AT SEA TESTING OF A HIGH SEAS OIL RECOVERY SYSTEM

摘要

This report summarizes the at-sea tests of the 2000 gpm Ocean Systems, Inc., Weir-Basin Oil Recovery System (ORS) conducted at Port Hueneme, California, and at Point Conception, California. These tests were conducted without oil, with the purpose being to qualify the ORS with respect to strength, stability, operational function, ease of handling, compatibility with the Coast Guard lightweight oil containment barrier, and compatibility with Coast Guard buoy tenders. The tests showed that the 2000 gpm ORS was compatible with the barrier in both of the deployment configurations tested. Conformance to waves was very good, indicating that a high probability of obtaining high oil recovery efficiencies (percent oil in the recovered stream) could be expected. Launch and recovery from a buoy tender were successful, although a shorter length for the ORS was indicated to be desirable. Design modifications to minimize fabric wear and to increase the structural adequacy in certain areas are recommended.