Thanks dock. I can follow your thinking ok there.A possible...

Thanks dock. I can follow your thinking ok there.
A possible approach , which may be a totally impossible approach, that I have been thinking is this.

If they brought the rig back is it likely that the hole can be re-entered via the Xmas tree or capping device?
Rather as - assuming there was no blow out they might desire to go in and drill a further 100m or something. That is to say there must be something like an air-lock in a submarine to stage yourself into the pressured zone.?

If this is doable then 'maybe' an expanding type plug is available to lower down to a depth below the trouble. Lock the plug in, sealing off the top of the well and providing some opportunity to magically sleeve the ruptured section.
Can't visualise a welding process. Sounds like another case for SUPERGLUE!

Do you, or anyone, see scope for an approach along these lines??

Thanks again for coming back dock, good.

geojac.