Development of a Novel High Velocity Oil Slick Skimmer

Experimental investigations show that thin slicks of oil can be recovered in currents of up to 10 fps with a new Surface Velocity Retarder Oil Skimmer SVROS. This collection device is composed of an array of closely spaced flat plates. The plates serve to gradually dissipate the kinetic energy of the oilwater inflow so that oil can be collected at high relative velocities without the entrainment losses typical of all simple oil booms in currents over about one knot. Tests, in prototype scale, were performed on a thin model of the device. Tests variables included velocity, plate spacing and depth, oil type, and slick thickness. The test results are presented with conclusions and recommendations for further development.