Estimation of a Mechanical Recovery System’s Oil Recovery Capacity by Considering Boom Loss

Abstract

Ability to estimate the recovery potential of countermeasures is vital in establishing a rational response solution for oil spills at sea. This requires estimation of how much oil can be recovered and the determination of the rational quantities and operating conditions of the response equipment. In this study, a constant loss rate model and a variable loss rate model were developed to estimate the recovery potential of a mechanical oil recovery system, while considering the escape of oil containment booms. The latter model could calculate the speed at which oil loss began to occur and the volume of oil lost. A case study was performed to analyze the significance of oil loss and to calculate changes in recovery potential with respect to adjustable vital variables. The developed model was able to estimate the best operating situation, which optimizes the recovery potential for different response times and environmental conditions.