CICEET progress report for the period 8/01/00 to 1/31/01

Project title:

Submergence Plane Oil Containment Technology

Principal Investigators:

M. Robinson Swift and
Barbaros Celikkol

I. Work Accomplishment

A. Scheduled Tasks

The main task for the previous 6-month period was to test and evaluate a 1/5 scale model of a 100 foot long, submergence plane barrier design referred to here as Bay Defender III (BDIII). Increasing the across-current length from 40 feet to 100 feet compounds many design problems associated with the flexible structure. Field testing had to be used since the physical model length of 20 feet was too large for the University of New Hampshire (UNH) tow tank. Based on experimental observations, improvements in the design would then be finalized, and preparation of working drawings initiated.

The information dissemination task is an ongoing one, implying the writing and presentation of project results, as well as meeting with potential users of this technology. Cooperation with the Piscataqua River Cooperative (PRC) and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) in field exercises deploying the present Bay Defender II (BDII) 40 foot system also furthers project goals.

B. Progress on Tasks

The 1/5 scale model of the 100 foot BDIII system was tested in tidal current off the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory floats (twice) and off the Sprague-Newington oil terminal floats (three times). At Sprague-Newington, which had faster, steadier current, the side opposite the float was anchored simulating full scale procedures (Figure 1). The lines on the float side were brought directly to the floats so that accurate mooring force measurements could be made. In the last two tests at Sprague-Newington, conventional lead-in booms were employed each side. These are now routinely used in full scale exercises with BDII to widen the interception swath. The tests were used to develop a valuable design modification in which the heavy, structural marine aluminum end longitudinals were replaced with light-weight foam terminations. This was made possible by improved alignment of the perimeter shape with the tension loads at the ends. The BDIII design has been finalized, and the first set of working drawings have been prepared and are under review.

Figure 1 One-Fifth Scale Model of the 100 foot BDIII Flexible Barrier Design

 

In other field work, BDII was deployed with lead-in booms closing off Spruce Creek on October 26, 2000. In this exercise, conducted mainly by the PRC in cooperation with DES, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Coast Guard, concerns regarding shore assembly and deployment time were addressed using a new approach. The system was assembled, "accordioned" and stored on the flat-decked barge shown in Figure 2. BDII was then ready for immediate transport (see Figure 3). Figure 4 shows how the system, once connected to the lead-in booms, can be simply pushed off the deck. The current brings BDII into the apex position as seen in Figure 5. This test was significant in demonstrating how the submergence plane concept can effectively be used as an emergency tool. BDIII, the 100 foot version, will likewise be designed for this method of deployment.

Figure 2 BDII Assembled on the Foredeck of the PRC Barge

 

Figure 3 Barge Transport of BDII to the Spruce Creek Site

 

Figure 4 Deployment of BDII from the PRC Barge at Spruce Creek

 

Figure 5 BDII with Lead-Ins Closing the Mouth of Spruce Creek on the Flood Tide

 

As part of our information dissemination responsibilities, two peer-reviewed conference papers were prepared. The first was presented at the Second International Conference on Oil Spills in the Mediterranean and Black Sea Regions, while the second has been accepted for inclusion in the International Oil Spill Conference. Both papers will be published in the conference proceedings. Project PI’s Swift and Celikkol met with Canadian Coast Guard officials, along with the owner and associates of JPS Industries, Inc. — a New Hampshire based manufacturer of oil spill response equipment. The fast-water capabilities of submergence plane systems were presented. At this time the Canadian Coast Guard is reassessing their equipment needs, and purchases of new systems are planned for the near future.

C. Difficulties Encountered

It has not been possible to recruit a graduate student committed to doing thesis work in this area. Though one Ocean Engineering graduate student was very interested, the time required (particularly the on-campus time during full scale construction) led him to choose another topic. To complete the work, a fifth-year, Mechanical Engineering senior has been employed. Brett Fullerton has already completed his senior project which involved submergence plane performance experiments done in the UNH flume. He is very capable, has already participated in several BDII field experiments, and wants the experience of designing and building a complete system.

D. Anticipated Success in Meeting Project Objectives in Scheduled Project Period

The project, as defined in the proposal, is on schedule. It may, however, be desirable to add to the task list and continue project momentum through the end of the summer.

E. Preliminary Data

Based on the physical model observations, the extension of the BD concept from 40 feet to 100 feet appears feasible and no fundamental difficulties are expected. The success of the barge deployment shows that these systems have the speed and ease of handling required of emergency, oil spill response equipment.

II. Tasks and Activities for the Next Reporting Period

1. Tasks

   The next major tasks are constructing and field testing the 100 foot BDIII. The last project task is the preparation of a final report.

2. Work Plan to Accomplish Tasks

   Design drawings will be reviewed by the project team before preparing shop drawings and specifications for the bidding process. Contracts will be awarded to outside vendors for the aluminum longitudinals, air inflated buoyancy and the fabric work. After parts are delivered, the system will be assembled in the Ocean Engineering Building at UNH. Field testing will be done in cooperation with Portsmouth Towing and the PRC. Project results will be summarized in a final report.

3. Expenditures

   The project is within budget.

References

Celikkol, B., M.R. Swift, C.W. Doane and M. Ozyalvac (2000) "Fast Water, Flexible, Submergence Plane Oil Containment Technology", Oil Spills in the Mediterranean and Black Sea Regions, Bogazici University Printing Office, 113-124.

Swift, M.R., P. Dugan, P. Nourse, R. Steen and B. Celikkol (2001) "Flexible, Submergence Plane Oil Containment Systems" accepted for publication in the proceedings of the International Oil Spill Conference, Tampa, Florida, March 26-29, 2001.