Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE)

Why did BP stop mud injection for approximately 20 hours, starting at 2300 CT on the first day of the operation, not resuming until yesterday evening?  Prior to the start of the top kill operation, there was no indication that there would be a long pause after an initial pumping period, and according to BP there have been no equipment problems.  While stopping to monitor pressure data is understandable, the length of the pause is puzzling.

Why was no one advised that the long-awaited and enormously significant operation had been temporarily suspended? Apparently, Admiral Allen was not aware of the suspension when he spoke with the LA Times yesterday morning, so it is not surprising that no one else knew.  The media and other interested observers were watching the seafloor cameras all day looking for signs that the operation was having some effect.  Why didn’t someone simply advise that the operation had been temporarily suspended while data were being evaluated?

1. Flow Rate Technical Group: The group has estimated the well flow rate at 12000-19000 bopd.  This appears to be a rigorous estimate.
2. TKO – BP stopped injection last night at approximately 2300 CT to monitor data (first we’ve heard about that; that step was not discussed last night).  Phase 2 injection begins this evening.  BP will use bridging material and perhaps some junk shot.  Results are encouraging to date, and the hydrocarbon flow has been suppressed during mud injection.  However, hydrocarbon flow from the well continues.  Equipment is performing well.
3. Seven in situ burns were conducted today.

• TKO update: BP is wise not to declare victory prematurely, but the Top Kill Operation (TKO) seems to be proceeding as planned.
• Better than a lava lamp?: I’ve heard from some people who can’t stop watching the live BOP and leakage videos.  Is this addiction treatable? 🙂
• To those suggesting a military takeover of the response: The US Coast Guard is already in charge and is doing well.  The last time I checked the Coast Guard was still part of the military.
• Why hasn’t the flow path been determined?:  There appear to have been so many well planning and construction mistakes that one can make a good argument for both backside (annular flow outside the production casing) and inside flow (up the shoe track and inside the casing).