I was on Countdown with Keith tonight talking about the danger of an underground blowout that has now come to light through several reports, including Senator Bill Nelson of Florida. Here's the segment:
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I watched the video of the ROV near the top of the BOP.
I noticed two flanges with bolt circles near the top of the BOP.
Either one might be removed with no further increase in oil and gas flow (after the riser is cut at the top of the BOP).
I would start with the smaller, top most flange, removing the busted,now cut, riser stump.
I propose a flanged pipe with an inline valve assembly be bolted onto the BOP in place of the busted riser stump.
If the valve is large enough, and it is bolted onto the BOP in its opened mode, it should cause no backpressure.
With no backpressure, it may be able to be placed around the oil blast, then bolted to the existing BOP top flange.
After the bolting, the valve can be closed to stop the oil flow completely.
Then we can wait safely until the relief wells do their job
I prefer this to the containment dome being prepared currently.
The current scheme, even if it leaks only slightly, requires surface vessel collection and constant monitoring of a risky solutuion.
If the BOP and flange loads are too severe with a closed valve, then a second riser should be mounted on the valve.
(I caculated high stresses in the bolts, but I think the stress is within best metal capabilities.)
The second short riser should have a sealed (gasket) flange to which the major riser would attach.
Oil and gas can then be sent to the surface without leakage to the sea. Complete collection.
The valve could be used to meter the flow with consideration of the internal pressures below the valve.
If the flow can be sucessfully metered, then the top kill might be resumed; I assume that 'top kill' was stopped due to excessive mud leak out the top.
I got to do the same the other day too. My son was impressed that I knew you.
He wanted me to ask, "Why can't they just cram a basketball down that pipe, throw a tarp over the end and hold it all in place with a big hose clamp?"
It was great Bob! My son turned it on just as you came on and I got to name drop! MY claim to fame!
Great interview Bob.