in each cavity;
• pressing the pipe seals into sealing engagement with the pipe by selectively moving the plurality of blocks therein to a contact position surrounding the pipe of the wellbore;
• and
• permitting at least a portion of the pipe seals to flow through the opening of the plurality of the blocks such that at least a portion of a pressure applied to the plurality of pipe seals is released from the plurality of blocks.