BP Oil Spill: "Top Kill" Failure Means Well May Gush Until August
Sunday 30 May 2010
by: Mark Sappenfield | The Christian Science Monitor
Gas from the damaged Deepwater Horizon wellhead is burned by the
drillship Discoverer Enterprise, May 16, in a process known as
flaring. (Photo: Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick Kelley / DVIDSHUB)
After the failure of "top kill," BP said it will concentrate on containing, not stopping the leak. As failures to stop the BP oil spill mount, the federal government is careful not to promise too much.
With the failure of the BP “top kill” maneuver, the effort to combat the BP oil spill is increasingly becoming an attempt to manage expectations.
A month ago, when the spill was barely a week old, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar told CNN that the “ultimate relief” – drilling a relief well – was still “90 days out.”
Now, that pronouncement is looking like the most realistic target. BP managing director Bob Dudley said Sunday that the the company's best hope was not in capping the well but in containing and collecting the oil at the source until a relief well is ready in August.
"If we can contain the flow of oil and keep it out of the ocean, that's not a bad outcome," said Mr. Dudley on CNN's "State of the Union," noting that the next maneuver is to fit a new containment valve on the well.
After BP's three unsuccessful attempts to stop or siphon the gushing oil, federal officials also appear to be shifting focus. They are subtly but repeatedly emphasizing that their efforts should be judged by the region’s long-term recovery – not on the immediate issue of whether they can stop the Macondo wellhead from leaking 800,000 gallons of oil a day into the Gulf of Mexico.
Addressing the situation in a statement Saturday, President Obama said: “It is as enraging as it is heartbreaking, and we will not relent until this leak is contained, until the waters and shores are cleaned up, and until the people unjustly victimized by this manmade disaster are made whole.”
As he states, Mr. Obama is not giving up on efforts to contain the leaking oil before the relief well is expected to be ready. The problem is that BP – not the federal government – is best placed and equipped to stop the leak, yet the challenges presented by the Macondo wellhead are so great that BP might be unable to make much headway until August.
Some scientists have noted, without hyperbole, that it would be easier to launch a spacecraft to the moon than shut down the Macondo wellhead, which is 5,000 feet deep. The “top kill” live feed offered a glimpse at this: robot submarines attempting precise maneuvers amid the crushing pressures of pitch-dark waters.
In his Saturday statement, Obama in some ways sounded as though he was in the midst of launching an ad hoc space program to the sea floor. At a time when the nation is wanting him to give the aura of presidential power – that there is no solution beyond the scope of his administration – the statement instead cast him as the reluctant scientist, speaking of probabilities and technical challenges.
With “the surest way to stop the flow of oil – the drilling of relief wells” – needing “several months to complete … engineers and experts have explored a variety of alternatives,” Obama said.
“While we initially received optimistic reports about the [top kill] procedure, it is now clear that it has not worked,” he said, later adding: “While we were hopeful that the ‘top kill’ would succeed, we were also mindful that there was a significant chance it would not.”
So the Coast Guard directed BP to launch a new procedure, he said, “which is not without risk and has never been attempted before at this depth…. It will be difficult and will take several days”
From here on, in fact, any new plans to contain or cap the well will be comparably riskier or less likely to work than “top kill,” which was seen as BP’s best and most reliable option. This is because BP tried the maneuvers it thought most promising first, culminating in the failed “top kill” effort.
The next attempt to stop the leak will involve cutting the riser pipe and fitting a new containment valve, called the lower marine riser package (LMRP), atop it.
If the LMRP works, it could allow BP to collect all the oil leaking from the wellhead. If it fails, it could increase the amount of oil leaking in the Gulf. The riser pipe is kinked like a garden hose, and many scientists believe it is restricting the flow of oil somewhat.
Mr. Dudley countered Sunday that BP estimated that any increase in oil flow would be small.
With the prospect for containing the oil becoming progressively less likely with every mounting failure, Obama and his lieutenants are left to try to prepare Gulf coast residents for the worst without looking as though they have already accepted it.
The long-term federal relief effort, while unsatisfying to Gulf residents watching oil choke their coasts, is at least one area where the government can exercise control.
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BP now says that their plan
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 09:37 — Anonymous (not verified)BP now says that their plan B (cutting the riser pipe, lowerig another containment vessel) has a better chance then the Top-Kill, which they previously said gave the best chance of stopping the release. The spin appears to be: "Our Plan B will do the trick". Credibility=0
Should we consider BP's
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 10:06 — Anonymous (not verified)Should we consider BP's negligence, Government negligence - a conspiracy of sorts ? Based on the damage seen and will see as a result of this catastrophe? Is this accident then, premeditated terror?
After a terrorist attack has occured, Intelligence/Defense agencies and the police state apparatus swing into high gear. A National Security Letter (NSL) could be used against BP and perhaps Interior officials - why not this approach? We're talking about National Security !
