Enterprise temporarily halts production (Cap removed)

[thewiseguy]

U.S. Department of the Interior
Office of Emergency Management

Enterprise Temporarily Halts Production

SPOT REPORT #21

As of 12:00 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, June 23, 2010

The Enterprise has temporarily stopped recovering oil and gas, and has moved off location because of a problem with the riser pipe connected to the Top Hat. Oil and gas were detected in the space between the riser and the drill pipe, where it was not expected.

During the National Response Team teleconference today, the U.S. Coast Guard reported that one of the remotely operated vehicles may have bumped into one of the vent valves contributing to the problem. Currently the system is being checked and the Enterprise will move back on location as soon as the problem is resolved.

Currently there is an uncontained flow of oil and gas from the damaged wellhead, however, the Q-4000 continues to collect some of the oil and gas flow through the choke line.

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Also from Oil Drum:

Just watched the press conference with Adm. Allen. He said that they noticed a 'burp' in the line, of either natural gas or
hydrocarbons coming up through the line meant to carry heated water down. They elected to remove the cap as a safety measure. Before they decide to replace it they have to check for hydrates; if they are found, they'll have to clean it and possibly reseat the pipe, then recap it.

http://www.theoildrum.com/node/6645#more