SILT-STABILIZING AGENTS AND APPLICATION EQUIPMENT FOR SALVAGE OPERATIONS.
Abstract
The program described in this report is the first phase in the development of a polymer-based silt-stabilizing system, including application equipment, for use in underwater salvage operations. The purpose of the stabilizer is to bind together or overlay the silt particles and, thus, prevent or greatly attenuate the loss of visibility due to silt clouding. The first portion of the program consisted of a literature survey and beaker-scale laboratory experiments on a wide range of candidate stabilizing materials. Comparative performance of the agents was evaluated with the aid of a turbidity meter and stirring apparatus as well as by direct observation and photographic records. The beaker tests resulted in the recommendation of seven agents for further study. Five of these were gel-forming polymer solutions activated by a mild acidification of the surrounding medium. One was a partially cross-linked hydrogel requiring application as a dry powder, and one was a flocculating agent. The selected agents were given follow up tests in a 10 sq ft pool using trial application apparatus designed to reveal the necessary parameters for larger scale equipment. Such factors as viscous effects, gelling time, flow rate, polymer-solution concentration, and covering ability were investigated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 07, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0819946
Entities
People
- B. R. Lower
- J. M. Harris
- M. M. Epstein
Organizations
- Battelle Memorial Institute