LMRP Cap containment system collects consistently about 15,500 barrels of oil each day; the remaining leaks into the Gulf. It is not clear how much is currently leaking into the Gulf of Mexico. It seems that 15,500 barrels per day is close to riser’s maximum throughput capacity.
BP plans to divert some oil and gas flow through Blowout Preventer’s “Choke” line starting in mid June (5,000 – 10,000 barrels throughput capacity). Pending outcome of the Choke line oil collection, diverting flow through Kill line is also considered (5,000 – 10,000 barrels throughput capacity). Replacement of current riser with floating one is scheduled for July 1. Floating riser throughput is estimated at 20,000 barrels per day.
The first planned addition, to operate in addition to the LMRP cap system, will take oil and gas from the choke line of the failed Deepwater Horizon blow-out preventer (BOP) through a separate riser to the Q4000 vessel on the surface. Both the oil and gas captured by this additional system are expected to be flared through a specialised clean-burning system. This system is intended to increase the amount of oil and gas that can be captured from the well and is currently anticipated to begin operations in the next few days.
Preparations are also underway for more permanent and flexible containment system employing a floating riser. A manifold has been deployed on the seabed and a suction pile to anchor a riser has been installed. It is currently anticipated that this system will be available to begin first operations around the end of June/early July. A floating riser is designed to replace current riser from Enterprise Drillship.
Sources:
Kent Wells’ Video Technical Briefing: http://bp.concerts.com/gom/kentwellstechnicalupdate061010a.htm
BP briefing: http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=2012968&contentId=7062886
and www.bp.com/gulfofmexicoresponse
