Oil Slick by Barrier in the Presence of Low Water Currents

Abstract

Model studies of oil containment barriers were conducted in an open channel of 30 cm in width and 45 cm in depth. Currents up to 40 cm/s were used with different oils. Water current speed was measured by a calibrated vane-type turbine meter. Acryl viewing windows in both sides of the tank permitted observations of the flow characteristics. The incipient oil drops from barriers were observed using different oils. With the current set up to about 20 cm, oil was poured slowly onto a flat plate just below the water surface to prevent droplet formation and penetration into the flowing water. The length of the oil slick and some oil thickness were measured along the tank centerline after the oil had “piled up” into the barrier.
A simple analysis of the oil slick thickness was made, referd to the current speed and densities.