Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Let's hear some ideas to cap this oil leak ...
5-29-10 | boycott

Posted on 05/29/2010 2:27:01 PM PDT by boycott

Okay, I am not an expert in this field but sometimes the most simple ideas work the best. It should be obvious rather quickly that I am not an expert in this field.

I really just want to hear other's suggestions so I'll offer mine to spare you any embarrassment of your suggestions .... as silly as it may be ................

---------------------

As a temporary solution, a dome that is weighted at the bottom that is somewhat self-leveling -- something that would resemble sandbags joined/tied together so that it would seal off most, if not all, of the leak. The bags (or whatever the containers) could almost be self-leveling (it could be steel balls, chain links, sand, or whatever in the self-leveling bags). At the top of the dome is a large and obviously long pipe where the oil/gas mixture would be forced to exit at the surface into tankers. Pumps could be used to help maintain the flow-rate. Pumps may or may not be desired.

I am not sure of the type (or types) of pipe. I know there is a lot of pressure a mile below the surface. You may have to use a heavy steel pipe near the bottom. I wonder if something a little more flexible (imagine a big garden hose -- certainly much thicker and more ridgid.) could be used a little higher up. A combination of various types of pipe could possibly be used (steel, fiberglass, plastic, etc.). Pipe supports may be also needed.

If the area of the leak is 10', make the dome 20'+ around it. The shape isn't so important. What is important is sealing it off on the bottom and forcing the oil to the surface using pumps (if desired or needed.) via the pipe.

My suggestion is only for temporary recommendation until the relief well is done. You could then possibly drill closer to the area of the leak and I believe you could get there more quickly.

-- I believe all this could be done pretty quickly. Fusing large plastic pipe together could be done very quickly.

They might could use the first dome they tried to use or something like it. Put the weighted leveling devices on the sides and a steel pipe in the top of it. Then join the steel pipe with plastic (or fiberglass, etc., or whatever) as you get shallower. Use chain/ropes to lower the dome, pipes, pipe supports, etc.

I know my suggestion may be way off but sending golfballs and mud down the rig wasn't very complicated either. I am not fond of the NUKE OPTION I am hearing either.

I don't like the idea of waiting and doing nothing until August when they can drill the relief wells.

My thoughts are that if they could pick up just one idea from anyone, it might could help bring an end to this nightmare. It's day 40 and this slow-motion disaster continues before our eyes.

If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them. Also, please send them to ......

http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/546759/

BTW, I am in no way affiliated with DeepWaterHorizonResponse.com or any other organization involved in the response. I am just a guy that lives on the Gulf of Mexico that loves sealife / wildlife, beautiful sandy beaches, and our way of life.


TOPICS: Your Opinion/Questions
KEYWORDS: oilspill; vanity
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 141-160161-180181-200 ... 241-244 next last
To: driftdiver

We need at least ten trillion dollars for “Corkulus”.


161 posted on 05/29/2010 3:27:01 PM PDT by cripplecreek (Remember the River Raisin! (look it up))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: boycott

When they go for a cap .... Pray harder!

.All hell will break loose...along with what you are seeingas far as oil...Period!

Now for what is needed = Drill baby drill because it will have to be stopped from the bottom of the hole...


162 posted on 05/29/2010 3:27:55 PM PDT by Tigen (I shall raise you one .)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: boycott
I posted about a giant concrete salad bowl in another thread.

But how about drilling another well into the same deposit, removing the oil from that tap and thus relieve the pressure coming out of the leak?

163 posted on 05/29/2010 3:28:39 PM PDT by zeebee (Would YOU have a drink with you?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: cripplecreek
I think the possibility of many discharge openings rather then just one so that if one gets clogged, others will still be available.

I understand the coffer dam...They created one at Matagorda Bay when they found "The Belle".

I designed septic systems for years and took hydraulics in college...

But what I'm thinking still doesn't solve the problem...shutting the thing down....Unless you try discharging "DRY" cement INTO the outlets

Wow...I think you need a lab to play in for this...I can't imagine all the forces in play....

164 posted on 05/29/2010 3:29:24 PM PDT by Sacajaweau (What)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 135 | View Replies]

To: OCC

POST #25 LOLOLOLOLOL


165 posted on 05/29/2010 3:29:59 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: cripplecreek

I agree. At least he’s putting his money where his mouth is instead of volunteering everyone else’s a.k.a. Middle Americans, money. Huge Lib trait.


