Cameron's (CAM) BOP in BP (BP) Gulf Disaster Failed Because of Blind Shear Rams

A government report said the cause of the failure of the blowout preventer made by Cameron International (NYSE:CAM) and related to the Macondo well operated by BP (NYSE:BP), was from the inability of blind shear rams to close and seal the leaking well.

From a report commissioned by the Interior Department and Department of Homeland Security, the conclusion was, "The primary cause of failure was identified as the (blind shear rams) failing to fully close and seal due to a portion of drill pipe trapped between the blocks."

A section of pipe on BP Plc’s Gulf of Mexico well became trapped and kept the blades from cutting the pipe to stop the flow of oil, resulting in the largest U.S. offshore spill.

The blind shear rams, part of a 50-foot stack of valves called a blowout preventer, failed to “fully close and seal” the well, according to the report released Wednesday. The pipe buckled in a blast, which prevented the rams from pinching the pipe shut and allowed oil and gas to surge to the surface.

Cameron International's spokeswoman Rhonda Barnat said, “We continue to work with the industry to ensure safe operations.”