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The Helix Producer and the Q4000 were hooked to the old BOP Choke and Kill Lines. They still had to close those prior to doing the test on the new CAP/Mini-BOP. So they stopped the collection down below so they could get all flow through the new Choke and Kill lines after they closed the Top Pipe Ram. And I do remember hearing that two of those new rams are just closed/open rams. Not adjustable flow. The Choke Ram apparently was the only adjustable ram. Hence the name Choke. My concern would be if the old BOP Choke line can still close a little. They probably make the Kill Rams much stronger then the adjustable Choke Rams. In other words, they may have worn out the old choke, but I cannot remember if the Q4000 has been running through the old Choke or the old Kill.

Roger that, on your two last comments. My understanding also. I watched the Boa Deep C Rov 1 for the past hour or so doing some work on the choke valve assembly. Then it moved off to insert a valve in a nearby system. Obvious to you the flow is still coming out of the new choke assembly.
It almost looked like they had lowered a whole new choke valve assembly and where inserting valves into holes within the unit. I am not sure if that is the case or not. Guess we shall know over the next day what actually has been going on over the past few hours.
Regarding the original choke and kill lines. By all indications. They are still attached to the pipes leading to the two vessels. They simply closed those valves off so that all flow goes upward to do the test of the newer units integrity to hold the flow completely and do the various pressure tests by opening/closing sequences of valves to vent or to allow the whole casing to be closed off for a total pressure and visual test etc..
At least we see no seepage coming out of the new top riser opening. The middle RAM appears to continue to perform it's cut off function well. Getting late. Do not feel obligated to respond. I most likely shall move on to what is new at CSPAN regarding military issues, any and perhaps new Congresssional hearings etc..
I have two days in a row off. Not often do I get so much time on my hand with a partly cleared head to seek hours of Internet time.
Have a great upcoming day.