BP expresses confidence that Gulf well has been sealed

July 18th, 2010 - 3:29 am ICT by BNO News  

NEW ORLEANS (BNO NEWS) — British Petroleum (BP) on Saturday expressed confidence that the Gulf of Mexico oil well has been effective sealed, but pressure tests could be extended to guarantee there were no leaks.

While “the test is not over, [...] we’re feeling more comfortable that we have integrity,” said Kent Wells, BP’s senior VP of exploration and production.

Wells said the tests could be extended because there is not enough pressure. “The longer this test goes, the more confidence we have,” he said during a press conference.

The sealing cap system has never been deployed before at these depths or under these conditions. Due to this reason, its efficiency and ability to contain the oil cannot be assured.

The April 20 explosion on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig - off of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico - killed 11 people and injured 17 others. The platform later sank, creating one of the world’s largest environmental disasters in history.

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