Progress was reported for the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico 2010 as one leak was plugged and a containment dome was on the way. Flickr photo.
Progress was reported Thursday in the effort to contain the Gulf oil spill 2010, which is leaking an estimated 210,000 gallons a day. A BP oil spill spokesman said one of three leaks had been plugged. With two leaks remaining, a four-story, 98-ton containment dome is en route to the site and another is being built. However, stopping one of the leaks has not decreased the volume of oil pouring into the gulf, and no one knows if the containment dome will work a mile below the ocean surface.
Gulf oil spill 2010 update
The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico 2010 cleanup was also aided by improving weather. The New York Times reports that on Wednesday cleanup crews on quick loans were able to conduct a controlled burn in two of the most concentrated areas of the oil slick. Other methods being used to combat the oil slick on the surface include skimming and chemical dispersants. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Mary Landry said officials could not accurately measure the size of the oil slick because it was constantly changing. “It’s a pretty wide swath of coverage with a rainbow sheen at the leading edge,” she said at the news conference. “The leading edge is very close to the Chandeleur Islands, but the heavy concentrations are farther offshore,”
Gulf oil spill containment dome
The gulf oil spill 2010 containment dome was built by Wild Well Control, a contractor specializing in oil well disasters. Crews worked around the clock for a week building the massive steel box. A drill ship, the Discover Enterprise, is hauling the containment dome into a position to be lowered by cable to the sea floor, 5,000 feet below. It will cover the largest of the two remaining oil leaks and funnel oil to the ship.
Oil spill containment technology
The oil spill containment dome is made of thick steel to withstand the pressure 5,000 feet deep, which is about 20,000 pounds per square inch. The containment dome is 40 feet high, 24 feet wide and 14 feet deep. it has a funnel-like top that will attach to a pipe leading to the surface ship. Frigid temperatures a mile deep lead to concerns that ice may clog the pipe. Reuters reports that a dual-pipe mechanism will pump warm water and a methanol, into the space between the drill pipe and larger pipe. Engineers hope this approach will prevent ice- or sludge-like plugs in the larger pipe that could hinder or stop the flow of oil to the ship. Such plugs can form from the 3,000 cubic feet of natural gas in each leaking barrel of oil.
Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico alternatives
To contain the Gulf oil spill 2010 the New York Times reports that BP is working on other approaches. One idea is called a top kill. A top kill is intended to stop the flow of oil by pumping a heavy liquid into the well to counter the pressure of the oil coming from below. BP has also begun drilling a relief well designed to intersect the leaking well and plug it with concrete.
Ok I think that this is a HUGE problem. And that maybe the people that are working on the oil spill can grab little bits of water and clean it little by little than keep doing it but make sure that you guys leave some water for the animals under the water. Do you think this idea will work?
Mr Estel Mitchell, your comments and replies to a lot of suggestions don’t make much sense. Obviously you are not an authority, just another somebody who has had a lot of experience that has nothing to do with the current oil spill. Considering all that BP has tried and failed, and all the dollars that are being spent and wasted, it’s time to consider a new approach. Who cares how much oil is coming out of the pipeline daily. More effort should be given to the fact that the flow of oil has to be stopped, or controlled. All the Engineering minds are spending their time thinking instead of doing. And those that do, fail. I’ve been trying to contact someone since May 14. I sure wish BP was more open minded. This disaster might have been cleared up at that time. Everyone is trying to figure out BP’s penalties, instead of figuring out how to end their problem.
