Investigation of a Magnetic-Type Waterproof Oil Spill Stop Device for Ships

Chong-Ju Chae

doi:10.3390/jmse8090636

Abstract

If a ship’s hull or tank breaks, the ship may sink, or oil spills can cause enormous damage to the environment. If the ship is equipped with a capable, cost-effective oil or liquid flow stop emergency device, casualties and marine pollution could be reduced. Many magnetic-type liquid spill stop emergency devices developed since 1904 have limitations, such as difficulties with installation and impossibility of use during sailing. This study demonstrated the applicability of a magnetic-type liquid spill stop emergency device through tests for water pressure and leakage, attachment, magnetic fields, and the generation of sparks. Results showed that the device can be applied to the ship’s side hull and bottom with a specified minimum diameter at a pressure depth of 1.0 kg/cm2 while sailing at a speed of 18 kts (9.26 m/s). If the distance from the device was at least approximately 750 mm, the magnetic field had no effect, and there was no risk of explosion due to sparks. A cost–benefit analysis based on the International Maritime Organization-approved guidelines for formal safety assessment confirmed the cost effectiveness of the device. This experimental study confirmed that the magnetic liquid stop emergency device is generally applicable to a ship’s hull.

Highlights

Oil spills caused by collisions and the stranding of ships led to improvements in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulatory framework and eventually in maritime safety and operation [1]
An emergency, waterproof, magnetic-type oil spill stop device for ships was investigated to improve the limitations identified in earlier studies, such as poor pressure resistance, inadequate attachment of the device, interference from their magnetic fields, potential to generate sparks, and cost effectiveness
Since this study had limitations in applying standardized test methods, it is important to note that this study focused on the verification of practicality of the device. This experimental study confirmed that the magnetic liquid stop emergency device considered is generally effective for depths of up to approximately 9.8 m in water

Summary

Introduction

Oil spills caused by collisions and the stranding of ships led to improvements in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulatory framework and eventually in maritime safety and operation [1]. In the case of vessels transporting cargo, if an opening or breach in a hull, tank, or other containment structure occurs as a result of an accident, the internal cargo is susceptible to accidental discharge from the vessel into the environment, especially if the cargo is a liquid such as oil [8]. Oil pollution caused by ship collisions and stranding continues to occur, and tanker vessels are at risk. The European Space Agency has stated that more than 4.5 million tons of oil are spilt per year, where 45% of the amount is due to operative discharge from ships [10]. Approximately 304.700 tons of oil were spilt from oil tankers and ships in the Mediterranean Sea between 1977 and 2003 [11], and approximately 5.86 million tons of oil were lost globally as a result of tanker accidents from 1970 to 2019 [12,13]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion