THE DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION OF AN UNDERWATER OIL HARVESTING TECHNIQUE

Analytical studies and harbor tests were conducted to determine the feasibility of harvesting oil beneath the surface of the water with the use of inclined planes. The analytical and laboratory investigations provided basic information to design and build units and showed that this kind of device could harvest both light and heavy oils between 3/4 knot and 2 knots. Information was obtained regarding the geometry of the device. Tests showed that oil could be collected in waves without seriously affecting efficiency. A 22-foot-long unit was designed, built, and domonstrated in Boston Harbor. The results showed that the fixed-plane concept is highly effective in areas where the vessel can travel through the slick. Recovered oil is virtually water free and the unit recovered between 70% and 85% of the oil presented to it. The fixed inclined plane Submerged Hydrodynamic Oil Concentrators demonstrator unit works between 3/4 knot and 2 knots. (Modified author abstract)

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Environmental protection technology series. Paper copy also available from GPO $1.24 as EP1.23/2.
• Corporate Authors:

  JBF Scientific Corporation

  Burlington, MA  United States 
• Authors:
  • Bianchi, R A
  • Henry, G
• Publication Date: 1973-4

Media Info

• Pagination: 89 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Economic efficiency; Grain size (Geology); Harbors; Oil recovery equipment; Oil spill cleanup; Oil spills; Oils; Underwater construction; Underwater structures; Water pollution; Water quality management
• Uncontrolled Terms: Efficiency
• Old TRIS Terms: Collecting methods; Concentrators; Drop liquids; Oil removal equipment; Submerged hydrodynamic oil concentrators
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Economics; Environment; Marine Transportation; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00048401
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Contract Numbers: II-14-12-899
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 14 1973 12:00AM