Ask CBS News: What Stops Oil Flow on Other Rigs?

In our ongoing "Ask CBS News" segment, we've answered your questions about the Gulf oil spill. Viewers can leave questions on "CBS Evening News" Anchor Katie Couric's Twitter page or the CBS News Facebook page.

Follow Katie Couric on Twitter
Like CBS News on Facebook
Special Section: Disaster in the Gulf

Tonight we answered another one of your questions.

A viewer writes: "Please ask BP if the Atlantis oil rig is using the same 'Blow Out Preventer' as the Deep Water Horizon."

CBS News Investigative Correspondent Sharyl Attkisson answers: "We did ask BP and they said a blow out preventer is not at play with the Atlantis because the blow out preventers are only used when the well is being drilled before it's actually producing the oil. The Atlantis is in the oil production stage and BP says there's a different system now that controls the oil flow. It's a system of valves inside the well and also a system of valves on top of the well head called a Christmas tree because it looks like sort of a busy Christmas tree."

More Oil Spill Questions and Answers

Ask CBS News: Are BP's Oil Relief Wells Safe?
Ask CBS News: Is Gulf Shellfish Safe to Eat?
Ask CBS News: Can Foreign Ships Help Clean Up?
Ask CBS News: What's the Value of Oil Lost?
Ask CBS News: Why Doesn't La. Want Moratorium?
Ask CBS News: How Many Offshore Rigs are There?
Ask CBS News: Is Burning Oil on Water Effective?
Ask CBS News: Can I Volunteer to Clean Up Oil?
CBS News Answers Your Oil Spill Questions
CBS News Answers More Oil Spill Questions

[thesevenveils]

So how is the blowout preventer removed and the Christmas tree installed.
Why can't/hasn't BP removed the blowout preventer and replaced it with a Christmas tree and then turned the valves to off?

[mick7744]

What Stops Oil Flow on Other Rigs?

Prayer & duct tape (and a fortune in bribes)

[screaminraven]

Please ask if oil rigs in the Gulf are in Federal Waters don't the American people/Federal Government have jurisdiction on whether rigs can operate or not? Albeit, the rigs themselves are owned privately but the oil companies have to lease ocean space and pay royalties for useage of our federal waters making the proposed injunction of the oil drilling moratorium in the Gulf unconstitutional and illegal. The President was elected by the people, his job is to protect the people (in this case further oil catastrophes) and a majority of the people want the moratorium(ie: your/NYT poll about rebuilding energy policy). Thank you for your consideration