Checking the Well's Integrity

Jane Van Ryan
Posted July 13, 2010

Using painstaking care, BP engineers are conducting tests that could determine whether a new cap can stop the flow of oil from the leaking Macondo well.

The new cap, called a 3 ram capping stack, contains three valves that can close and effectively stop the flow of oil. But before the device can be fully deployed, engineers say they must check in the integrity of the well.

In a process that could take a few hours or a couple of days, BP will slowly reduce the flow of oil and natural gas and monitor the pressure buildup inside the well. "Higher pressures are good news," said Doug Suttles, BP's chief operating officer. Low pressures could mean that the well is damaged below the seafloor, making the cap ineffective.

"Everybody hope and pray that we see high pressures here," BP senior vice president Kent Wells said in a Tuesday morning conference call with reporters. "Bear with us. Let's do this test." (Washington Post)

If the tests show the wellbore has not been compromised, BP can shut in the well and stop the flow of oil. The well will not be killed officially, however, until a relief well intercepts the wellbore and pumps in drilling mud and cement to close the well permanently.

BP will provide an update on the testing process today at 3:30 p.m. (Eastern) for the media and the public at 877-341-5824.

To see how the new cap was installed, check out the video here.