BP, scientists try to make sense of well puzzle

AP ^ | 7/16/10 | AP

[blueplum]

Hook a hose up to it and start filling tankers!!!

I don't see why BP couldn't be allowed to farm the well for all it's worth, with 50% of net profit from that well being donated directly to the Gulf Coast communities for ongoing cleanup/damages. Over several years this could amount to a considerable sum.

[Errant]

Great idea and the oil flowing means less pressure on the well. They could even run a pipeline to the existing pipeline system on the Gulf seabed and pipe oil directly to the underground salt-dome storage facilites.

[justa-hairyape]

There is some speculation on the Oil Drum blog that we have Cross Talk between two reservoirs. Basically the old Wild Well bore may have eroded into a second reservoir located higher up in the rock strata. So when they increased the pressure by Shutting the Wild Well In, they forced oil to flow from the lower main reservoir into the upper new reservoir. That could explain the pressure anomaly. If that new reservoir is small, eventually it will fill up and the pressure should rise. If that new reservoir is large, it may take a long time to stabilize and increase pressure. One thing is for certain, it will complicate the permanent Kill process. At this point in time we really do not know. Hopefully BP will find out what is causing the Anomaly. If they do not, we will be taking another gamble and flying by the seat of our pants. But hey, what is new.

[Errant]

One would think that they could park a super sensitive seismograph or listening device either on the surface or in several locations down the relief well to determine if any subterranean flow is occurring.

[justa-hairyape]

Some on the Oil Drum have also suggested that. Wonder how much noise a closed Oil Reservoir typically makes ? I was thinking that long range Ultra Sound would be perfect, but I think that is basically Seismology.

[Errant]

A closed system shouldn’t make any. A super sensitive mic attached to the casing should do it. High pressure oil and gas leak should create enough vibration to travel for miles through steel...

[justa-hairyape]

Check this out. Just found on a google search.

Shhh - Irish company listens for oil

Dang Irish looking for Hummers......

[Errant]

Dang Irish looking for Hummers......

LOL, naturally... That are a fight!

BTW, I sent them a link to this thread and told them BP might need to borrow their technology... ;)

Thanks for the finding them. Who knows...

[justa-hairyape]

The story was from last year and they were looking for investors. In this economy they may be long gone. But what a name for the technology, Infrasonic Passive Differential Spectroscopy. Like to hear someone from Ireland pronounce that !

[Errant]

Email seems to work so far. Its got to work, it’s to simple and the principle is solid. Not sure how effective for a closed system though.