Fluid Dynamics Of Floating Oil Containment By Mechanical Barriers In The Presence Of Water Currents

Abstract

Abstract Experiments on oil containment by mechanical barriers have led to identification of the important physical phenomena controlling the extent of an oil slick and have illustrated flow conditions leading to failure of the barrier. A mathematical model has been developed to generalize the experimental results. Three regions in the oil layer are identified.a gravity wave region near the upstream end of the slick, which leads to oil droplet formation if water flows faster than a certain critical speed,a boundary layer region where drag of the flowing water causes gradual thickening of the oil, anda skirt region where the flowing water causes oil droplets still present to be swept under the barrier. Another mechanism of failure is discussed whereby oil could escape under the boom by a kind of draining action. Example calculations and design charts are presented which may be useful in deciding whether stationary mechanical barriers would work at all in given cases, and in selecting the proper depth of skirt and length of boom required in those cases where mechanical barriers are feasible. Where stationary barriers are not feasible, the results can be used to establish minimum boom drift velocity to prevent oil from escaping.