FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE SAND SINKING METHOD OF COMBATTING A MAJOR OIL SPILL IN THE OCEAN ENVIRONMENT

The objective of the investigation was to determine the feasibility of the sand sink method in combatting a major oil spill in the ocean environment. The sand sink method sinks floating oil by spraying the oil slick with sand previously made oleophilic by a chemical treatment. The technique contemplates that the sand would be obtained from the sea bottom in the nearshore coastal areas by use of a trailing suction hopper dredge. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine optimum chemicals and sand to oil ratios for maximum effectiveness for the types of sands existing along the coastal areas of the United States. Different types of oils were investigated as well.

• Corporate Authors:

  Department of the Army

  Office of the Chief of Engineers
  Washington, DC  United States  20310
• Authors:
  • TOBIAS, L
  • Mauriello, L J
  • Watts, G M
• Publication Date: 1971-12

Media Info

• Pagination: 58 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Oil spill cleanup; Water quality management
• Old TRIS Terms: Oil sinking agents; Oil spill control
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00035612
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: Final Rpt
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 27 1972 12:00AM