BP Oil Spill Using Gas Hydrates ( Clathrates ) to Clog the BOP

See a demonstration of how gas hydrates, i.e. clathrates, can be used to reduce the flow of oil escaping from the Deepwater Horizon well. Normally clathrates, an ice like material formed when water and gases mix at high pressures, are a problem drillers try to avoid. Why? Because they clog pipes.

This video shows the formation of a gas hydrate, and shows that when they are forced through a narrowing, constriction or chope point they can pile up and form a clog this can seal a leak. Sort of like fix-a-flat,

Please spread my crazy idea to others... and tell others about my video. I'd appreciate it.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• BP
• oil
• spill
• Deepwater
• Horizon
• fix
• leak
• clathrate
• hydrate
• oilspill
• oilleak
• well
• BOP

[MrNshaw3]

Bob your an idiot, an oil company would never use this technique for three reasons:

1. Methane hydrates increase risk for blow outs due to pressure buildup.

2. Methane hydrates once in a drill pipe are a nightmare to get out of the drill casing in the hole.

3. Do you really think they were drilling "relief" wells, no they drilling future production because there is still about 4 billion worth of oil left in that well, so why the hell would you clog up your main production well with a hydrate.

[Mickeycuatropatas]

Nice kitchen chemistry science (check out the Naked Scientists from the UK - they would appreciate the demonstration). Another application of gas hydrates is to desalinate sea water - many patents in this area. Well at least the leak was stopped and it was only 90 days instead of 18 months.

[illogicstube]

Nice video. Definitely should be considered. More videos :D!