BP says: Going on the cheap did not contribute to Deepwater Horizon disaster

BP’s decision to use six centralizers instead of the recommended 21 did not contribute to the Macondo well blowout, the company claimed in an internal report on the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

Halliburton had earlier recommended the higher number during cementing. Centralizers make sure that the casing runs down the center of the well bore. An imperfect alignment increases the chances of an oil and gas escape.

However, BP rejected that plan amidst its concerns with time delays and cost overruns.

The well blew out on April 20th, causing an explosion that killed 11 workers, injured 17 and started the three month Gulf oil spill.

Federal hearings in New Orleans are taking place this week to determine the cause of the disaster and how to improve oversight.

Source: Associated Press