Under increasing pressure to contain the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the major British oil company BP, outlined their next steps to stop the oil spill with the operation named “top kill” which involves injecting heavy drilling fluids instead of mud and cement, in the well to stop the flow of oil and gas, and ultimately, seal the hole, BP said in a statement.
The company said in a statement that most of the equipment are in place and they are continuing preparations for the operation, which has never been done at these depths (1.6 km) and has a chance of success of about 70 percent. Will be injected 8,000 liters of slurry per minute in attempt to counteract the strength of oil and stop its flow.
If the operation “top kill” does not work, BP said it is considering placing another container dome on the flight, which could be installed after several days. Other options include lowering the level of a second valve to prevent explosions or placing a valve on the drain.
At least six million gallons of oil have been spilled into the Gulf of Mexico since the explosion and sinking of the rig Deepwater Horizon, in late April, according to an estimate of the Coast Guard and BP.
On Tuesday it was reported that President Barack Obama on Friday made a second visit to the affected area of the spill in the state of Louisiana to check on the ground of the discharges and the impact of BP’s efforts to contain it.
Obama faces a growing public unease about the management of the spill, some analysts warn that voters might punish the Democrats in November’s congressional elections.
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- BP tries to seal damaged oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico
- Mexico Oil Spill : Lives and Money
- BP Will Use ‘Top Kill’ Method To Stop Oil Spill