Definition:
A junk shot is a method used to stop a blowout by pumping heavy debris (like shredded rubber, golf balls, and metal pieces) into the well through the blowout preventer to clog the flow path.
How It Works:
The junk material creates a mechanical seal in the wellbore, slowing or stopping the flow of oil or gas.
When It’s Used:
Typically used as a last-resort measure when other well control techniques have failed — often in subsea blowouts.
Used In Context:
“During the Macondo well blowout, engineers attempted a junk shot to regain control of the well.”