Presentation
Independent Evaluation of Adsorbents for Oil Spill Responders
DescriptionThe U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center (USCG RDC) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Oil Spill Preparedness Division (BSEE OSPD) executed systematic and unbiased evaluation of four different Type I adsorbents (defined as roll, film, sheet, pad, blanket, and web sorbents) with a technology readiness level of 6-8 in October 2022 at Ohmsett.
USCG RDC and BSEE OSPD recognize the need for independent evaluations of emerging pollution response technologies. Independent evaluations help to ensure that Federal On-Scene Coordinators (FOSCs) and other oil spill responders have access to reliable data about certain technologies before or during an active spill response. Having this data available allows FOSCs to be more comfortable about approving the use of more current technologies that may improve the overall response efficiency.
The project team designed a test plan to provide the most relevant performance data that will predict how an adsorbent may perform during typical field use. More specifically, the project team tested each adsorbent’s maximum oil capacity, adsorption rate, water uptake, buoyancy, retrievability and reusability.
This paper will summarize test results of each adsorbent’s performance when recovering low- and medium-viscosity oils. The project team will present conclusions and recommendations. This paper can be used as a knowledge product to inform FOSCs, OSROs, and other spill responders about what sorbents would be most effective for certain spill scenarios and understand potential limitations. It will also help manufacturers better understand technology limitations and encourage more effective product improvement.
USCG RDC and BSEE OSPD recognize the need for independent evaluations of emerging pollution response technologies. Independent evaluations help to ensure that Federal On-Scene Coordinators (FOSCs) and other oil spill responders have access to reliable data about certain technologies before or during an active spill response. Having this data available allows FOSCs to be more comfortable about approving the use of more current technologies that may improve the overall response efficiency.
The project team designed a test plan to provide the most relevant performance data that will predict how an adsorbent may perform during typical field use. More specifically, the project team tested each adsorbent’s maximum oil capacity, adsorption rate, water uptake, buoyancy, retrievability and reusability.
This paper will summarize test results of each adsorbent’s performance when recovering low- and medium-viscosity oils. The project team will present conclusions and recommendations. This paper can be used as a knowledge product to inform FOSCs, OSROs, and other spill responders about what sorbents would be most effective for certain spill scenarios and understand potential limitations. It will also help manufacturers better understand technology limitations and encourage more effective product improvement.
Event Type
Paper
TimeWednesday, May 15th4:30pm - 4:50pm CDT
Location288-290
Restoration