Oil Spill Response Research, Testing and Training Facility
The project will build a research and testing environment for practical oil spill response in Kotka.
The test environment, which will be converted from a waste water basin, will enrich the University of Applied Sciences’ already strong expertise in oil spill response research and training.
The training and testing facility is the first where real oils can be used
From a waste water basin to an oil spill response basin
The oil spill testing and training basin was built from a decommissioned wastewater aeration basin of Kymen Vesi Ltd.
The modification of the basin started in autumn 2019 with the dewatering of the basin. The previous internal structures of the basin, namely the partition walls and aeration cells, were dismantled and the front wall of the basin was lowered.
The interior of the basin was washed and a 75 square metre level was built on pillars to serve as a working platform. In this way, the oil processing functions could be placed inside the basin structure. The platform was constructed of chemical-resistant concrete and painted. The main basin was mechanically protected against oil penetration, first with containment booms and later with fixed covers.
Once the structures were completed, the basin was filled with water. The total volume of water was 2000 cubic metres and the water depth was three metres. The water depth and the 660 square metres of the basin allow the use of full-scale oil spill response equipment. Smaller oil recovery vessels are also deployable in the basin if required.
All oil operations are performed inside the basin structure
Once the structural modifications were completed, the area was equipped.
For oil spill response training and testing, the area was provided with, among other things, oil separation equipment, a boom crane, and intermediate storage tanks and reservoirs. In addition, three smaller aluminium-framed test tanks and oil spill response and recovery equipment with power packs. Some of the booms, skimmers and fuels were obtained as donations from stakeholders.
The basin is available for training in oil spill response techniques, equipment operation training and product and equipment testing.
More than a dozen pilots have been carried out during the project to test the suitability of the site, which also provided information for studies to assess the need for an environmental permit.
Project objectives and activities
Testing and exercise objectives
The testing environment allows the application of the actual oil. The environment can be used to test and practice
- the operation of oil recovery equipment
- the performance of absorption products
- oiled shoreline clean-up techniques
- the use of boom equipment
- oil spill detection (e.g. RPAS reconnaissance and detection sensors)
- response in icy conditions
- the most appropriate and safe way to operate.
Activities with timetables
- Further definition of the functionalities and technical requirements of the oil spill response test environment (autumn 2019 – summer 2020)
- Deployment of the test basin and evaluation of user experience (summer 2020 – summer 2021)
- Piloting of research and testing services (spring – autumn 2021)
- Creation of a permanent operational concept (summer – autumn 2021)
- Final reporting (winter 2022).
Publications
New Oil Spill Response Testing and Training Facility Established in Kotka
More publications in Finnish language.
Contact
Facts
Oil Spill Response Research, Testing and Training Facility
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