Preparing for hurricanes Riser 2

Helix
How BP says it will Producer
modify the oil production
containment system Riser 1 vessel
2
at the leaking well to Toisa Pisces
allow vessels to production vessel
disconnect quickly in
the event of a big Each riser has a 20,000-25,000
storm: 2 barrel per day capacity
Floating riser
1 If vessels must disconnect 1
Free-floating riser pipe from floating riser during
with flexible tubing at each end; storm, oil will leak
connects blowout preventer (BOP) unchecked until they return
line to surface vessel and reconnect
2
Air can 45 ft. (13.7 m) tall; keeps Blowout
riser suspended 300 ft. (91.4 m) preventer
below ocean surface (BOP)
3 1
Suction pile anchors
floating riser to ocean floor 3

Also planned
• Mid-July: Larger,
better-fitting containment Well
cap to be installed on top Manifold
of BOP
• Drill pipe from new cap 3
will connect to
© 2010 MCT
Enterprise and and Source: BP, Reuters
Clear Leader vessels Graphic: Judy Treible, Lee Hulteng