This project focused on improving oil spill recovery methods in arctic conditions by developing and accessing techniques to (1) herd oil under an ice sheet, (2) increase recovery efficiencies of a VAB skimmer, and (3) increase the pumping efficiency of an oil/water mixture in sub-freezing temperatures.
Task 1: Oil Herding Under Solid Ice using an ROV Mounted Air Applicator
The feasibility of herding oil under ice using an ROV equipped with an air applicator was studied. A camera and air source were mounted to an ROV, and techniques investigated to move oil under ice up through channels cut into the ice for topside recovery with a mechanical skimmer.
Task 2: Methods to Reduce Icing of a Vertical Rope Mop (VAB) Skimmer
Methods were investigated to reduce the rate of ice accumulation on a rope mop skimmer during low temperature oil recovery operations. Several methods of heating the rope mop were evaluated. A steam application collar was developed and tested to assess improvement on skimmer performance.
Task 3: Use of Waste Heat to Reduce Viscosity of Recovered Fluid
Methods to improve the flow of recovered fluids in subfreezing temperatures were studied. Two heating methods were investigated including hot steam and electrical heat pads. Fluid temperature and pumping rates were monitored to determine the influence of heating methods on the experimental setup.
The project is complete. The final report is posted below.