Laboratory tests indicated the feasibility of recovering 50,000 gal. of oil per hour using a series of powdered metal discs approximately 7 ft. in diameter and 12 ft. long. Testing included various oils ranging from light diesel oil to Bunker 'C' grade oil. Oil spread as thinly as 1.5 mm in thickness was amenable to collection, but recovery efficiency greatly improved with increased thickness. Herding of the oil with booms, as well as current, whether natural or caused by towing the disc unit through the oil, were shown to increase the oil thickness. Oil starvation, in the form of insufficient oil contacting the disc was shown to be a significant problem, but recovered oil still contained only around 2% moisture, eliminating the need for a separator. Wave action was shown to actually enhance pick-up.

"July 1971." U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Contract No. Contract Number: 14-12-883. Includes bibliographical references (page 123).