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.
Make that “with explosives”...
Well, Jack Bauer would know what to do for sure. At least, he would off a few people who are responsible and that might make us feel a little better!
But I still like the idea that was on Fox and Friends a while back of using some absorbant mattress material to soak up the oil. Anyone see that segment?
I know that doesn’t plug the hole but at least it’s a start for cleanup. SIGH.
Of course, we all want this disaster fixed. Only benefit of any delay is that it continues to tighten the noose around Obozos’ neck.
I don’t know if it would work but I was thinking of something along the lines of a cofferdam. Something that would fit over the whole assembly at the bottom lowered in narrowing segments until it reached a point where the oil and water could be pumped off together.
The best thing to do would be to put Dick Chaney in charge of the operation. He actually knows something about the technology and gets things done.
They are collecting about 200 barrels a day from the endcap leak.
The best thing to do would be to put Dick Chaney in charge of the operation. He actually knows something about the technology and gets things done.
You’re 100% correct about that.
Inject expandable polyurathane foam under the wellhead base.
It may expand inside the pipe and block the flow.
I’m not sure if the visual is correct. The pressure capping requires a multiphase capping. Two halves seem perfect to me.
Well, she could certainly sit on the blown out wellhead and plug the hole with that big fat ass of hers ....
Get Larry Sinclair to plug it
Yes, but I mean several tankers all pumping at once. Seems to me they could capture a lot more oil than they are; a whole lot more.
I believe Dwight Shrute may actually have some experience in these matters. I’ll ask him at the office on Tuesday.
That’s the kind of creative thinking this disaster demands. :)
If you think they are waiting and doing nothing you have no idea what is going on. The relief wells are already down to 8000 feet below sea bed! As far as your idea about capping the leak, they have already tried versions of that. Perhaps you should do some more reading? Also, they are collecting about 2000 barrels a day from one of the leaks ...
Copper outer wall, steel pipe of smaller diameter than the well, about 20 long, with space between the two walls with small explosive charges or expandable high pressure 2 part compound every 2 feet along the pipe.
Push into the well and then set of the explosives or compound. This will push the copper out to meet the sides of the well. Steel pipe acts as the relief and allows for the oil to be pumped out.
I would sure prefer them trying something like this than waiting until August. I’ll be numb from all the worry by then.
During the last 30 years she’s somehow managed to plug up every drain of every house we’ve ever lived in.
(Still wouldn’t trade her for no one else!)
Plugs? Talk to Joe Biden!
LOL! Joe’s got the plugs.
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