Oil/Sorbent Harvesting Systems for Use on Vessels of Opportunity

Abstract

ABSTRACT A system for harvesting mixtures of oil and sorbent materials, primarily straw, which could be utilized for the recovery of floating oil from water was developed for use on vessels of opportunity. A three-phase test program was conducted to evaluate candidate system components and operating specifications for the oil/sorbent harvesting system. The first phase of the program involved testing individual system components and operating parameters as to their effectiveness in picking up sorbents only. The first phase was conducted under actual conditions in a saltwater slough. The second phase of the test program entailed evaluating those operating characteristics of the harvesting system components selected in the first phase using crude oil and various sorbents in a test tank. The third phase of the test program entailed the installation of the complete system on a vessel of opportunity (an LCM), and demonstration of the ability of the system to operate under actual conditions. The system was evaluated both in the San Francisco Bay and off Coal Oil Point, Santa Barbara, where sorbent materials were dispensed over natural oil slicks. The system utilizes commercially and readily available equipment which, with minor modifications, was assembled on-site onto available vessels. The system was found to be very effective in recovering sorbents (straw and polyurethane foam) from the water surface.