Ohmsett Tests of: Lancer Inflatable Barge.
Abstract
A Lancer Oil Recovery Barge that is a smaller version of one currently in use by the U.S. Coast Guard was tested in the Ohmsett basin during late May and early June 1994. The tests were sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard. The tests measured the effectiveness of the Lancer barge in separating oil from water and decanting the water off the bottom. Tests were also performed to determine the effectiveness of a liner for the barge. A test oil was used only during the oil separation tests. Oil from previous tests at Ohmsett was used. The test oil had a viscosity of approximately 2800 cSt and a specific gravity of 0.954. Two wave conditions were tested in addition to calm water for the oil separation tests. One was a simulated sea state 2 condition and the other was a regular wave having a wave length approximately twice the fore and aft dimension of the Lancer barge. Calm water conditions were used for all other tests. The principal findings of these tests are that the Lancer barge performs well as an oil recovery barge. Oil separates quickly within the barge and towing has little effect on the oil separation process. Waves do affect the separation process with the waves causing the maximum pitching having the most effect. The decanting tube is effective in discharging fluid from the bottom of the barge. Findings were inconclusive as to whether the discharge rate increases when the barge is towed faster. Fluid tends to come off in surges rather than as a steady flow. The liner did not work well. Numerous small holes were found when the liner was unpacked. The holes found were patched but the first test showed that water was leaking into the space between the liner and the barge so the second planned test was not conducted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA308014
Entities
People
- David S. Devitis
- Donald L. Backer
- Michael Goodwin
- Roland L. Custer
- Susan L. Cunneff