Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueStreak
Right. At well over 9,000 p.s.i. on a 22" pipe (>380 sq.in. opening.) you would have 3,420,000 pounds or approximately 1710 tons of pressure pressing against a the cap. Simply attempting to stop that kind of pressure instantly could be a big mistake. As I understand it, they are using two valves, a "kill valve" and another valve. The idea being to slowly reduce the flow. As the volume slows, the pressure will rise as they are inversely proportional. This allows them them to raise the pressure slowly while inspecting the pipe and sea bed for other potential leaks.
In short form; If you just simply slap the thing shut, you run the risk of blowing larger holes God only knows where else, ending up with a totally hopeless situation. 
Dave |
Yew can kount???
For what it's worth, air chambers on plumbing fixtures are code. And we're only dealing with basically 40 PSI.
Chas