BP re-started relief well drilling operations from the Development Driller III (DD3) yesterday following the successful installation of a lock down sleeve, a mechanical device that secures the MC252 well’s casing hangar.
The DD3 is drilling toward the MC252 well intercept point, currently about 50 feet below, the company said in a statement.
Relief well operations will consist of drilling and ranging runs that will guide the rig’s drill bit to intercept the well’s annulus.
Following the intercept, heavy drilling mud and cement will be pumped into the annular space to complete the isolation of the MC252 well.
The news comes as BP and other involved parties involved in causing the Gulf of Mexico oil spill were given their sixth bill for US$128.5 million by the US Government.
