Watch the BP Cam - Thread #5

[gateley]

Thread # 4 http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=8460031&mesg_id=8460031

One view - also on cnn.com, msnbc.com, and others are providing their favorite links. http://www.livestream.com/wkrg_oil_spill

And this is pretty cool, too ~ http://www.doomers.us/forum2/index.php/topic,68178.3885.html (Apologies, I forget which DUer posted this link)

Settle in, it's gonna be a bumpy flight! :hi:

[lamp_shade]

1. Looks like they're trying to sever that pipe without nicking the large structure.

[NYC_SKP]

8. Appears that they want the four peripheral pipes gone before clipping the riser.

That's all I can make of it.

:shrug:

[IcyPeas]

2. how come there's no oil gushing from the cut?

[Subdivisions]

4. Th oil is not coming through that smaller pipe, just the big one. n/t

[Subdivisions]

3. Checking in! My, my, my, gateley! Up reeeeal late and you're

already up and at 'em this morning. Hey! That makes two of us!

[gateley]

27. I'm almost relieved I have to work today, at least I won't spend

10 solid hours watching the goings on! I'm managing to peek in, though, so I know if I miss something you guys will have it covered!

They said initially that they were going to attempt the procedure today, then they changed it to "sometime between Wednesday and Saturday", but just getting ready has been so interesting!!

I've got my coffee and am ready! :hi:

[NYC_SKP]

5. K&R and I'm Posting that BP Video that explains the operation very clearly.

You can hate the source, but after all, they're doing this so they can explain it best.

Step by Step with great graphics.

http://bp.concerts.com/gom/kentwellstechupdatelong053110.htm

:patriot:

[Subdivisions]

6. I concur. That is a very good video and I suggest anyone following

this LMRP operation watch it.

[Spazito]

7. That video is very informative....

I would certainly encourage everyone to watch it!

[gateley]

28. I'm so glad you posted this again - so very helpful! nt

[lamp_shade]

33. THANKS. EXTREMELY VALUABLE. I had the 5/20 version which is nearly useless.

[flamingdem]

9. Mornin' What is sawbot up to now? nt

[NYC_SKP]

10. Damn, that last bit of the cut is always the hardest.

The deeper they go, the more important it is to stay in alignment with the cut to prevent the blade from binding, which is happening a lot!

I wonder if they have to make 7 more cuts after this, two for each of the four peripheral pipes.

:shrug:

[lamp_shade]

11. One down. How many to go I wonder?

[tridim]

12. Good morning engineering nerds.

Are they removing that small tube because the scissor wont fit around the pipes? That's what it looks like to me.

[NYC_SKP]

13. It'll be a cleaner cut if they clip the four peripheral pipes, yes.

That's what this current operation seems to be about.

One think I'm sure they're concerned about is the possibility that any unsevered parts might put stresses on the BOP mid-operation, so they don't want to take any chances.

Caution, makes sense.

[flamingdem]

14. It looks like the diamond saw is going for it? nt

[jaxx]

15. Good morning ROVers

So there has been no progress in the cutting? :-) and I stayed up till nearly 4 waiting! I see the diamond saw is still hugging the riser...there is just something with those two.

Have it on, but must get some sleep sometime today for the long night at work to come.

[Subdivisions]

21. Good morning, Jaxx. I think all of us DU BP ROV C-L-U-Bbers took

relatively short night naps than we normally do. I was seeing ROVs in my dreams!

[jaxx]

22. Yep, and still afraid to miss something.

Are they getting close to cutting? I would have liked to see them put that monster shear in place.

[Subdivisions]

23. Not sure what they're doing atm. Still catching up myself while trying to

actually get some work done so I can get paid.

[flamingdem]

16. Link with multiple feeds

http://www.deepwaterbp.com/

BP PBS WKRG PBS

[jaxx]

17. That's a good one.

Some are clearer.

[flamingdem]

18. Looks like it is about to chomp nt

[flamingdem]

20. Nope. The Chomper is waiting on the Sawbot to finish nt

[bain_sidhe]

19. Tip from The Oil Drum

To open the feed in a separate application so your browser remains free to wander the web in search of the latest information:

From PhilMB at The Oil Drum:

(Reposting this from last night's thread)
A better, more controllable Video Window:

Bring up Windows Media Player, hit "File | Open URL" and put

http://mfile.akamai.com/97892/live/reflector:46245.asx

into the address block. Now you have better control over the window size. I keep it small on background, then if something good appears click the window and F11 for full screen. (F11 drops it back again too.)

It will drop out when they switch ROV feeds, but just hit "Play" to restart it after a couple of minutes.

Told my daughter it's my new aquarium! :^0

(Note: if you don't see the menu bar (which includes the "File" menu), click on the round icon in the top left corner.)

[NYC_SKP]

24. LOL at MSNBC's description of what's going on. FFS, can't they do a little research?

They're grossly mis-describing the process and even came up with their own clever term, "clip and cap" or some silly thing.

