LEAK!
It started off as a 113-minute thriller, then it became a 4-part mini-series, now, I think it's 16-episode, two-season MUST SEE TV. I wonder who is going to play Tony Hayward?
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 ................
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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.
:’) Thanks hennie pennie.
I just love PFDB! Meanwhile, I've been praying daily for this to end...
Second casting choice is Rich Lowry: 
Then we have Rick Folbaum: 
Last, our favorite! Mr. Terry Crisp!!! A Live Dead Ringer: 
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