well said, but they just cant take everybody's ideas everyone and their mother has such an idea right now and there you are being a thinker and not a doer. you have such a good idea build it and prove it more power to you i wish you luck and all of us for what we have done to this planet in the name of oil when we have had the technology to use clean fuels like water and alcohol since the sixties i hope this disaster makes us realize that oil is not the future and we need to put the bp executives that are not letting obama make efforts to clean it up in the middle of the gulf with no paddle it is what they deserve
Hi Stan. I really appreciate your comments. Let me assure you, I'm not just a talker, I am a doer. I have made a miniature model of my idea. The problem is, I haven't been able to get someone to look at it. I've been trying since May 14 to contact someone, but to no avail. There have been quite a few websites that ask for ideas and comments. I believe I've tried them all. I can send a picture and a description, but nothing is more convincing than the model I have made. So here I sit, frustrated, knowing there is a chance I might be able to help, but no one replys. I see all the stupid ideas and failures. All the dollars being wasted and wonder why. In my opinion, BP is without a doubt one of the most inconsiderate and wasteful companies in existance. Making money, that's all there concerned about. My idea might possibly control the leak and still allow them to pump oil from that well, at least until a more permanent solution is found. Once again, thanks for the comment.
MAYBE THEY SHOULD JUST TURN THE F#$%ING OIL RIG OFF AND STOP PRODUCING THE MOTHER %&$@ING OIL THINK OF ALL THE ANIMALS…… MURDERERS !!!!!!!!
it's just not that easy obama needs to declare martial law and let foreign oil clean up ships in to the gulf and bp needs to get off the trip and let him do what he has to
Pointing fingers is not the solution … Together we can help to come to a solution as soon as possible.
One possibility is to have a wider diameter pipe (than the one already inserted (+/- 1500m)) inserted over the leakage pipe and drilled into the sea bed. This pipe will contain the spilled oil, would then rise to the top of the pipe where it can then be collected by oil tankers.
This method would prevent the oil from contaminating the sea and surroundings. It would not stop the leakage, but it would more contain the spilled oil.
In time the pressure might be less where the leakage can then be contained by the same previous methods that were applied before.
It may work to cut off the outside conductor and cut the casing 6 feet below the Blow Out Preventer by using a submersible with a magnetically attached saw. Use a drill string to drill out and plug the well temporarily with an aluminum non retractable metal pig. Yes, "pig on a stick". Finally crimp the plug(pig)in place with an outside hydraulic clamp.
Who is Mr. Estell Mitchell?????
Who can I send a drawing to, to review my idea to try to help the oil spill.
I think the combination of Kevvin Kostners pumping Idea and my idea would cut down on the enviornmental impact and possibly solve the problem
If you look up the model of tamper I listed on a google search you'll notice that it has an air shut off valve on the end of it, this shut off can be removed on most of these style tampers and the air can be controlled right at the compressor on the ship.
I've been thinking about a possible solution to the oil spill in the gulf for a while now and here is what I've come up with. Use the deep sea submersible and an Ingersoll Rand 341A2M Pneumatic backfill tamper connected to one of the submersibles arms. this style of tamper is a long cylinder and should be able to be easily attached to the existing arm on the submersible. We use these in the directional drilling/telecommunications field to tightly pack dirt around buried utilities. The only problem I could see is what type of dirt to use and how to get it down to the depth needed for the repair to be made.along with the pneumatic hose that would have to be ran from a boat with an appropriate air compressor to produce the appropriate CFM (Ingersoll Rand 185 or 250 air comressor will easily run more than one of these). You could run another hose attached to the arm which pumped dirt from a ship down to right in front of the tamper. Another possible solution to getting the dirt and or pea gravel to the depths needed would to bring in ships like the ones used to build the palm Islands in Dubai to pump massive amounts of sand and or pea gravel from the surface and let it hopefully fall where you need it. These are just a couple of the ideas that I had let me know what you think. P.S. If pneumatic tamper wouldn't work due to water getting into it I'm sure the make a hydraulic version or could which would solve this potential problem also.
Nice suggestions for the current scenario, but do you know enough not to do it again?
The caption photo is from a small Ukranian/Russian oil spill in 2007. Some good pictures of the current spill: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/30/louisian… Number 9 is a winner.
Perhap A type of foam, perhaps like the type of material that protects the astronaunts when they come back into the earths surface!!
E.D.M. says you can use foam in ocean water.
The person typing my message has mistaken that foam can be used is a mistake. Someone asked about foam in the ocean the anwser is corrected foam cannot be used in open sea because is doesnt break down.
