Feasibility Study of the Sand Sinking Method of Combatting a Major Oil Spill in the Ocean Environment

摘要

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 pf 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. (Author)