OHMSETT (Oil and Hazardous Materials Simulated Environmental Test Tank) Skimmer Test in Ice-Infested Waters

摘要

The increase in petroleum development activities in the arctic region has raised concerns over potential oil spills during the broken ice season. Currently, exploratory drilling for oil and gas is restricted during this season due to the lack of oil spill cleanup methods that have been proven effective in broken ice fields. Test programs have been conducted at the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Oil and Hazardous Materials Simulated Environmental Test Tank to determine the feasibility of cold-weather testing; and to evaluate various oil spill cleanup methods that are being considered for use in the arctic. This paper describes a test program conducted to determine the practicality of using a catamaran-mounted rope mop skimmer for spill cleanup in broken ice fields.