BP’s Effort to Plug Oil Leak Suspended a Second Time

New York Times ^ | May 28th, 2010 | Clifford Krauss

[a real Sheila]

why haven’t they already tried that?

[deport]

Update on Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill - 28 May, 2010

BP today provided an update on developments in the response to the MC252 oil well incident in the Gulf of Mexico.

Subsea Source Control and Containment

Subsea efforts continue to focus on progressing steps to stop the flow of oil from the well through interventions via the failed Deepwater Horizon blow out preventer (BOP), and to collect the flow of oil from the leak points. These efforts are being carried out in conjunction with industry experts and governmental authorities.

Operations on the top kill procedure continue. Heavy drilling fluids were pumped under pressure into the BOP starting May 26 at 1300CDT, and top kill operations continue through 2400CDT on May 27. It is estimated that the full top kill procedure could extend for another 24 to 48 hours.

If the well were successfully 'killed', it is expected that cementing operations would then follow. The top kill procedure has never before been attempted at these depths and its ultimate success is uncertain.

In parallel with the ongoing top kill operation, preparations have been made for the possible deployment of the lower marine riser package (LMRP) cap containment system.

Deployment would first involve removing the damaged riser from the top of the failed BOP to leave a cleanly-cut pipe at the top of the BOP's LMRP. The cap, a containment device with a sealing grommet, will be connected to a riser from the Discoverer Enterprise drillship, 5,000 feet above on the surface, and placed over the LMRP with the intention of capturing most of the oil and gas flowing from the well.

The LMRP cap is already deployed alongside the BOP in readiness for potential deployment. If it is decided to deploy this option, this would be expected to take some three to four days.

In addition to these steps, planning is being advanced for deploying, if necessary, a second BOP on top of the original failed BOP.

Drilling of two relief wells began on May 2 and May 16. It is estimated that each of these wells will take three months to complete from the commencement of drilling.

[thackney]

They say the relief wells will do it, but I don’ see how that will let them get a handle on the problem.

The relief wells stop the pressure at the source, at the point the well enters the oil field. They are not dependent upon a leaking casing and riser to hold a column of mud.

How a relief well works
http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=9033657&contentId=7061734

[thackney]

The relief wells take about 90 days to drill.

They started on May 2nd.

[ZX12R]

The relief wells take about 90 days to drill. They started on May 2nd.

And the predicted busy hurricane season will have something to say about that 90 day time line. Oh dear, this is heartbreaking. This coming hurricane season, if true, is expected to pretty much use up the alphabet in named storms.

[thackney]

This coming hurricane season, if true

Living on the Gulf coast, I have noticed their prediction are far greater than reality, ever since Al Gore started pushing global warming. Compare their predictions with actual results of the season.

[Gator113]

Oh good, somebody finally got some photographs of those “shovel ready jobs”.

[ZX12R]

Living on the Gulf coast, I have noticed their prediction are far greater than reality, ever since Al Gore started pushing global warming. Compare their predictions with actual results of the season.

I agree, but this years predictions have some merit. The current sea surface temperatures in both the atlantic ocean and gulf of Mexico are above normal for this date. There has already been an invest (90L) in the caribbean before official hurricane season.

[jwparkerjr]

OK, I see it better now. The idea is to reduce the flow from the damaged well, not stop it. Once the flow is reduced then they will have a better shot at capping it.

Still, seems like an awful lot of pressure to be relieved by just two other outlets. But hey, it’s hard to argue with success.

[a real Sheila]

I was talking about stacking another BOP on top of the existing one.

[Interesting Times]

If BP has stopped pumping, it must be what Obama wants them to do.

After all, he just told us he’s completely in charge of the operation.

[thackney]

They don’t let off pressure with the reliefs.

The relief well is used to first deliver mud to equalize pressure then deliver cement to plug.

Only one is needed but a backup is being drilled just in case.

[chessplayer]

They say the relief wells will stop it, but I don`t even believe that anymore. The only way this will stop is when the pocket is completley empty, and they are saying the pocket holds 100 million barrels. The disaster and destruction we`ve seen so far is nothing compared to what we will see. Wait untill hurricanes start picking up the oil and the toxic chemicals BP has been using. It will literally be raining oil and toxic chemicals far inland. This is terrifying.

[chessplayer]

“And the predicted busy hurricane season will have something to say about that 90 day time line.”

Yup. The storms will delay the wells even further. It might not be until December befor they`re finished. Half a year.