CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT OF A FREE VORTEX OIL RECOVERY SYSTEM

Objectives of the program were to develop the basic concept and test oil recovery performance with an experimental model of near prototype dimensions. Testing demonstrated the applicability of Free Vortex skimming in the operating conditions of specific interest to the Coast Guard: namely, oil films 1-inch thick and less, operation while stationary and in currents up to 0.75 knots, and severe Sea State 4 waves. However, the utility of the concent is not limited to this particular operating range but includes many other conditions and operating modes. Efficiency (oil volume/total volume recovered) varied between 10 and 46% over the range of the four oil film thicknesses tested, 1/16, 1/4, 1/2, and 1-inch. Recovery rate of 110 gpm was achieved. This rate was achieved because of pump size. Higher rates are possible depending on transfer pump size chosen. Recovery efficiencies did not appear to change with higher recovery rate. (Modified author abstract)

• Corporate Authors:

  Scientific Associates, Incorporated

  1807 Montana Avenue, Suite B
  Santa Monica, CA  United States  90403
• Authors:
  • Nebeker, E B
  • Rodriguez, S E
• Publication Date: 1973-5-1

Media Info

• Pagination: 195 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Oil spill cleanup; Oils; Pollution control; Separators; Water quality management
• Uncontrolled Terms: Oil separators
• Old TRIS Terms: Oil recovery systems; Pollution abatement measures
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00057216
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: OT-CG-22,878-A
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 16 1974 12:00AM