Using the BSEE-Ohmsett developed sorbent field-scale test protocol in the Ohmsett high bay, BSEE investigated sorbent efficacy when exposed to three (3) categories of Dielectric fluids used in offshore wind farms.

How can sensing technology for surface water dispersant monitoring be practically implemented to measure droplet size distribution in the event of an accidental oil discharge? That’s the question this week’s tank test set out to answer. During the week-long research project, the Ohmsett staff assisted BSEE and NJIT scientists as they continue to test a variety of sensors to measure droplet size distribution, fluorescence, and determine which approaches are the most successful at evaluating the presence of oil droplets in the water column.

Continuing decades-long research on effective technologies for in-situ burn, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) developed the Flame Refluxer™ technology that could potentially burn off spilled oil quickly while lowering levels of harmful pollutants. It was evaluated at Ohmsett for buoyancy and behavior in waves.

In collaboration with TEAMER and the University College Cork, Ireland, Ohmsett conducted tank testing of OceanEnergy’s 1:15 scale floating oscillating water column wave energy converter. On the tank, the converter was studied for operational and structural performance.

During an oil spill response training class, students learn to operate skimmers in calm conditions and waves.

During a hands-on oil spill response training class, students learn to operate various types of skimmers in an oil at the north end of the Ohmsett Test Tank.

Lowering a heavy piece of equipment into the Ohmsett tank with a pulley system

A beautiful panoramic view of the Ohmsett tank and facility