Interesting Footage of a Soviet Nuke Plugging a Leaking Gas Well

[coyote]

Want some idea of how a nuke can plug a well?

A reader sent us this video of how the USSR plugged a gas well that was burning and leaking out of control.

When it finally comes to this (maybe sometime in September?) we look forward to the disclaimer on the BP announcement: this has never been tried at a depth of 5,000 feet below sea level.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/how-a-nuke-could-plug-the-oil-well-2010-5#ixzz0qlILUTE5


Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpPNQoTlacU&feature=player_embedded#!

[stray cat]

1. If you check your facts I think its only been done above ground?

[coyote]

2. check what facts?

Did you read the article? There was no claim this could be done underwater.

[Ian David]

3. It's never actually worked ABOVE ground, either...

Michio Kaku speaks with Keith Olbermann (Nuke the Oil Well?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_ZWgSGzF4w

See also:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x473566

[coyote]

5. thanks for that video.

pretty interesting and what a clusterfuck.

[Donnachaidh]

4. Those people advocating this nonsense should volunteer to plug the leak personally

They so obviously are comfortable with their heads shoved into dark smelly orifices.... :eyes:

[zeemike]

6. I have no doubt that a nuke would plug the well

But if it fractured the methane hydrate that caused the problem in the first place we would be in a world of trouble.
Then there would be no way to stop it until it depleted itself which could be a lifetime.

[izquierdista]

7. One thing the Soviets did right

Although they had their share of disasters too.

[Turbineguy]

8. Gas is different from oil.

And there are proven methods (like the relief wells being drilled right now).

Considering what we now have available to work with, using an atomic bomb would be like using leaches to cure illness.

[DearAbby]

9. Ahhh radioactive tar balls raining down everywhere

that's the ticket :eyes:

[dorkulon]

10. Fascinating video, I thought. Not qualified to judge the technique, though.

If it would work, we should do it.