And Obummer KNOWS these are
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 10:10 — Vic Anderson (not verified)And Obummer KNOWS these are merely BP stalling tactics in the face of MULTIPLE (NO-ring) blowouts solvable only by SEALING the whole drill bore by BLOWING IT with explosives! But at risk of rehabilitating Poppy and W, BP (Barack the Pawn) is only Bushs' Bush, Chicken George the Third!
Remember them early on
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 10:13 — Anonymous (not verified)Remember them early on trying to lower a large cement container with a hole in the top from which they could siphon off the oil? Low tech solution that failed because of the extreme pressure at that depth which caused the hole to clog. Seems to me that solution was on the right track, just too small. What's wrong with lowering a series of extensions building a kind of elevator shaft up to a height where the pressure won't clog the hole?
Come on guys, no exaggeration, the future of life on our planet is at stake! Get it done!
Remember them early on
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 10:17 — Anonymous (not verified)Remember them early on trying to lower a large cement container with a hole in the top from which they could siphon off the oil? Low tech solution that failed because of the extreme pressure at that depth which caused the hole to clog. Seems to me that solution was on the right track, just too small. What's wrong with lowering a series of extensions building a kind of elevator shaft up to a height where the pressure won't clog the hole?
Come on guys, no exaggeration, the future of life on our planet is at stake! Get it done!
It's high time that the
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 12:04 — A Sutherland (not verified)It's high time that the people demand - by force if necessary - the the perpetrators of environmental disasters on such a large scale be made answerable for their actions. From BP and all the other oil giants to the coal mining co's to the coals ash dumps.
Companies do NOT own what they are destroying. They do not own the oceans, they do not own the right to destroy everyone's environment, they don't even own the resources the are stealing.
It may be that armed rebellion is the only way to bring a stop to this insanity, because I don't see any meaningful action from the Government and regulators and especially not the Supreme court, who have found that the rights of corporations trump those of the people.
Will everyone please stop
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 12:26 — Anonymous (not verified)Will everyone please stop calling this a "spill"? I spill milk on the floor sometimes -- that's not what this is. It's not a "spill," as in oil tanker spill, either. It's a gushing well. That isn't anything at all like a "spill," which will always have a limited and known quantity of oil. It's a gushing well at a huge depth underneath the sea (I keep seeing different figures, all of which are deeper than the original BP figure), too deep to be able to control -- as has been amply demonstrated. We have no idea what the ultimate quantity of oil will be and, quite obviously, have no idea how to cap a gushing well at this depth. Milk spilled on the floor can be wiped up easily with a paper towel. Millions of barrels of oil "spilled" in the ocean (let's be honest and call it "gushing up from beneath the sea") can't be wiped up that way. It keeps moving around.
Words matter and when we use words to hide the reality of what has happened, we lose the understanding of what this actually involves.
I hope all those, like
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 12:43 — Stephen Rose (not verified)I hope all those, like Governor Bobby Jindal (R-LA) who have been crying out for smaller government, less government spending, and keeping the Federal government out of our lives, are taking note of all this. They have also been criticizing the Federal government for not doing enough fast enough to mitigate the results of the Deep Horizon explosion and consequent ramifications. This would take larger government and lots of money (from taxes...gasp!). Since when does the Federal government have the resources, manpower, expertise and technology to handle a spill of this magnitude, one that the oil experts (BP etc.) can't even contend with?
This is a National
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 12:46 — Jude Moriarty (not verified)This is a National Emergency. It is as impacting in its destruction as the bungled Times Square bomber was (round the clock coverage). BRITISH PETROLEUM has a long sordid history of cutting corners - doing things on the cheap - NOT paying fines - etc. See Texas Refinery disaster. They went on the CHEAP there by housing the men in trailers instead of blast resistant buildings.
Their internal memo referred to it (cost analysis) as the Three Little Pigs!! They (BP) were given a waiver by INTERIOR DEPT ( MMS) 10 days before blowout on environmental impact review. Problems arose HOURS before the blowout - CHEAP BP refused to shut it down --when a rig man did - it was too late. Battery in protector was dead. They had NO acoustic switch which other countries MANDATE. Again on the cheap this would have cost them $500,000. Question?
Why would the criminals in an action be put in charge of handling it? They have NO idea of what they're doing. The arrogant CEO of BP said, "It's a big ocean". These wetlands are the most fragile in US ecosystem. Our shrimp - oysters - tuna etc come from here. Sea turtles - birds etc are dying by the hundreds. You don't clean up a wet land. ON top of everything this administration is permitting the area to be SPRAYED with tons of the most toxic dispersant ( harms brain - kidneys - liver etc) Fishermen (trying to help) are all getting deathly ill - BP did not supply them with hazmat masks etc. Now this benzene - methane- toxic dispersant is blowing over residences etc. WHY wasn't Nick Prozzi (look him up) a disaster expert who dealt with 88 mill gallons ( two blowouts - leaking tankers) of OIL in the Arabian Gulf (keep hush hush). He was given an open checkbook. Result - blowouts dealt with and 85% of oil cleaned up. He used tankers - ah but today's tankers are all filled sitting off shore waiting on futures.
