BP claims that oil cap pressure test success, leak stopped

BP claims that oil cap tests on the Gulf of Mexico well could be a success as pressure has been building up as hoped with no signs of leakage, stopping the oil spill completely.

BP vice-president Kent Wells said rising pressure “is giving us more and more confidence”. Tests, however, could be extended beyond today.

The new cap has managed to stop the flow of oil for the first time since the 20th April oil rig explosion killed 11 people.

The spill has been described as the worst environmental disaster in the US, affecting hundreds of miles of Gulf coastline since with serious economic damage to the region.

The flow of oil was shut off at 19.25 GMT on Thursday.

If the pressure within the new cap on the well remains high, it could mean there are no other leaks or ruptures within the well bore.

On Saturday, as the initial testing was coming to an end, Mr Wells said, “We’re feeling more confident that we have integrity.”

“At this point there’s no evidence that we don’t have integrity,” he said at a regular news briefing.

“That’s very good and the fact that the pressure continues to rise is giving us more and more confidence as we are getting through the test.”

Mr Wells indicated that the test could be extended. “The longer the test goes, the more confidence we have in it,” he said.

BP officials said earlier this week that they were hoping the pressure in the well would exceed 8,000 pounds per square inch.

US Coast Guard Thad Allen, said earlier yesterday that the optimal pressure level was 7,500 pounds per square inch, but that more testing would show whether the current level is sufficient.

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