Author(s)

F. Muttin, F. Guyot, S. Nouchi & B. Variot

Abstract

The oil spills consecutive to the shipwrecks of ERIKA and PRESTIGE, showed the efficiency limits of oil spill booms. It is admitted that a stream higher than 1 knot causes oil flight. This study presents a physical modelling upon complementary aspects. The objective is to reinforce the boom efficiency. Firstly, numerical and experimental tests in a vertical 2D section are described. The tests are made on a reduced scale model in fresh water, with plant oils. Secondly, a simplified structural model for the boom is presented. The equilibrium of a chain, with articulated bodies, gives the equilibrium equations in 3D. This provides the equilibrium shape of the boom and the possible flight of the boom in terms of stream velocity. Finally, an optimisation procedure of the boom plan is described. It t

Keywords