:eyes:

[jaxx]

25. Wait till they cut it and more oil escapes.

It'll be day one all over again, nevermind we've been told to expect that to happen until the new cap can be put on.

If there is no news, they make some up.

[NYC_SKP]

26. Nominating DUers jaxx, gateley, or Subdivisions for MSNBC senior analyst.

:P

[jaxx]

29. Subdivisions

knows the names of the pieces....and was a big help

[lamp_shade]

30. Seconded.

[gateley]

32. And you, NYC_SKP have been a font of info, too! You'll have to

be Co-Senior Analysts!

Jaxx and I will sit at your feet, learning from the Wise Ones. :7

[jaxx]

35. Yes NYS-SKP and Subdivisions have been great.

This has been an adventure.

[Cleita]

34. Thirded!

[HughMoran]

37. lol

[gateley]

31. Ha! I was grinding my teeth listening to Stephanie Miller this morning,

going "that's not right! No! That's wrong!". This has been quite a learning experience, to be sure!

[gateley]

36. I can NOT look at that thing without thinking 46 THOUSAND pounds!

And as you noted, they have even one that's BIGGER! :scared:

[NYC_SKP]

44. Yes, the Big Boy is the "Genesis GP-2500-R" at 54,000 pounds. Check it out:

The extra poundage, and the "R", relates to the Rotating Feature.

For maximum awesome crushing versatility, you're gonna want this rotating feature!

You know how you buy something and then wish you got the better one?

Well, this is like that. :P

Genesis has a fun "walkaround" view here: http://genesisattachments.com/walkaround.aspx?ID=378&Name=XP%20Mobile%20Shear

:patriot:

[gateley]

66. I know this seems odd, but it's kind of cute. A SERIOUS PacMan! nt

[HughMoran]

38. Jaws are slowly but surely closing

...and don't call me Shirley!

[jaxx]

39. do do do do do do

[gateley]

40. Remember to breathe, people! (We need a nail-biting smiley) nt

[HughMoran]

41. yeah we do

this is anxiousness!

[Cleita]

42. That's for sure!

[wtmusic]

43. Why can't they weld a larger-diameter pipe over the existing

one with a valve attached to it, then close the valve? :shrug:

[Cleita]

45. Sounds reasonable. I don't know.

Maybe that's their next plan if they fuck up this one.

[NYC_SKP]

46. That's called a "saddle". It wouldn't stop the leaks at the kink, the bend, above the BOP.

:hi:

[wtmusic]

49. I thought they were going to saw it off cleanly anyway

The thinking seems to be, "If we seal this thing off, the public is not going to let us open it again. So we will let it spew away and try to retrieve as much as possible."

:hi:

[NYC_SKP]

51. yep, they'll make a clean cut atop the BOP sometime this week.

Hopefully soon.

This video explains the whole thing perfectly, as well as some post operation schemes we'll be hearing about.

http://bp.concerts.com/gom/kentwellstechupdatelong053110.htm

[jaxx]

52. I was just wondering if they would cut both today.

[NYC_SKP]

57. I'd love for that to be the case, but I doubt it.

Based on recent past unreasonable expectations I've had, like how long it would take to cut the riser.

There are all these details, like capping outlets and placing straps, that really take a long time.

And yesterday when they brought up an ROV, presumably to change out tools.

I expect there will be similar details today and tomorrow, with the associated precautions and extra steps we don't know about.

They'll get everything out of the way and be VERY careful about placing and securing the diamond saw before they begin cutting.

I'm just guessing that we won't see that saw in place for more another 24 hours or more.

:shrug:

[jaxx]

58. I'm glad they are being careful and hope it works.

Again, those ROV people are fantastic.

[HughMoran]

47. C'mon, use your Kung Fu grip and cut that mofo

I'm getting hungry~!!

[drm604]

48. I'm at work, on my lunch break.

I was here last night (many threads ago). I can hang for a little while.

[NYC_SKP]

50. Pass the damned Joystick.

I'm ready to crush this sucker!!!

:bounce:

Here's a link to a view of the Shear's brother, with the rotating feature:

http://genesisattachments.com/walkaround.aspx?ID=378&Name=XP%20Mobile%20Shear

:hi:

[HughMoran]

53. What the heck man, now they're opening the jaws

Crunch that thing already :)

[drm604]

54. So what is that thing the jaws are holding?

[HughMoran]

55. riser pipe (horizontal section)

when that is cut, oil will spew forth big time

[drm604]

59. So why are they going to cut the horizontal part?

Why not just cut it where it attaches vertically?

[flamingdem]

62. The weight of the horizontal part could veer the Bop I think nt

[drm604]

64. That makes sense.

[NYC_SKP]

63. They're taking every precaution to not knock the BOP out of kilter.

They say they don't want the full length of the riser attached to the BOP because it could pull it over and create a whole new set of problems.

Instead, they're cutting most of the riser away, then will suspend what's left while they make the vertical cut, thus having less riser attached to or near the BOP.

[wtmusic]

56. Oh baby...closeup!!!!! nt

[SidDithers]

60. Jaws have opened up...

Now closed again.

