Macondo Overnight Update – 29 April | Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE)

Macondo Overnight Update – 29 April

April 29, 2010 by offshoreenergy

NOAA estimates that flow rate could be up to 5000 BOPD. Comment: The technical basis for this and other flow estimates should be provided.
First in situ burn conducted successfully. Comment: No surprise. In situ burning is neither new nor unproven. This is the best means of removing large volumes of oil from the water quickly and completely. Kudos to the in situ burning pioneers – Ed Tennyson, Dave Evans, Al Allen, and Merv Fingas. Kudos to the folks at Ohmsett where slick burning and fire booms were tested extensively in a tank. Kudos to Canada and Norway for having the foresight to allow this capability to be tested in experimental offshore spills. Unfortunately, these small, controlled research spills are virtually impossible to conduct in US waters.
Department of Defense being contacted for suggestions. Comment: Appropriate step, but don’t expect any ideas that have not been previously considered.
BOP actuation and cementing operations (also a major point of discussion during the Montara hearings in Australia) are receiving press attention. Comment: These issues will be a major focus of the investigation. The findings will be discussed and applied internationally.
A third oil release point has been identified near the base of the riser.