Heavy Oil Detection (Prototypes)
Abstract
Current methods for locating and recovering submerged oil spills are inadequate. Detection methods are often improvised on-scene, and recovery techniques are labor intensive and not always successful. The U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center has embarked on a multi-year project to develop a complete approach for dealing with spills of submerged oils. This report describes the assessment of detection techniques using sonar, laser fluorometry, real-time mass spectrometry, and in-situ fluorometry to locate oil sitting on the sea floor. Evaluation of four proof-of-concept devices was conducted at the Oil and Hazardous Material Simulated Environmental Test Tank (OHMSETT), now called The National Oil Spill Response Test Facility, in Leonardo, NJ, between November 2007 and February 2008. Further testing of two of these prototype devices, plus three additional detection systems, was conducted at OHMSETT in January 2009. This report contains the results of these tests and recommendations for Federal On-scene Coordinators when responding to spills of heavy oil (contained in Appendix E).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA506377
Entities
People
- Kurt A. Hansen
- Mark Vanhaverbeke
- Michele Fitzpatrick
- Penny R. Herring
Organizations
- United States Coast Guard Research & Development Center