COMBINED SKIMMER-BARRIER HIGH SEAS OIL RECOVERY SYSTEM1

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper describes the development of an oil recovery system to be used in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard's high seas oil containment barriers. The system was tested at the EPA's OHMSETT facility in 1975. Its oil recovery capability was shown to be good, with promise for yet better recovery when used on a large spill. Operational practicality was demonstrated in sea trials during May 1976, when the barrier was string towed, catenary towed, and moored in a tidal current. Because of the difficulty of handling large or complicated equipment in offshore conditions, a major design criterion was that the system be as simple as possible. Weir skimmers are particularly simple, but collection of more oil than water or air requires that the weirs follow the vertical motion of the waves. Simplicity and efficiency were achieved by utilizing the wave-following ability of the Coast Guard barrier design. Weirs were built into six struts at the center of a length of barrier, so that barrier deployment results in simultaneous skimmer deployment. To recover oil, it is only necessary to attach pump hoses to the barrier. Three double-acting diaphragm pumps are used. These self-priming pumps were specifically designed to pass any debris that can enter through the three-inch diameter suction hoses. Hydraulic drive was chosen so the pumps could be powered by the Coast Guard's ADAPTS diesel-engine-driven hydraulic power units.