White specs in BP videos?

Discussion in 'Environmental Discussion' started by bwilson4web, May 28, 2010.

  1. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    What are the white specs that move about in the BP video?

    • biological - shrimp, squid or other sea critters?
    • hydrates - chunks of methane hydrate gassing and randomly moving about?
    Anyone know?

    Thanks,
    Bob Wilson
     
  2. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    I noticed the nature of the video seems to have changed since there have been news reports that we are seeing drilling mud. I don't see the numbers of little white bits zipping around. This suggests they were methane hydrates.

    Bob Wilson
     
  3. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Stop pretending like we care about the environment. Ignore the fact we drive Priuses. ;)
     
  4. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    I'm away on business for a week and have not seen the video. However, if what you are describing resembles small snowflakes, small white blobs, or small white marble-like stuff, they are probably methane clathrates

    The release from a high temperature/high pressure environment (Drill depths >15,000 ft, temps possibly +50 C, pressures >50 MPa) to a medium pressure, cold environment, will reliably make the methane turn into a Slushee like substance

    This is why the first attempt to use that huge "tent" to capture the oil/gas was doomed to failure. The methane formed methane clathrate and gummed up everything
     
  5. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    They should have strapped a pair of skis to the "tent". In my experience, any time I get out skis some sort of freak warming trend melts anything in my vicinity. It might work for BP too. Camping produces rain. Sailing generates flat calms. Rock climbing produces a combined effect, featuring rain, violent storms, bugs, and extremely hot weather.

    Tom
     
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  6. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    Remind me to NEVER take you along on vacation. Not that I don't like you, but I don't need weird s*** happening when I'm supposed to be relaxing!
     
  7. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    I thought surviving weird s*** was the whole purpose of vacation. I may have to rethink my lifestyle. :D

    Tom
     
  8. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    You and I very obviously lead FAR different lifestyles.
     
  9. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    I don't know about that. All of those women in your life look pretty risky to me. :eyebrows:

    Tom
     
  10. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    Do you mean risky or risque? ;)
     
  11. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Good question. Upon further review, I think the women look risqué, while the situation appears risky.

    Tom
     
  12. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    That's entirely different. A guy needs a little ... spice ... in his life

    Only way to have it