Reply #13: Ultimately they WILL cap the well the question is which method.

[Statistical]

There are essentially four methods to stop flow of oil

1) Activate the Blowout Preventor (giant pressure valves) to seal well. This hasn't worked so far. Either the valves are damaged or the pressure of oil is greater than the valves closing pressure. If the can activate this valve it would be the best solution.



2) Drop a dome over well to cap it. The problem is this hasn't been done in water this deep before. It will take weeks to complete.

3) Drill relief well. The goal is to take pressure off main well and allow Blowout Preventor to close. Time is in months. The problem is if the Blowout Preventor is damaged this won't work.

4) If the Blowout Preventor is damaged and can't close even with pressure taken off main well then it is worst case scenario. Likely they main well will need to be collapsed.

Ultimately they will cap the well the question is which method will be successful.
1) days of spilled oil
2) weeks of spilled oil
3) months of spilled oil
4) even more months of spilled oil