Surface effects skimmer developments. Final report

Technical Report · Sun Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1975

OSTI ID:7363901

Trentacoste, N P

This experimental program investigated the use of a Surface Effects Skimmer in removing thin film oil slicks spread over large water areas by fast currents. This new skimmer uses a directed air jet to separate and lift spilled oil from the surface of the water in the form of a spray consisting of oil and water droplets. The oil/water spray is directed toward a rotating belt of polyurethane foam from which it is squeezed and pumped to a nearby storage tank. Tow tank tests were conducted at speeds up to 3.25 knots in calm, choppy and smooth wave conditions with oils ranging from a very viscous Venezuelan crude to a very light No. 4 distillate fuel oil. In a related series of experiments, it was found that presoaking the polyurethane foam belt in either water or oil had no effect on its ability to retain oil. (GRA)

• Research Organization: Science Applications, Inc., McLean, Va. (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7363901
• Report Number(s): PB-242391
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020900* -- Petroleum-- Environmental Aspects
520200 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DESIGN
EQUIPMENT
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LIQUID WASTES
OIL SPILLS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
POLLUTION
REMOVAL
TESTING
WASTE WATER
WASTES
WATER
WATER POLLUTION