Deepwater Horizon: Static kill holding, BP says

Offshore staff

HOUSTON – The Macondo well has reached a static condition reports BP. Well pressure is contained by the hydrostatic head of the drilling fluid pumped into the well from the top via the containment cap.

Mud pumping began yesterday afternoon and stopped after about eight hours. According to plan, the well is being monitored to determine if additional mud will be required.

The relief well remains the ultimate solution to kill and permanently cement the well, says BP. The first relief well has set its final 9 7/8-in casing. Depending upon weather, mid-August is the current estimate of the most likely date by which the first relief well will intercept the Macondo well annulus to permit onset of kill and cement operations.


08/04/2010