#3. To: JoeSnuffy (#0) If I were asked for a suggestion, I'd suggest a balloon device be inserted deep into the pipe down past where it's been damaged, and inflated with seawater at high pressure. Once the seal is secure, complete and stable, the seawater would then slowly be replaced with a substance that would solidify when an activating enzyme is added, creating a permanent seal.
They use a variation of that balloon technique to expand arteries in the body.
The material for the balloon would have to be resistant to high pressure, impervious to oil and saltwater.
The specialists would have to come in and make decisions about the materials.
I hope that they make this kind of suggestion soon.
Goldi-Lox posted on 2010-05-15 15:22:07 ET Reply Trace