Successful Technology

Stopping the Leak

The final remedy to the oil leak was a combination of a static kill and relief wells.

Static kill

First they must temporarily seal the well using a sealing cap at the opening of the well

They then must perform several tests including well integrity tests and injection tests to moniter the pressure in the well in order to confirm that the static kill will be successful and not burst the pipe once again

They begin by pumping dense mud in to the well, pushing the oil back towards the reservoir.

Cement is then pumped in to the well, permanently sealing the well

Relief Wells

The relief wells, after being drilled to where the reservoir opens, are also pumped with mud and cement, in order to stop the leak even farther from the earth’s surface.

Clean up

Aerial Sensors

Key clean up zones are identified using aerial light sensors

By shooting light through the affected areas, scientists can identify thick and thin oil sheaths using by how reflective they are

Booms

Booms made of plastic or some times human and pet hair contain a soak up the surface oil

Boom that cannot be reused is sent to a combustion plant where it is burned for energy rather than going to a land fill

http://www.fastcompany.com/1636656/gulf-oil-spill-cleanup-techniques-bp-deepwater-horizon

http://www.bp.com/extendedsectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9034427&contentId=7063885

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/aug/03/bp-spill-static-kill-explainer

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