166 posted on 05/29/2010 3:30:28 PM PDT by Outlaw Woman (Blessed Is The Nation Whose God is the Lord Psalm 33:12)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 154 | View Replies]

To: zeebee
But how about drilling another well into the same deposit, removing the oil from that tap and thus relieve the pressure coming out of the leak?

Two relief wells are being drilled at this moment. They are already more than 8000 feet below the bottom. The intent is to intersect the leaking well and plug it.

167 posted on 05/29/2010 3:30:35 PM PDT by GreenStreak
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 163 | View Replies]

To: GreenStreak

Hey - you seem to know what you’re talking about.

What do you think about this Kevin Costner business?


168 posted on 05/29/2010 3:32:25 PM PDT by Scotswife
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 167 | View Replies]

To: Past Your Eyes

PERFECT !!


169 posted on 05/29/2010 3:33:31 PM PDT by msmagoo54
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]

To: boycott

Just cut the pipe off a few feet above the ground and start feeding drilling pipe in the hole from another rig. Start sucking it out and selling to us! WTF is so hard about this?


170 posted on 05/29/2010 3:34:25 PM PDT by US_MilitaryRules (Where is our military?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Tigen

When they go for a cap .... Pray harder!

.All hell will break loose...along with what you are seeingas far as oil...Period!

Now for what is needed = Drill baby drill because it will have to be stopped from the bottom of the hole...


I agree. You that you cannot cap this thing right now. The only option right now is to capture until a relief well is in place.

And I’ll be praying harder.


171 posted on 05/29/2010 3:37:17 PM PDT by boycott (CAL)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 162 | View Replies]

To: boycott
Offer to give away the gushing oil (for one year) to anyone or group that can “cap” that section without risking creating a larger hold.

How expensive will it be to separate the oil from the salt water? If it can be done - treat it like salvage... goes to whoever gets it first... Vacuum up the spilled for profit...

172 posted on 05/29/2010 3:38:04 PM PDT by GOPJ (http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/index2.php?area=dam&lang=eng)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: US_MilitaryRules

Just cut the pipe off a few feet above the ground and start feeding drilling pipe in the hole from another rig. Start sucking it out and selling to us! WTF is so hard about this?


I like it.

Some of the best ideas are rather simple.


173 posted on 05/29/2010 3:38:39 PM PDT by boycott (CAL)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 170 | View Replies]

To: boycott

Seeing as it’s oil, I say don’t cap it, just suck it out as fast as you can. Shove a pipeline down there. A big megaslurpee straw. Whatever.


174 posted on 05/29/2010 3:40:42 PM PDT by 668 - Neighbor of the Beast (STOP the Tyrananny State.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: GreenStreak

Is oil mixed with sea water useless? Or can it still be cracked? Maybe a financial incentive?


175 posted on 05/29/2010 3:40:44 PM PDT by GOPJ (http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/index2.php?area=dam&lang=eng)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 45 | View Replies]

To: Sola Veritas

The Russkies said to nuke the hole, but I wonder if they are just trying to get us to nuke ourself.


176 posted on 05/29/2010 3:41:20 PM PDT by sportutegrl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: Scotswife
Hey - you seem to know what you’re talking about.

Just watched the BP update video earlier today. It was linked on another thread.

What do you think about this Kevin Costner business?

Probably would help a little. But most of the oil is deep underwater and is surfacing over hundreds of square miles. The bottom line is that there are no ships for this now and by the time we got them ready the flow will be stopped.

177 posted on 05/29/2010 3:41:21 PM PDT by GreenStreak
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 168 | View Replies]

To: 2ndDivisionVet; 21twelve
Russians use nuke to stop gas leak
178 posted on 05/29/2010 3:41:24 PM PDT by Hoodat (.For the weapons of our warfare are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: boycott

Have Hillary sit on if for a while.


179 posted on 05/29/2010 3:42:48 PM PDT by crazydad (What)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: 668 - Neighbor of the Beast

Seeing as it’s oil, I say don’t cap it, just suck it out as fast as you can. Shove a pipeline down there. A big megaslurpee straw. Whatever.


That’s pretty much what I was thinking but you put it in nicer and more simplified terms.

We really cannot cap it right now and allowing it to spew oil until August isn’t acceptable.


180 posted on 05/29/2010 3:43:11 PM PDT by boycott (CAL)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 174 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 141-160161-180181-200 ... 241-244 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson