PERFORMANCE TESTS OF FOUR SELECTED OIL SPILL SKIMMERS

1979 ◽  
Vol 1979 (1) ◽  
pp. 493-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sol H. Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Heavy Oil ◽  
Recovery Rate ◽  
The United States ◽  
Water Mixture ◽  
Performance Tests ◽  
Recovery Efficiency ◽  
Calm Water ◽  
Light Oil

ABSTRACT From April through October, 1977, a series of oil spill skimmer performance tests were conducted at the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Oil and Hazardous Materials Simulated Environmental Test Tank (OHMSETT), Leonardo, New Jersey. This program was sponsored by EPA, the Coast Guard, Navy, and Department of Energy combined as the OHMSETT Interagency Test Committee (OITC). The test devices selected were the commercially-available Oil Mop, Inc. Dynamic Skimmer, the Cyclonet 050 mounted on a Zodiac Inflatable boat, the Anti-Pollution, Inc. Clowsor Skimmer, and the Bennett Pollution Controls, LTD., Mark 6E Skimmer. A total of 198 test runs were performed during which each device was evaluated for recovery of two test oils through a wide range of simulated environmental conditions of waves and currents. The performance indicating parameters were: (1) throughput efficiency, the percentage of oil encountered which is collected; (2) recovery efficiency, the percent oil in the oil/water mixture collected; and (3) oil recovery rate, the volume of oil collected per unit time. The Oil Mop Dynamic Skimmer produced its highest average throughput efficiency (78 percent) with light oil (9 centistokes—cst) at a tow speed of 200 feet per minute (fpm) in calm water. Highest recovery efficiency (77 percent) was observed with heavy oil (3,000 cst) at 200 fpm in calm water, and maximum recovery rate was established with light oil at a tow speed of 400 fpm. The Cyclonet 050 showed its highest average performance with heavy oil (550 cst) at a tow speed of 150 fpm. Throughput efficiency was 34 percent in calm water, recovery efficiency was 27 percent in the 0.6 by 26.2 ft (height by length) wave and recovery rate was 14 gallons per minute (gpm) in calm water. The Clowsor Skimmer was tested as an advancing and stationary system. Highest average results occurred in the stationary mode with heavy oil (1,900 cst) and recovery efficiency was 91 percent. Maximum recovery rate observed was 95 gpm. The Bennett Mark 6E Skimmer performed best with heavy oil (3,200 cst). Throughput efficiency was 95 percent at a tow speed of 300 fpm, recovery efficiency was 88 percent at 100 fpm, and maximum oil recovery rate occurred at 200 fpm and was measured at 108 gpm. The general trend of performance for all devices tested showed diminishing performance with increased tow speeds and wave conditions.

scholarly journals The National Oil Spill Response and Renewable Energy Test Facility

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 (1) ◽  
pp. abs104
Author(s):  
Dave DeVitis ◽  
William Schmidt ◽  
Jane Delgado ◽  
Mike Crickard ◽  
Steve Potter
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Recovery Rate ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
The United States ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Recovery Capacity ◽  
Oil Spill Response

ABSTRACT The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) subcommittee on skimmers recently adopted a standard methodology for measuring I skimmer performance, F 2709 - Standard Test Method for Determining Nameplate Recovery Rate of Stationary Oil Skimmer Systems. Current industry practice allows manufacturers to label skimmers with a nameplate capacity based solely on the skimmer's offload pump capability without regard to the recovery rate as a system. Additionally there is no consideration given to the degradation in recovery performance when pumping fluids with viscosities higher than water. Typically the manufacturer's claimed value is unrealistic when estimating the oil recovery rate (ORR) of a skimming system. Integrating actual performance data into the planning and regulation process is prudent from all perspectives. In the absence of third party data, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) will de-rate a manufacturer's claimed nameplate capacity by 80% or more when calculating the Effective Daily Recovery Capacity (EDRC). The USCG uses EDRC as a key component in rating and regulating the oil spill response capability of responsible parties and oil spill response organizations (OSROs). The ASTM's new skimmer protocol has been used recently at Ohmsett to evaluate four oleophilic skimmers as potential alternatives to the skimmers currently used in Alaska's Prince William Sound (PWS) oil spill response plan. The selected skimmer has undergone a number of modifications with improvements quantified over four additional tests series. This paper focuses on the most recent test of this skimmer, conducted in cold-water conditions using both fresh and weathered Alaska North Slope (ANS) crude oil. During the latest testing, two newly introduced tests were performed: a 24-hour endurance test and a qualitative recovery test in the presence of seaweed.

