Coordinating Support of Fuels and Lubricant Research and Development (R&D) 2, Delivery Order 0001: Water Separation Methods Study

THE MSRC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: AN UPDATE ON PROGRESS

International Oil Spill Conference Proceedings ◽

10.7901/2169-3358-1993-1-537 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 1993 (1) ◽

pp. 537-540

Author(s):

F. Rainer Engelhardt

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Remote Sensing ◽

Research And Development ◽

Oil Spill ◽

Development Program ◽

The United States ◽

Development Cooperation ◽

Water Separation ◽

Oil Water

ABSTRACT The research and development program of the Marine Spill Response Corporation is solidly under way in a variety of project areas. These include remote sensing, in-situ burning, dispersants, oil/water separation, countermeasures effectiveness, bioremediation, and evaluation of spill effects. More than thirty projects have been contracted. Among these are remote sensing studies, which started with in-depth market analyses, technical feasibility evaluations, and field studies. The remote sensing program is engaged in rapid development of a research test bed system, as well as longer-term studies on sensor development and use of satellite systems. In-situ burning studies included a detailed analysis of operational feasibility and information needs; preparations are being made for test burns at sea and improvements of fire-resistant barrier systems. Studies are underway on both aerial dispersant application system development and dispersant effects in selected environments. Studies have commenced on the development of oil/water separators for vessels of opportunity used in oil spill response, as well as the related issue of demulsification. The effectiveness of spill countermeasures is being investigated from both engineering and ecological perspectives. Bioremediation projects are under way to promote the development of test systems and on shoreline test sites. Interest continues in test spills in the marine environment, including participation in experimental spills outside the United States and a search for possible scenarios where such field experiments can be carried out in United States waters. In all of these project areas, the research and development program stresses information transfer by way of meetings and publications, and is initiating publication of a peer reviewed international journal on oil spill science and technology. Working collaboration with other organizations at federal and state levels, as well as internationally, has been established under a variety of agreements and understandings for research and development cooperation.

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