FREE VORTEX APPROACH TO RECOVERY OF FLOATING OIL

Recent results of development and testing of the free-vortex approach to floating oil recovery are presented. This work has been directed toward high-seas oil-spill recovery-a much-needed capability in offshore oil operations. The freevortex technique, in contrast to typical skimming methods, is not sensitive to surface disturbance and provides for capturing oil at a distance from the skimmer. Free-vortex skimming operates through induced flow fields-a surface inflow that gathers oil and a central vortex that concentrates the oil for removal by conventional pumping. The principles and hardware for maintaining the free-vortex flows on an open surface are described. Testing was conducted with different oil types, oil films 1 in. thick or less, in calm water and waves. A good capability for operation in high-seas conditions is indicated.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at the 6th Annual Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, May 6-8, 1974.
• Corporate Authors:

  Offshore Technology Conference

  6200 North Central Expressway
  Dallas, TX  United States  45206
• Authors:
  • Rodriguez, S E
  • Nebeker, E B
  • Leary, J F
• Conference:
  • Presented at the 6th Offshore Technology Conference
  • Location: Houston Texas
  • Date: 1974-5-6 to 1974-5-8
• Publication Date: 1974-5

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 601-609
• Serial:
  • Volume: 1

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Oil spill cleanup; Oils; Separators; Water quality management
• Uncontrolled Terms: Oil separators
• Old TRIS Terms: High seas oil recovery; Oil recovery systems
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00080012
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Report/Paper Numbers: OTC #1998
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 1 1975 12:00AM