diagrams and info found here: http://www.google.com/search?aq=f&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=blow+out+preventer+diagram
Per reports, there are a couple/several oil and gas leaks below the surface. One of the smaller leaks is reportedly from/through the failed BOP. The other is out of ruptured casing.
This was TREMENDOUS pressure. Think of it like this — the gas pushed a 5000’ foot column of very dense drilling mud all the way out of the pipe and then ruptured REALLY STRONG BOPs. When the forensics are done on this one it’ll be a real “teaching moment” for the industry.
OK, thanks.
If the hydrate crystals are clogging up the containment vessel,
then why don’t they clog up a production well?