Status of the program mechanical recovery in ice-infested waters (MORICE) - Phase Three: Quantitative tests

Development of technology for the recovery of oil spills in ice- infested waters is described. Phase One of MORICE consisted of a study of the fundamental aspects of oil recovery in ice and investigation of technological options. Phase Two was devoted to a qualitative assessment of the concepts developed in Phase One. This paper describes Phase Three, the current phase of the project which is concerned with a quantitative assessment of two of the most promising concepts previously identified. The two concepts described in general terms in this paper are the Lifting Grated Belt and the Brush Drum concepts. Both concepts are considered to provide effective methods to deal with oil spills in ice. Considering the conditions and the amount of oil present, recovery rates were good for both systems. Phase Four will involve the design and construction of prototypes. Phase Five is planned as a field test of one or more prototypes under controlled but realistic conditions involving experimental oil spills in ice. 4 refs., 5 figs