Oil Recovery Performance of the Lockheed Disc-Drum Device - A Parametric Study

Using test data obtained over the last few years, parameters affecting oil recovery performance of Lockheed disc-drum devices are investigated. Full-scale test results of the prototype High Seas Oil Recovery System (HSORS) showed very high recovery rates over a wide range of oil properties and thicknesses including thin slicks. Measured recovery rates exceeded 1,000 gal/min with less than 7 percent water pickup. The full-scale prototype tests were conducted at outdoor facilities at Battelle-Northwest and EPA's OHMSETT in calm water and waves, with and without oil, and with and without forward way. The effects of ambient temperature variations on oil properties and test conditions were carefully accounted for during data analyses. Earlier, a smaller size disc-drum device was tested to provide support and planning information for the prototype tests. Peak recovery rates were obtained for oil viscosity of approximately 200 to 1,500 centistokes. The recovery rate increased with oil layer thickness. Optimum disc rotation rate increased with relative current speeds. Relative current speeds improved the oil feeding rate and subsequently the recovery rate. Motions of the device in waves did not appear to significantly influence the recovery rate. Elevation of the recovered oil collecting trough above the water surface slightly improved the recovery rate for stationary operations. Some theoretical claims by Leibovich for a similar disc-drum device are found to be contradicted by the full-scale prototype test data, and are corrected. Disc-drum devices of different sizes have been operating successfully in harbors, ports, open seas, refineries, food processing plants, steel mills, railroad maintenance yards, and many other applications throughout the world.