BP has been working on something called a ‘Top Kill’ technique in order to try and stop the more than 5,000 barrels (210,000 gallons) per day of oil that has been spewing out of the open well left when the Deepwater Horizon exploded more than a month ago.

The significance of the ‘Top Kill’ technique is that it’s never been attempted in waters as deep as this before, but considering all other options have either failed or been deemed improbable in the deep waters, it’s one of the few options BP has left to get this well sealed as quickly as possible (although I doubt ‘quick’ is a term anyone is using after more than a month of 210,000 gallons per day of raw crude spewing into the Gulf).

The top kill technique itself has actually been very successful at stopping oil leaks in the past, but hasn’t been attempted underwater and there is concern that the sheer depth (over 1 mile under the ocean) of this leak will cause problems. According to CNBC, BP estimates a 60-70% chance of success.

The top kill technique consists of pumping huge amounts of a manufactured mud and cement mixture into the well at significant enough pressure to counteract the upward pressure of the oil gushing out of the well.

BP started the procedure on Wed. night and it is expected to announce the success or failure of the procedure by mid-day today.

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