I observed the operations today for some time and have concluded that the pipe stub out above the point it is welded to the flange is bent slightly out of plumb.
They went in after jaws and made some vertical cuts around the perimeter. I think they will squeeze (or beat with a sledge hammer) so the tabs thus formed bend inward the very small distance to correct the minor out of plumb condition. The cut is not perfectly square but I don’t see that as a factor. The very small bend (kink)is the problem to my eye. Dimensionally, it is in my view quite small.
Thanks for letting me know. It is at least somewhat good that they have an array of backup plans to ensure what the seal is. Though I still have not been able to see what shape the stub is in and even with the live feed it would be very hard to judge by looking at it, I imagine. Though I mean, anyone who knows anything about engineering knows that having these kinds of operations go exactly as according to plan is like winning the lottery five times in a row. When trying new procedures you can for sure count on something not being quite right. So I suppose we should try to take all the news of setbacks with a dose of salt.
That little rubber gasket the ROV is trying to fit around the pipe on one of the cams is kicking the ROVs ass right now. LOL