Office/Division Program
OSRR
Project Number
1160
Research Initiation Date (Award Date)
Research Completion Date (POP End)
Research Performing Organization
BSEE
Research Principal Investigator
Ms. Kristi McKinney, Mr. Alex Balsley
Research Contracting Agency
Research Contract Award Value
$129,780.00
Description
This project partners with the United States Coast Guard Research and Development Center to test oil recovery skimmer systems to gain insight on the capabilities, limitations, and applicability of using these systems to recover dielectric fluids. The research will focus on types of skimmers referenced for use in the expanding offshore wind energy sector's oil spill response plans. The project will investigate and report on noted differences between recovery of a synthetic mineral oil, a synthetic ester fluid, and a standard test oil. This project will be conducted under the "Testing of Oil Spill Technologies" 2023 initiative.
Latest progress update
Project is complete.
Final Research Abstract
The U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center (USCG RDC) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Oil Spill Preparedness Division (BSEE OSPD), under the mutual Testing of Oil Spill Technology (TOST) initiative, conducted independent evaluations to assess the performance of oil skimmers using dielectric fluids. This study tested four oil skimmers at the National Oil Spill Response and Renewable Energy Test Facility (Ohmsett) with three fluids: Midel 7131 (a synthetic ester dielectric fluid), HyVolt II NG Naphthenic (a petroleum/mineral oil), and Hydrocal 100 (a refined oil control). The experimental design featured two skimmers in stationary mode and two in advancing mode, including a fuzzy disc skimmer, a brush skimmer, and a boat equipped with both a filter belt skimmer and a grooved disc skimmer. Collaboration with the project sponsor (CG-MER) and Oil Spill Removal Organization (OSRO) representatives, along with a review of 15 offshore wind energy facilities’ Oil Spill Response Plans, informed the planning phase. Results indicated that the disc skimmers designed for low-viscosity oils recovered dielectric fluids more efficiently than the brush skimmer or filter belt skimmer intended for higher-viscosity oils. The findings suggest that there is no need to develop a new class of skimmers specifically for dielectric fluids, as existing skimmers for low-viscosity oils are effective. However, it is crucial to recognize that recovery rates and efficiencies are influenced by fluid weathering and sea state, underscoring the importance of operator training and experience in oil skimming operations involving low-viscosity fluids.