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Gulf crews hope to wrap up kill-attempt tests

Posted: Aug 2, 2010 12:55 AM
Updated: Aug 3, 2010 10:14 AM

HOUSTON (AP) BP engineers hope soon to finish testing the blown-out Gulf of Mexico oil well to determine whether it can begin pumping mud down its throat in hopes of choking it for good.

Engineers plan to probe the busted blowout preventer with an oil-like liquid Tuesday to decide whether it can handle this so-called "static kill." Retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen says crews hope to finish the test by noon.

If the test is successful, the company plans to start slowly pumping the heavy mud down the well in a process that could continue through Thursday.

BP engineers say the static kill may permanently plug the well but they may not know for sure until they finish a relief well in a week or so.

Topics: Gulf Oil Spill