Question by j: what is this “top kill” process that BP is using?
what exactly are they doing? how does it work?
Best answer:
Answer by Andrew S Word warrior
Here is a live video feed of the leak:
http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/globalbp_uk_english/homepage/STAGING/local_assets/bp_homepage/html/rov_stream.html
The leak is 5000 feet from the water surface. The water pressure at that depth is about 2300 psi. (Compare that to air pressure which is what we feel. It is about 14.7 psi) The oil pressure must be greater than 2300 psi or there would be no leak. If the water pressure could be increased to the same pressure as the oil pressure, the leak would stop.
The pressure outside the pipe can’t be raised but if liquid in the pipe is made heavier the pressure of that liquid can be made greater than the oil pressure. The pressure of the liquid in the pipe can be raised by making the water in the pipe heavier. The water can be made heavier by mixing it with heavy mud. The mud is added to the water in the pipe at the top of the pipe which is at the surface.
There is a good (and short) video of how it will work here (scroll down):
http://www.fastcompany.com/1652659/bp-attempts-to-plug-oil-leak-with-top-kill-method
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!