BP (NYSE:BP) has been insisting that the only way to permanently plug the well was by the relief well. Now that the engineers are only a matter of a few feet away they are unsure how to proceed.
Testing was planned Monday evening to help crews determine if the "static kill" attempt would be preformed. Kent Wells, BP senior Vice President, said that engineers may pump the cement directly into the ruptured well through the failed blowout preventer via a surface ship. This would be done rather than waiting until the end of the month for the original plans of the relief well.
The idea isn't a new one, but BP hasn't even hinted to the possibility of a plan other than the drilling of the two relief wells to permanently plug the Macondo well. BP spokesman Daren Beaudo said, "Precisely what the relief wells will do remains to be seen given what we learn from the static kill, can't predict it for certain."
Either way, "We want to end up with cement at the bottom of the hole," said Wells. Although BP was very vague as to why after so much time, effort, and money the company seems so unclear as to the exact roll the relief wells will play. Meanwhile, several leaks have sprung near the blown out well. Rumors are flying that there was more damage than BP is admitting to, caused by tropical storm Bonnie.
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1: It's "Role" not "Roll"
ReplyDelete2: I'm not an oilman, but isn't Bottom kill highly desirable? I understand top kill will reduce the static pressure to be held in at the top of the well an dreduce th eimmediate risk of a further spill. I f I read the technical comments correctly, the seal between the casing and the bore is suspect and bottom kill would be a necessary supplement to top kill, as it would provide a more comprehensive and reliable seal.
Or maybe I'm missing the point.
Would someone in the oil industry like to comment?
Can someone please explain exactly the effect tropical storm Bonnie would have at a depth of one mile, or even one hundred feet?.
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