BP's New Plan Could Increase Flow 20%

Risky maneuver could happen today or tomorrow
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted May 31, 2010 7:56 AM CDT
BP's New Plan Could Increase Flow 20%
In this May 28, 2010, file photo workers clean up oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in Pass a Loutre, La.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

With the "top kill" officially dead, BP has moved on to a new plan—and it's a risky one. BP intends to saw through a leaking pipe leading out from the well then cap it, diverting the oil to the surface, a maneuver that has the potential to increase the flow of oil up to 20%, reports the LA Times. "There may be a small increase," countered BP's managing director . "But we should not expect to see a large increase, if any, by cutting this off and making a clean surface for us to be able to put this containment vessel over it."

He said a tighter fit and the use different fluids will hopefully make this containment effort more successful than the last. "If it's a snug fit, then there could be very, very little oil," acknowledged White House energy advisor Carol Browner yesterday. "If they're not able to get as snug a fit, then there could be more." The risky procedure could happen today or tomorrow. (More British Petroleum stories.)

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