TJP

British Petroleum (BP) vacillating approach to containing the crude oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico is a testament to implementation incompetence. BP tries an approach and if it does not work the first time, it is quickly set aside.  Experienced engineers would not have so quickly set aside the original box that would have covered the leak.

BP claimed that methane hydrate, or methane trapped in ice, prevented it from being lowered over the leaking pipes. However, if the container was built with vent manholes, it would have been likely that the chucks of ice would flow out of the container. The vent manhole could be equipped with an automated knife gate valve that could open and close on command.

The photo below, by Spence (2001), depicts chunks of methane hydrate. Therefore, if appears that a 24 inch vent manhole would be adequate to permit the chunks of white frigid snowball like substance to exit the box and allow it to be seated on top of the leaking pipe.

(Photo: Spence 2001)

However, the configuration of BP’s contraption (below), conical in shape, is more prone to obstruction due to its funnel nature. With an upward funnel suction shaped contraption, all debris would flow towards the funnel. If the box was rectangular in shape with short length large diameter dip pipes, say one for suction and the other for venting (and spare), the contraption would be less prone to ice obstructions.

Moreover, by leaving the vent manhole open, while the box is being seated over the leaking pipe, the chunks of ice would escape through the vent opening.

BP should raise the box and eliminate the cone replacing it with a flat top and several large vents, similar to the sketch below.

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Elyza

Good to see a taelnt at work. I can�t match that.

 

Maud

That's a mold-breaker. Great thiinkng!"

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