Well I am not a scientist, but I would like to suggest a few options. If we do not have the technology to get to the pipe we should figure out a way to get the pipe to a level or depth that is adequate for a human to go to. We have to figure out a way to maybe bend or pull the pipe up without causing a bigger mess. Or if that does not work we need to send the robots down their and make them try to link more pipes on to the one that is leaking so we can bring the leak up to a level we can work with. Or figure out a way to stuff the leak, find something that works with the pressure atthe bottom of the water, so that it won't pop out of the pipe. for example some type of gel,sand, or material that works with the pressure of the ocean floor.
Stop the flow of oil from the pipe with use of liquid nitrogen. To deliver nitrogen directly to the hole and to pour out inside . That will create the frozen oil stopper
Estel Mtichell says nitrogen will not freeze oil.
The oil will disperse throughout the Gulf Stream. The damage will be wide spread.
suck it up into a tanker let the water evaporate and save the gulf !!
Why it happened and who is responsible can be figured out later . We need to step away from the all mighty $ and think BIGGER
PLEASE !!!! do not let the gulf die a slow death !!
Option to consider for repair of pipeline. One 16” diameter x 36” steel barrel. One 6” diameter x 48” pipe welded to the bottom of barrel. Cut hole in bottom of barrel to allow feed through. Three heavy duty truck type inner tubes with 16” inside diameter secured to 16” barrel with valve stems protruding to inside of barrel. Make a manifold with three lines to inner tube valves. One outlet to compressor for inflation of inner tubes. Attach a lid securely to 16” barrel. Lid should have hole for 6” mile long hose. Inlet valve for tube inflation. Lid should have holes for water entry so barrel will not float. There should be 3 or 4 iron bars attached to the barrel to form a pyramid with ring for tether cable. Assembly could be inserted using Robotic Sub. Robotic sub could have compressor to inflate inner tubes. A more reliable means of inflation could be an airline attached to the 6” mile long tube. Without the 6” pipe system, this would likely seal the pipe while other repairs are being considered. With the 6” pipe system, oil can be pumped out while other options are being considered. If I can be contacted by an authority, I can submit a drawing. Though crude it is explanatory.
Estel Mitchell says this could take years.
Your wrong. If properly executed, the spill could end instantly. It is a simple device that can be constructed very easily. My guess is, if it doesn't cost a lot of money for the idea,they wont deal with it. They would rather spend a lot of money on some other non working ideas.
Mr. Estel Mitchell, who are you?
A simple device constructed is expensive dealing with this oil in deep water! Explosive c five over packed cement has been used in the oil field for years! My military experience with offshore oil jobs along with my other job experiences gives me above average to design economical also eco systems. Who is Estel Mitchell the government and foundations of the world may learn where ideas and inventions come from mostly free!!!
To:Sal Riccobono.
My idea for a simple device is a whole lot better than the stupid cap installed. From what I understand it is still leaking. My device would be more effective to stop the leak and still provide a means to pump oil from that pipeline. Sometimes ingenuity is more effecftive than engineering. Think about that.
I'm not sure i completely understand the situation but i think it a pipe that has the leak and is exposed with access.
I'm sure this device already exsists but cant think of the name of it.
It's a hydrolic pump that can squeeze from each side of the piping causing a pinch in the pipe. It should at least slow the leak considerably until a better solution can be used.
BP. Please do whatever possible to keep that oil off of my home beach of Siesta Key, FL.
I have a suggestion I feel is worth looking into about sealing the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. I would like to know who I can make suggestions to and forward a drawing of my idea. I think it is practical and very possible to help end, or at least slow down the flow of oil until a permanent repair is found and implemented to end this crisis. It also might be a consideration for future oil drillings.I would appreciate a return email if there is anyone interested in hearing my idea, and seeing my drawing.
Thank you.
