Deepwater Horizon: Top kill fails, riser pipe plan instigated

    May 31, 2010
    The top kill procedure at the Deepwater Horizon well has ended without success, and BP says the next approach is to use the lower marine riser package (LMRP) cap containment system, which is expected to start within the next few days.

    Offshore staff

    ROGER, Louisiana – The top kill procedure at the Deepwater Horizon well has ended without success, and BP says the next approach is to use the lower marine riser package (LMRP) cap containment system, which is expected to start within the next few days. The decision to abandon the top kill came with the approval of the US government.

    Deployment of this next attempt starts with removal of the damaged riser from the top of the failed BOP to leave a cleanly cut pipe at the top of the BOP's LMRP. The cap, a containment device with a sealing grommet, will be connected to a riser from the Discoverer Enterprise drillship, 5,000 ft above on the surface, and placed over the LMRP with the intention to capture most of the oil and gas flowing from the well.

    The LMRP device already is on the seabed and ready for implementation.

    Plans are under development for placement of a second BOP atop the damaged one in the event the LMRP does not succeed. Also, drilling of two relief wells continues.

    05/30/2010

    Continue Reading