PCCI explored the feasibility of developing surrogate ice modules that could be used at the National Oil Spill Response Research & Renewable Energy Test Facility (Ohmsett) to test oil spill response equipment in various, repeatable, simulated arctic conditions.
This project was accomplished under the following tasks:
Task 1: A needs assessment was conducted and a set of Top Level Requirements (TLR) for surrogate ice modules was generated.
Task 2: Current technologies and methods were reviewed that may be applicable for constructing surrogate ice modules meeting the TLR and for modifying them to simulate natural ice in various arctic conditions.
Task 3: A rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost analysis and an operational analysis was conducted comparing the use of man-made ice versus surrogate ice.
Task 4: A preliminary surrogate ice specification and production template(s) were generated. Prototype ice surrogate modules were procured for experimentation and testing.
The project is complete. The final report and the Ice Surrogate Module drawings are posted below.