anyone here know why they could hook up pipes for the "top kill" but not to siphon the oil?

[Motown_Johnny]

I don't get it


If they could hook this up couldn't they have been collecting more of the oil before it got into the gulf.

I know about the methane hydrate problems with the "top hat". That was the gas and oil mixing with the water. Wouldn't a smaller pipe (like the one hooked up now) have solved that problem. Also the pressure from the gusher would have helped push the oil up the pipe, along with a siphon pump I assume it would be enough to get the flow started.


(not that they shouldn't try the top kill, just wondering if they could have mitigated some of the damage.)

[Turbineguy]

1. The kill and choke connections

are small.

Also, it would increase flow velocities below the bent pipe choke point.