Let's face it the oil spill "golf ball" thing is a one in-a-million shot

[underpants]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_66prl-8EcKk/SqQaTXxQvfI/AAAAAAAAAGs/7IKX8OgjciQ/s320/Kramer+golf.jpg

[HysteryDiagnosis]

1. They should simply inject saltwater and methane crystals into the

pipe... after all, it did plug the flow once, didn't it?

[gristy]

5. It plugged the flow at the outlet of the large top hat. That is different.

Differential pressure at the outlet of the broken pipe is 1500psi, I think I've heard. Difference of pressure between the entrance to the top hat and the pipe at the exit of the top was most certainly much less, hence it clogs much more easily.

[Javaman]

6. Really, do we need another crystal meth addict here? nt

[Pab Sungenis]

2. Why does every idea BP come up with to solve this problem

sound like it comes out of a 1960's comic book?

"Quick, Green Lantern! Drop a huge dome over the well to cap it!"

[5X]

3. or kids playing in the bathtub. n/t

[WhiteTara]

4. make that one in a googleplex n/t