Can you believe it --a NATIONAL emergency - an INVASION of toxic slime (talk about terrorism) destroying livelihoods - animals - environment. Hello - so what is our military in far off lands keeping us SAFE from? BP should be renamed al-British Petroleum.
It's reported - that BP brought in busloads of workers for the photo op when the president arrived yesterday. They were payed 12 bucks an hr and left when the President did. THIS is who they have in charge? GOD help us all in this scenario of "Who's on First"?
if you guys are looking for
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 14:24 — manster (not verified)if you guys are looking for m0re sweet news to read, check out http://www.thepartisandialogues.com
Empty suit Obama a
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 14:56 — Anonymous (not verified)Empty suit Obama a "reluctant scientist"? You can say that again. What information did he rely on when he lifted the moratorium on drilling? Where did that information come from? His career hasn't been built on getting the best information from multiple sources. He relies on data supporting the best deal. Remember how he restricted participants in the health care debate to benefit hospitals and insurers. He and Rahm have to go in 2012.
Two good points made above:
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 16:20 — Anonymous (not verified)Two good points made above: (1) This is not a "spill" but an ongoing gusher. (2) Those who cry for small government and less regulation now see the results and must be shown that their present cry for the federal government to step in and fix the problem comes too late. "Fixing" the problem requires strong regulations fully enforced. Meanwhile, BP should be required to start paying for clean-up along the coast; paying the coast guard for its work; paying any other groups brought in to try to contain the damage. Get the money from them now before their lawyers and lobbyists tie everything up, leaving taxpayers to pick up some of the tab and individuals to deal with their personal losses as best they can.
Who needs terrorists, when
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 17:37 — Allan J Krueger (not verified)Who needs terrorists, when we have corporate, government corruption?
This is no different than
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 17:56 — morgan1 (not verified)This is no different than was done at the eruption after the explosion off Mexico in '79. Same efforts, same promises, same failures and 9 months later two relief wells were drilled to take off pressure from the break. That was at 1800 feet. This is at 5, 000 feet. Do the math and do the history of lies and failures. Oh, and they never did complete cleanup.
How about taking fishing
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 18:04 — mskittyhawk (not verified)How about taking fishing trawler sized net bags full of rocks and marl and just keep lowering them down and dumping them on top of it until the thing is buried under a mountain of rock? Isn't that what has been holding it down for millions of years?
Too simple?
'Till August? This spill may
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 19:48 — Rodrian Roadeye (not verified)'Till August? This spill may go until August? Here's the situation in a nutshell... God stretched out His hand to man... "You want gas? I'll give you gas. Pull my finger!"... and man pulled it and then God farted and said... "If you don't take care of My environment... then you can eat s*** and die!" And God saw that the lesson He was trying to teach man was good, but man just held his nose ... and swallowed.
Kill the top! The French did
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 20:46 — Anonymous (not verified)Kill the top!
The French did it.
Do it now.
Where are the (functional)
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 21:45 — peter white albion california (not verified)Where are the (functional) adults? How difficult can closing a pipe be? the entry to a pipe? The exit? Engineering is thousands of years old, the oil industry is over a century old, drilling technology is not new and what we get is hordes of grown(?) men acting like toddlers that can't clean up their own mess? And making excuses whilst acting like victims. 'Bout time to move the "oil people"' off the potty.
Amazing how everyone is now
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 23:14 — Anonymous (not verified)Amazing how everyone is now an engineering expert.
By the time they'll have
Mon, 05/31/2010 - 01:46 — Oracorf (not verified)By the time they'll have figured out how to 'manage' the gusher, there will of course be no oil to pump...
The oil spill is justice for
Mon, 05/31/2010 - 04:31 — Anonymous (not verified)The oil spill is justice for America. We have failed to provide good leadership to the world. We haven't really dealt with the root of the problem. The root is the economic system itself. It requires us to continually "grow the economy." It requires us to produce more, consume more and pollute more. It's all wrong. It's killing the Earth. It's creating perpetual war. It's making us all evil.
We wanted change. We got "more of the same." The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is showing us that regardless of whether we vote for a Democrat or a Republican for President we get more "oil-based government." Whether is it an illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq or the destruction of the Gulf of Mexico to feed our unsustainable growth , we are doing the same things and following the same policies.
We need a new political system. We need a new purpose on Planet Earth instead of "making a profit." If we destroy the Earth for the sake of profit, what kind of system do we have?
Justice is coming to America. We are seeing the beginning of it in the Gulf of Mexico now.
Please tell me they have
Mon, 05/31/2010 - 09:33 — AnonymousDV (not verified)Please tell me they have been drilling these relief wells all along and not waiting to see if their attempts to cap the gusher are successful. I have not read a single article that explicitly says they started drilling immediately back in April.
Just heard on Fox (of all
Mon, 05/31/2010 - 18:42 — AnonymousDV (not verified)Just heard on Fox (of all places) that they are well along the way and that the Obama administration apparently forced BP to drill two relief wells instead of one.