BP delays cap test amid worsening spill

BP so far has failed to completely stop the spill

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=134683§ionid=3510203


Embattled energy giant BP has delayed a crucial test that is to bring them one step closer to capping the blown-out oil well in the Gulf of Mexico.

After 86 days of oil continuing to gush out from the ruptured well into the gulf, BP was scheduled to test a new cap designed to stop the flow on late Tuesday.

However, the oil company announced that additional analysis of the 'well testing procedure' should be performed prior to commencement of the long-awaited well integrity test, which consequently will be delayed.

The well testing procedure is to determine whether the well can take the pressure caused by capping the ruptured wellhead.

The energy giant, which has faced mounting criticism over the environmental catastrophe it has caused, claims that the new cap has a better seal than the last one.

New estimates by the International Energy Agency (IEA) about the BP oil spill suggest that -- so far -- at least 2.3-4.5 million barrels of crude have poured into the Gulf of Mexico since the April event, which triggered the worst ecological disaster in US history.

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill began after an April 20 explosion at the BP-run Deepwater Horizon rig which shattered the well and also left 11 people dead.