A total of 25,290 barrels were recovered on June 17, 2010 at MC252 well. The 16,020 barrels were collected with LMRP cap and 9,270 barrels were collected via Choke line of failed blowout preventer. The amount of 9,270 barrels of oil collected via choke line is substantially higher than an earlier estimate of 5,000 throughput capacity. ROV live feeds are not broadcasted via BP.com at the moment and it is not clear how much is still leaking into the Gulf of Mexico.
BP started its dual collection process, and drew 1,250 barrels of oil in 12 hours from the Choke line of failed blowout preventer (BOP), in addition to amount collected with LMRP Cap. The optimization will continue during the next few days to increase collection level.
The lightning strike on the Enterprise Drillship on June 15 demonstrates how easy it is to render current containment system out of order. BP shut down containment operation for about five hours after lightning stroke the Drillship and caused fire. Clearly, BP’s containment system as it is now is not ready for storms or hurricanes.
Still, BP’s efforts seem to focus solely on oil collection and not on plugging the well. I wonder why there are no backup plans geared toward plugging the well.
Picture above: Kent Wells describes Blowout Preventer (BOP) and the ways to shut the oil flow during May 10, 2010 briefing.
