It just dawned on me that...

[nebenaube]

This is from fluid dynamics: BP will never be able to deal the expansion of the methane hydrates using a 5000 ft straw of the same diameter due to the resistance to flow over that distance.

They need to think biologically: Think about the lungs specifically, airways must branch to maintain flow and pressure during inspiration otherwise resistance dampens both. Think Trachea and Bronchi.

just imagine this image upside down: The Bronchi are the smaller branches; now imagine the Trachea over the BOP and many lines attached to the Bronchi each serving container vessels.

[Statistical]

1. That is why the goal is to keep pressure in cap high.

To keep seawater out. A small outward leak/flow of oil is better than no leak because no leak is virtually impossible to achieve (perfectly matched inward & outward pressure).
No outward flow of oil likely means inward flow of seawater. Hydrates can't form without water. :) Keep seawater concentration down and you keep hydrate concentration down.

This is why they need to close the vents very slowly to avoid a situation where too much suction is created in cap and massive amounts of seawater "pulled" in forming hydrates.

[nebenaube]

2. Thank you...

That makes sense.

[gateley]

3. Thank you - you've been such a big help! nt