Abstract |
The substantial momentum output of large volume, high pressure water nozzles can be used to establish surface currents which are helpful in controlling floating oil. When these induced currents have components opposite to the ambient current, a turbulent rip zone is established where the opposing currents cancel. It is mainly by means of this zone that oil slicks may be influenced in a useful way. An empirical relationship for the distance between the impact point of the stream and the rip zone, as a function of nozzle output and natural current speed, has been determined and compared with a theoretical prediction based on a simplified model. Techniques for the use of such large volume, high velocity water streams to control oil are described and their limitations are discussed. (Modified author abstract) |