BP oil spill containment cap testing delayed as oil flows freely, containment methods questioned
Testing referred to as the ‘Integrity Test’ on the free flowing MC252 well has been delayed, leaving many questions regarding containment methods. A three ram capping stack was successfully installed over the well, and testing was to begin on July 13, 2010. BP announced today that those tests were delayed due to the recommendation of Secretary Chu.
According to a statement by BP, officials met with Secretary Chu and his team of experts. The consensus was that “additional analysis of the well testing procedure should be performed before starting the well integrity test.’ The statement says that the analysis will begin tonight and is expected to continue into tomorrow.
BP officials explained their back up methods to contain the oil while they analyze the MC252 well.
“During this period, BP will continue to ramp up containment operations on the Helix Producer as well as continue to optimise the Q4000 operations. The Helix Producer has the capacity to capture approximately 20,000 – 25,000 barrels of oil per day.
Historically, the Q4000 has flared an average of approximately 8,000 barrels of oil per day.
The sealing cap system, the Q4000 system, the flexible riser system, and the planned additional containment systems never before have been deployed at these depths or under these conditions, and their efficiency and ability to contain or flare the oil and gas cannot be assured.
Operations continue on the first relief well. Operations on the second relief well have been temporarily suspended at 15,963 feet to ensure that there is no interference with the first relief well. The relief wells remain the sole means to permanently seal and isolate the well.”
The relief wells are expected to be completed in August 2010.
You may watch live video of the oil spill in the video below.
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