BP siphons oil from Gulf well; 'kill mud' next

[Statistical]

This is press video directly from BP (taped by Associated Press). I know it is from BP but it actually includes technical details on the "siphon device" and the next step which is a "top kill".

Some interesting pieces of info simply ignored by media:
I learned there are actually 6 ruber flanges which seal the pipe and force oil up the 6" pipe. The pipe to surface is heated with hot water and methanol is added to to oil to prevent natural gas freezing (forming ice hydrates).

More info on the next step which is "top kill" through port on the Blow Out Preventer to force ultra dense mud into well and reduce pressure long enough to seal well in concrete.

http://www.necn.com/05/16/10/BP-siphons-oil-from-Gulf-well-kill-mud-n/landing.html?blockID=235739&feedID=4215

Anyways given the mass media utter aversion to science, details, or anything more complicated then the person with best shot to win Idol sometimes you need to go to the source to at least get the facts of the various attempts.

[Oregone]

1. I just can't wait to see the Junk Shot and the Bostom Steamer approach

[Poll_Blind]

2. They've been using the Dutch Blindfold approach since the 50's. The technology to...

...seal off this leaking hole is there. It's BP's greed that's getting in the way: They want to save money and use the same well again. Everyone knows a Dutch Blindfold is going to close that hole to them forever, but it's making too much of a mess now to even think about going back for "seconds" in the future.

PB

[petronius]

3. Right, but if they're not careful there could be an 'angry dragon' phenomenon

and the whole thing could snowball out of control...

[Codeine]

4. As long as a second hole is opened

BP will be able to quickly perform the Cyprus Manoevre with the 6 inch pipe. This has the advantage of blocking any incidental gas escape, assuming the pipe isn't violently thrown out of the second hole.

[Poll_Blind]

5. That and the explosive methane crystals. Crystal on the pipe again could spell disaster.n/t

PB

[rbixby]

8. Am I a bad person for thinking that this post

was full of innuendo?

[Swamp Rat]

7. At least Rube Goldberg didn't use even worse poisonous chemicals to combat poisonous chemicals

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126511350&ft=1&f=1025

[bbinacan]

6. Very interesting.

Thanks for the link!