LOCKHEED OIL SPILL RECOVERY DEVICE

1971 ◽  
Vol 1971 (1) ◽  
pp. 339-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barrett Bruch ◽  
K.R. Maxwell
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Recovery Rate ◽  
Free Water ◽  
Sea State ◽  
Single Pass ◽  
Percent Recovery ◽  
Light Oil

ABSTRACT Tests and analysis of an oil spill recovery device with various oils, under forward way and with waves, established a method for estimating performance and verified forward way scaling to be by the square-foot of the device diameter and oil recovery rate by the 5/2 power. An 8-ft-diameter, 10-ft-long device in sea state 4 and a 2-kt current could recover 8,600 bbls of light oil per day with less than 25 percent additional free water and in calm seas, 17,200 bpd. Within containment booms, 1 to 4 in. of oil are required for maximum recovery. Natural emulsion recovery is double the light oil rate. The device does not create emulsion. Above 2 kts, oil recovery remains maximum while free-sweeping slicks over 1/2-in. thick. With thinner slicks, the rate decreases linearly down to at least 0.01 in. Tests established 70 percent recovery of oil encountered on a single pass. This can be increased by successive passes. Free-sweeping in calm seas is feasible up to 5 kt.

EVALUATION OF OLEOPHILIC SKIMMER PERFORMANCE IN DIMINISHING OIL SLICK THICKNESSES

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (1) ◽  
pp. 1366-1381
Author(s):  
Kristi McKinney ◽  
John Caplis ◽  
Dave DeVitis ◽  
Keith Van Dyke
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Recovery Rate ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Recovery Efficiency ◽  
Oil Slick ◽  
Response Planning ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
Oil Thickness

ABSTRACT 2017-086 ASTM F2709-15 “Standard Test Method for Determining a Measured Nameplate Recovery Rate of Stationary Oil Skimmer Systems” has become the standard for testing the performance of stationary skimmers. This standard specifies testing the skimmer in “ideal conditions” in order to measure a skimming system’s maximum performance. These ideal conditions are created by testing the skimmer in calm conditions and allowing the skimmer to recover either in pure oil or in a thick layer of oil on water. When testing the skimmer in oil and water, the skimmer recovers oil in a starting oil thickness of 75mm and continues recovery until the oil thickness reaches 50mm. Performance values obtained from this test include measured nameplate recovery rate (NRR) which is the maximum rate at which the skimmer system can recover and process oil under ideal conditions, and the recovery efficiency (RE) which is the percentage of oil collected to total fluid collected. In actual oil spills it cannot be assumed that a skimmer will encounter enough oil to continuously conduct recovery operations in 50–75mm of oil. As these performance values are becoming a tool used by regulators to verify the capabilities of response equipment listed in oil spill response contingency plans, it is important to understand if and how a skimmer’s performance will vary as oil slick thickness changes. To explore this question, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and Ohmsett - The National Oil Spill Response Research and Renewable Energy Test Facility, recently conducted independent performance testing of two oleophilic skimming systems to better understand the relationship between oil recovery rate, recovery efficiency, and different oil slick thicknesses. Skimmers were tested in various oil slick thicknesses ranging from 75mm down to 6mm at the Ohmsett facility. Skimmers were tested in a type I refined test oil as defined by the ASTM F631-15 “Standard Guide for Collecting Skimmer Performance Data in Controlled Environments.” Testing results suggest that reduced oil thicknesses do indeed have a significant impact on the measured recovery capabilities of a skimmer. This paper outlines the final testing results, and discusses the potential implications of using ASTM F2709-15 performance values in conjunction with various oil spill response planning standards for mechanical oil recovery equipment.

scholarly journals THE TEXACO CONNECTICUT'S OIL SPILL INCIDENT IN THE PANAMA CANAL

1983 ◽  
Vol 1983 (1) ◽  
pp. 367-370
Author(s):  
Cesar Von Chong ◽  
John C. Jordan ◽  
Ricardo Gutierrez
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Recovery ◽  
The United States ◽  
Panama Canal ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Mechanical Methods ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Government ◽  
Control Forces

