BS ISO 21072-3:2020 - Ships and Marine Technology: Marine Environment Protection

Performance Testing of Oil Skimmers for High Viscosity Oil

In the ever-evolving world of marine technology, the protection of our marine environment stands as a paramount concern. The BS ISO 21072-3:2020 standard is a crucial document that addresses this concern by providing comprehensive guidelines for the performance testing of oil skimmers, specifically designed to handle high viscosity oil. Released on September 22, 2020, this standard is an essential resource for professionals in the maritime industry who are committed to environmental protection and sustainability.

Key Features of BS ISO 21072-3:2020

• Standard Number: BS ISO 21072-3:2020
• Pages: 20
• Release Date: 2020-09-22
• ISBN: 978 0 539 12861 1
• Status: Standard

This standard is meticulously crafted to ensure that oil skimmers, which are vital tools in the cleanup of oil spills, are tested for their efficiency and effectiveness in dealing with high viscosity oils. High viscosity oils pose a unique challenge due to their thick, sticky nature, which can complicate the skimming process. The BS ISO 21072-3:2020 standard provides a structured approach to evaluate the performance of these skimmers, ensuring they meet the necessary criteria to operate effectively in real-world conditions.

Why is This Standard Important?

The marine environment is a delicate ecosystem that requires diligent protection from pollutants such as oil spills. Oil skimmers play a critical role in mitigating the impact of these spills by removing oil from the water's surface. However, not all skimmers are created equal, and their performance can vary significantly depending on the type of oil they are dealing with. High viscosity oils, in particular, can be challenging to manage due to their density and adhesive properties.

The BS ISO 21072-3:2020 standard provides a rigorous framework for testing oil skimmers, ensuring they are capable of handling these challenging conditions. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers and operators can be confident that their equipment will perform effectively, minimizing environmental damage and aiding in the swift recovery of affected marine areas.

Comprehensive Testing Procedures

The standard outlines detailed testing procedures that simulate real-world conditions, providing a reliable measure of a skimmer's performance. These procedures include:

• Assessment of skimmer efficiency in various oil viscosities.
• Evaluation of recovery rates and operational effectiveness.
• Analysis of skimmer durability and maintenance requirements.

By following these procedures, stakeholders can ensure that their oil skimmers are not only compliant with international standards but also optimized for peak performance in challenging environments.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS ISO 21072-3:2020 standard is an invaluable resource for a wide range of professionals within the maritime industry, including:

• Marine environmental protection agencies
• Oil spill response teams
• Manufacturers of oil skimming equipment
• Maritime safety and compliance officers

By implementing the guidelines set forth in this standard, these professionals can enhance their operational capabilities, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle oil spills effectively and efficiently.

Conclusion

The BS ISO 21072-3:2020 standard is a testament to the ongoing commitment to marine environmental protection. By providing a robust framework for the performance testing of oil skimmers, it ensures that these critical tools are up to the task of managing high viscosity oil spills. For those in the maritime industry, this standard is not just a guideline but a vital component of their environmental protection strategy.

Embrace the BS ISO 21072-3:2020 standard and be part of the global effort to safeguard our oceans and marine life from the devastating effects of oil pollution. With this standard, you can be confident in your ability to respond to oil spills with efficiency and effectiveness, preserving the beauty and health of our marine environments for future generations.

BS ISO 21072-3:2020

This standard BS ISO 21072-3:2020 Ships and marine technology. Marine environment protection: performance testing of oil skimmers is classified in these ICS categories:

• 13.020.99 Other standards related to environmental protection
• 47.020.99 Other standards related to shipbuilding and marine structures

This document specifies a methodology for establishing quantitative performance data for oil skimmers for recovery of oil with high viscosity (above 50 000 cP), so the end user can objectively judge, compare and evaluate the design and performance of different skimmers. The methodology applies to testing in a basin and requires control of oil properties and oil slick characteristics.

The method is applicable to all types of skimmers provided that the equipment dimensions are within the physical limitations of the test basin. The test procedure provides full-scale test results for the unit tested, under controlled conditions, and for one or more classes of highly viscous oil. Attention is drawn to the care required when applying the test results to predict a realistic skimmer performance under field conditions.

For dedicated/in-built systems, the test procedures outlined in this document are only applicable to the skimming device as such, not to the entire skimming system.