The Hydrodynamics of Porous Barrier Oil Recovery Systems.
Abstract
This report represents the results of a research program conducted for the U.S. Coast Guard by the Texas A and M Research Foundation. The porous barrier concept consists of a solid barrier with several upstream porous barriers. The porous barriers act to dissipate the energy of the flow through them and to divert flow under the solid barrier in a gradual manner. The use of the porous barriers allows operation of a solid barrier or boom in currents well above the critical speed for a single solid barrier. The success of the concept depends upon the number, type, and placement of the porous barriers. During the present investigation, some 20 porous materials were classified as to their drag properties. Velocity measurements were made between combinations of these barriers, and oil recovery tests were run. Data has been collected for free stream velocities from 0.8 to 5.0 fps. Both Diesel no. 2 and 140 wt. lube oil were employed. Tests in the Texas A and M flume indicated that virtually all the oil could be contained up to 4.5 fps for Diesel no. 2. Above that speed losses were noted for the configurations tested. Testing in the University of Michigan's flow channel facility for velocities up to 7 fps confirmed these observations with oil viscosities up to 580 centistokes. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA014501
Entities
People
- D. J. Norton
- J. L. Rand
Organizations
- Texas A&M University