Abstract
It is now common practice to use disc skimming systems to recover oil floating on the surface of water. However, the performance of these devices is dependent on a large number of parameters and is certainly not understood completely. This paper describes a fundamental study in which experimental techniques have been developed to enable the performance of model skimmers to be measured. This has enabled the importance of the various parameters to be examined in a more systematic and detailed way than ever before.
Based upon an improved understanding of the flow behaviour inherent in the oil collection process, a number of enhanced disc skimming systems are discussed. Results are presented for these systems to show the capabilities of the new forms of disc skimmer when operated as oil recovery devices.