Sal Riccobono
In the three major religious books ( Christen Moslem, Jews and even Hindus) the belief of doom day is forecasted. It is declared that among the sign that doom days is coming are many. The black object NASA observed in the sky, the increase of the Gay community, the failure to find cure for aids and the carless spill of oil in the Gulf of Mexico.
Methanol and water will be pumped to the 98 ton dome 5000 feet below to prevent the formation of hydrate. Methanol is toxic and explosive. At high pressure and low temperature methanol might freeze. The dome is made of Stainless steel. Cathodic protection equipments are available and can be made to induce large enough cathodic current to release hydrogen or anodic current to release chlorine gas. The gases will produce turbulence and prevent hydration of methane.
E.D.M. can't freeze oil.
I am a retired Submariner that could come up with a fix for your problem but you have to explain it precisely in order to give someone like me a chance to use my " outside the box " thinking to help.Please explain the problem so everyone can understand what you are faced with at 5000 feet or times 44.4 psi for every 100 feet 2220 pounds per square inch and a reported temperature of 34 degees Fahrenheit.What are the diameters of the borings, are they in a cluster, are the holes flush with the bottom what kind of submersible do you have on site? Questions like these are just the beginning of a good explanation so thinkers like me could make a real difference in the effort to plug and stop the flow of the reported crude oil/gas/etc….out of this man made disaster.Remember everyone needs to be involved with a disaster of this magnitude for the good of all parties involved and affected.Tell it like it is so we can help.I always said "no
comment uttered is wasted unless it is said on deaf ears.Man's ingenuity is limitless if you are receptive of all comments submitted.I've been told that
I have sent a suggestion (below) to http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com and I think it is time for brain storming and every body sending in suggestions for a fix. In my experience, sometimes ideas can come from the least likely source that enable engineers and scientists to think outside the box and develop a solution.
Use several balloons filled with antifreeze placed in sections inside the steel chamber, thereby preventing water or oil entering the chamber before it is in place. Lower the chamber on to the well head. When the chamber is in place, and the outflow pipe is connected to the top of the chamber the balloons can be broken (starting with the lowest and working toward the top) with a controlled explosions in order to lower and set the chamber on top of the well head.
Another method would be to make a large floating tank from vinyl boom material with long vinyl walls hanging down over the oil spill and a lid with a pipe connection for extraction. A similar idea to the chamber but much larger, floating and anchored above the sea bed.
As an intelligent thinker,
the oil spill in the gulf
To stop the spill sement bagged, should have started dropping on the damaged pipe at the bottom of the water. Tons of this bagged cement harden on its way down piling up over hole of the oil leaking pipes.
After 24 hours of nonstop estiamate if more cement is needed for next step in stopping the spill.
Looking to see how much cement is over the right area of the spill from the pipe… Consider measurements for a bomb on top of the harden tons of bagged cement,explosion over the cement with water pressure 3 thousand per square inch should help push the cement down into the opened hole.
Then repeat this again 3 times in every 24 hours.
This is the fastest way that should be exercised now.
If this a failure the next known way to start working the plan should not be prevented by this quick method. Estel Mitchell- 5/7/10
Sorry I did not come up with this idea sooner.
Isn't it ridiculous that lack of regulation of the industry forces us to have to come up with stuff like this, however effective it may be? How about an on-shore "ON/OFF" switch? Shame on big oil AND the U.S. government.
TO BP,one anser is to put back #1 box in place over broken pipe,Then fill the box three eight,stone concrete with high elery chemical to cqure the concrte with in a haf hour of pour time.Then drope a #2 box twice the size of the #1 box and then pour same mix dising inthe #2 box. IT will WORK,and STOP THE LARGES OIL SPILL IN USA.
As a reply to stoping the gulf oil spill with my idea of cement and explosive is based on using gas from the well and pressure from the water pushing downward hoping inside would cause a collapse over the opening of the well and moving the pipe, burning oil and gas explosion all could be controlled. A new well could easily be replaced. But saving this oil is senseless. Stopping a well with out using the pressure of the water at the dept, I do not believe stoppping the spill any other way. Save the enviroment!