ABSTRACT The second largest recorded oil spill to occur in the waters of the Panama Canal happened on June 7, 1980. The 39,366 deadweight ton (dwt) United States tanker Texaco Connecticut, while on a northbound transit and laden with Alaskan crude, struck the east bank of Gaillard Cut, ripping its number 1 and 2 cargo tanks. In a period of approximately six hours, from the time the tanker struck the bank of the canal until it was anchored for repairs at Limon Bay, the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal, an estimated 4,000 barrels (bbl) of crude were spilled in a distance of approximately 35 miles. A multi-agency effort was deployed immediately. The Panama Canal Commission's own pollution control forces, in close working coordination with other units of the commission, the United States Army and the Government of the Republic of Panama were able to recover a total of 1,361 bbl of crude. Manual and mechanical methods of oil recovery were used during 27 days in which an estimated total of 29,396 man-hours were used at a total cost of approximately $800,000. The environmental impact of the spill was observed by Panama Canal Commission biologists as well as by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). Although no baseline data exists for comparison, it is apparent that no far reaching negative effects were imposed on the fauna and flora of Gatun Lake.

A Survey of Classical and New Response Methods for Marine Oil Spill Cleanup

1994 ◽  
Vol 31 (02) ◽  
pp. 79-93
Author(s):  
Emilio A. Tsocalis ◽  
Thomas W. Kowenhoven ◽  
Anastassios N. Perakis
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Heavy Oil ◽  
Heavy Oil Recovery ◽  
New Materials ◽  
Marine Oil ◽  
Methods And Techniques ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
Oil Spill Cleanup

Both classical and new marine oil spill cleanup response methods and techniques are discussed. The intention is mainly to answer the fundamental questions of when, where, and how to apply the different methods. A brief review of the stages of the oil spill response problem is first presented, followed by the factors that influence the different methods. This is followed by an analysis of some new cleanup methods and improvements to existing methods, specifically: bioremediation, the use of more efficient ships for skimming, the use of fishing nets for heavy oil recovery, and new materials and designs of sorbents. Some cases are also analyzed to evaluate the performance of some methods under real conditions.

Bubbler System Testing in Controlled Environment for Harsh Environment Oil Spill Recovery

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Premkumar Thodi ◽  
Vandad Talimi ◽  
Robert Burton ◽  
Majid Abdi ◽  
Jonathon Bruce ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Column ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Heavy Oil ◽  
Harsh Environment ◽  
Air Bubbles ◽  
Test Protocol ◽  
Recovery Techniques ◽  
Oil Particles ◽  
Mechanical Recovery

Abstract Mechanical recovery techniques are used to clean up oil spills in marine environments; however, their efficiency is challenged when dealing with heavy oil, ice covered water and high sea states. Current mechanical recovery techniques are based on removing oil from the water surface, however, a significant amount of oil could remain in the water column below the surface due to turbulent ocean conditions, the density of heavy oil and oil escaping underneath the booms when the sweeping speed increases. To enhance the oil recovery effectiveness, oil particles in the water column need to be guided to the surface to be recovered by the skimmers. This paper focusses on the development of a test protocol and physical testing in C-CORE’s lab of a bubbler system for enhancing the harsh environment oil spill recovery. Air bubbles produce an upward flow in the water body, which guides the submerged particles to the surface. The air bubbles also attach to the oil particles, leading to an increase in the buoyancy and rate at which oil droplets rise to the surface. By adopting this technique for oil recovery, additional oil particles can be brought to the surface. In the study, the bubbler system was tested in both stationary and advancing conditions with medium and heavy oils. The results of the stationary and advancing tests indicate that the oil recovery ratios can be significantly enhanced by using an optimized bubbler system. Different types and configurations of bubblers were tested by varying the airflow rates and bubbler advancing speeds to determine the optimal solution. The optimal bubbler system has been observed to enhance the recovery ratio from 41.5% to 84.8% with airflow rates ranging from 0.05 to 0.20 CFM/foot. Furthermore, the effective integration of the bubbler system with a mechanical recovery system, its deployment and retrieval in a near field condition were demonstrated during tests in an outdoor tank.