Sid

[drm604]

61. Are they going to crush it with those jaws,

or are the jaws there to hold it for the saw?

[NYC_SKP]

65. They'll cut it there, a diamond wire saw will cut the riser at the top of the BOP later. nt

[flamingdem]

67. Retrieving hose to be used for cooling for when Chomper chomps supposedly nt

[NYC_SKP]

68. Hey, everybody. Be sure to keep your fingers clear of that monster.

We want to be safe, now.

:P

[drm604]

70. Ouch! Damn!

You should have said something sooner.

[gateley]

69. A question about a *previous* feed - not related to what they're doing now.

On the radio this morning they said a live feed we had been watching (at some point) was proven to be a loop, and that Rachel showed it on her program. I missed it. Anybody here see it? Was it nefarious?

[Cleita]

71. I believe that was last Friday.

What we've been watching since yesterday has been live.

[jaxx]

74. We saw them doing too many different things for it to be a loop

last night. Or else we're nuts. :crazy:

[drm604]

75. I remember remarking the other day that I had the impression I was watching a loop.

I don't recall exactly what was going on. We were watching some plumes spewing then it seemed to get worse and obscure everything. Then the feed would go dead. Then it would come back and the whole process seemed to repeat.

I can't say if it was nefarious, I certainly don't trust info coming from BP, but I'm not sure what they would hope to achieve by running an obvious loop.

[jaxx]

77. I think I've seen some too.....

The time/date stamp was out of whack.

[gateley]

80. Thanks guys! nt

[drm604]

79. Actually I do know what they could achieve.

They could hide something they didn't want seen and then later claim the looping was some kind of malfunction. An obvious loop actually makes the story more believable.

[gateley]

81. Ahhh. The ot-play ickens-thay. You're right. I wonder if there's

oversight in the video control booth!

[drm604]

86. To be completely fair there could be a completely innocent explanation,

but we have to be critical and skeptical about this.

[NYC_SKP]

87. The entire "show" is being filmed in an underwater studio with minatures.

Quite convincingly, I might add!

[RKP5637]

111. Ha, yep!!! I was telling someone this morning, I bet it's all being filmed in a little aquarium. nt

[tridim]

72. Cut the fucker! My gawd this is stressful to watch.

[Cleita]

76. Patience grasshopper.

Imagine what those guys are going through that are operating the robots.

[gateley]

82. Grasshopper should have been watching trying to fit the pipe in

the hole - THAT was a head banger!

[drm604]

88. I had to go to bed in the middle of that.

Did they finally get it to stay in? How many tries?

[Cleita]

112. Wasn't though. Phew!

[Owl]

73. Looks like they gave the pipe a small crimp, and are now readjusting it?

[HughMoran]

78. Lunch time?

[wtmusic]

84. Yup, someone just brought in sandwiches.

The Jaw eats last.

[flamingdem]

92. It takes 10,000 sandwiches to feed the Chomper

hold the mayo.

[gateley]

85. They probably just said "ENOUGH! I've had it!" and they're trying

to wake up the replacement crew now. :)

[flamingdem]

83. Admiral Allen giving update on CNN now nt

[gateley]

89. Thanks! Waiting for my feed to l-o-a-d. nt

[jaxx]

91. My gosh the BOP and something else weighs a million pounds together.

And people wonder why the US doesn't have all the tools needed!!!

[flamingdem]

93. He said "BOP and LMRP" nt

[jaxx]

95. Ok thanks.

That is a lot of equipment.

[flamingdem]

100. On CNN they mention 2 possible caps, one with seal and one without

depending on the quality of the cut.

[drm604]

90. Looks like it's crushing. n/t

[jaxx]

94. It's so hard to tell

because everything bobs around and the ROV is moving around too. But the jaws have closed again for sure.

[lamp_shade]

96. verrrrrrry slooooooowly. I need visine.

[NYC_SKP]

97. Not yet, I still see space between the riser and the top jaw.

I think.

[lamp_shade]

99. I don't think that's a space. I think that's a blade (scissor) of sorts.

[wtmusic]

98. Munching on it, possibly to avoid damage to the jaws. nt

[Junkdrawer]

101. I doubt they'll do anything significant before the markets close....n/t

[NYC_SKP]

102. They now have a bite on it, are inspecting from all angles before proceeding...

IMHO.

:hi:

[lamp_shade]

103. That pair of scissos is 18' x 9' and weighs 46000 lbs.

[NYC_SKP]

104. Hmmm, seem to have unbitten it, going in at a different angle maybe?

Nom nom nom...

[jaxx]

105. Ohhh noooooooo

why are they backing the shear away?

[wtmusic]

106. Chompus interruptus.

When you see 17 Pizza Hut commercials in a row, you'll know we're close... :silly:

[jaxx]

108. LOL

[gateley]

110. Happens to everybody. Don't be discouraged! nt

[gateley]

107. LINK to THREAD # 6! (If I did this right)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8462707

[lamp_shade]

109. The link at Reply #5 (NYC-SKP) is a MUST SEE for anybody who wants to understand this process.