THE STUDY OF THE DYNAMICS OF IMPERMEABLE MEMBRANES IN CARGO/BALLAST TANKS

A system of isolating oil from seawater ballast in cargo tanks by use of flexible, impermeable membranes has been proposed. This concept is analyzed with respect to its feasibility of operation. The important parameters defining the membrane's motion are defined by a dimensional analysis, and the possible and suggested configurations of the membrane in the tank are discussed. A series of tests were conducted using a small scale model cargo tank fitted with a membrane. These tests, concerning the membrane's motions in the conditions of filling, emptying, and movement in a seaway, are described and assessed. Operational requirements necessary for successful application in a full size tank are considered and tested with the model tank. With the model tests as a basis, it is concluded that the use of impermeable membranes for isolating oil from seawater ballast in a cargo tank is feasible if the proper operational procedures are followed.

• Corporate Authors:

  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Department of Ocean Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Avenue
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02139
• Authors:
  • Steller, M E
• Publication Date: 1972-12-15

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ballast tanks; Container tanks; Free surface; Water quality management
• Uncontrolled Terms: Oil separators
• Old TRIS Terms: Free surface effects; Membrane tank systems; Model testing; Water pollution prevention
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00044145
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Report/Paper Numbers: MS Thesis
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 11 1973 12:00AM