Challenges, Opportunities and Threats of Deep Bottoms-Up Water Injection in Heavy Oil Reservoir: Lessons Learnt from the G Field, South Oman

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaitanya Behera ◽  
Sandip Mahajan ◽  
Carlos Annia ◽  
Mahmood Harthi ◽  
Jane-Frances Obilaja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Heavy Oil ◽  
Water Injection ◽  
Field Performance ◽  
Oil Field ◽  
Oil Fields ◽  
Reservoir Pressure ◽  
Light Oil ◽  
Alternative Water ◽  
Variable Water

Abstract This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study carried out to improve the understanding of deep bottom-up water injection, which enabled optimizing the recovery of a heavy oil field in South Oman. Understanding the variable water injection response and the scale of impact on oil recovery due to reservoir heterogeneity, operating reservoir pressure and liquid offtake management are the main challenges of deep bottoms-up water injection in heavy oil fields. The offtake and throughput management philosophy for heavy oil waterflood is not same as classical light oil. Due to unclear understanding of water injection response, sometimes the operators are tempted to implement alternative water injection trials leading to increase in the risk of losing reserves and unwarranted CAPEX sink. There are several examples of waterflood in heavy oil fields; however, very few examples of deep bottom water injection cases are available globally. The field G is one of the large heavy oil fields in South Oman; the oil viscosity varies between 250cp to 1500cp. The field came on-stream in 1989, but bottoms-up water-injection started in 2015, mainly to supplement the aquifer influx after 40% decline of reservoir pressure. After three years of water injection, the field liquid production was substantially lower than predicted, which implied risk on the incremental reserves. Alternative water injection concepts were tested by implementing multiple water injection trials apprehending the effectiveness of the bottoms-up water injection concept. A comprehensive integrated study including update of geocellular model, full field dynamic simulation, produced water re-injection (PWRI) model and conventional field performance analysis was undertaken for optimizing the field recovery. The Root Cause Analysis (RCA) revealed many reasons for suboptimal field performance including water injection management, productivity impairment due to near wellbore damage, well completion issues, and more importantly the variable water injection response in the field. The dynamic simulation study indicated negligible oil bank development due to frontal displacement and no water cut reversal as initial response to the water injection. Nevertheless, the significance of operating reservoir pressure, liquid offtake and throughput management impact on oil recovery cann't be precluded. The work concludes that the well reservoir management (WRM) strategy for heavy oil field is not same as the classical light oil waterflood. Nevertheless, the reservoir heterogeneity, oil column thickness and saturation history are also important influencing factors for variable water injection response in heavy oil field.

TRENDS IN OIL SPILL RATES FOR FOUR HIGH-TRAFFIC AREAS

1995 ◽  
Vol 1995 (1) ◽  
pp. 842-843
Author(s):  
Gail Thomas ◽  
Gary Yoshioka ◽  
Brad Kaiman
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Heavy Oil ◽  
The United States ◽  
Notification System

ABSTRACT A paper presented at the 1981 International Oil Spill Conference analyzed spill data in four regions of the United States that carry heavy oil traffic and focused on spills of more than 10,000 gallons in the years 1974 through 1977, to determine what differences, if any, exist in the spill rates. The findings of that earlier study are compared with more recent (1990–1993) data from the Emergency Response Notification System and the Oil Spill Intelligence Report to show how the patterns have changed.

Performance of a rotating drum skimmer in oil spill recovery

2003 ◽  
Vol 217 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
A H Hammoud ◽  
M F Khalil
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Recovery Rate ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Water Interface ◽  
Rotating Drum ◽  
Oil Viscosity ◽  
Rotating Speed ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Oil Water

Oil spill recovery by means of a rotating drum skimmer was investigated experimentally for a wide range of design and operating conditions. The effect of drum diameter, drum length, rotating speed, oil film thickness, oil properties, and drum centre height above the oil/water interface surface were analyzed with respect to oil recovery rate of the drum skimmer. Crude, diesel, SAE 10W and SAE 140W oils were used during this investigation. It was found that oil recovery rate increases with increasing drum diameter, drum length, drum centre height above the oil/water interface, and oil slick thickness oil viscosity, and increases as oil density and surface tension decreases. The results revealed that the drum skimmer is an effective device for recovering spills of low viscosity oil, such as light crude oil, which is the type of oil involved in most serious spills and pollutions of the sea. Furthermore, an empirical equation is proposed for predicting the oil recovery rate of the device. The equation can be applied to different oils, and gives good agreement with observed data.

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