PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a method for the prompt intervention and remediation of tanker wrecks, for recovering the fuel trapped in their tanks.Design/methodology/approachThe environmental conditions, the functional specifications, the conceptual and preliminary design, the computational methods (fluid/structure interaction, computational fluid dynamics analysis and finite element analysis), the hydrodynamic scale model tests and the dynamic response analysis are included in this research paper.FindingsThe paper provides analytical and numerical tools for the response of subsea structures. These tools were calibrated by hydrodynamic scale model tests and extrapolated for different depths (shallow, deep water and ultra deep water).Research limitations/implicationsThe method is applicable as long as the trapped pollutant does not dissolve and is of lower density than the sea water.Originality/valueThis paper presents a new structure for the oil recovery from shipwrecks, which is simple and quickly deployed.

No abstract

A method for the prompt and cost-effective intervention and remediation of tanker wrecks dealing with eventual leaks and recovering the fuel trapped in their tanks, even at considerable depths, is described. The method is of general applicability as long as the trapped pollutant does not dissolve and is of lower density than sea water. It relies on gravity to channel the flow of spilt fuel towards the surface. Instead of channeling the flow directly to the surface, the fuel-water mix is directed to a buffer reservoir/separator some 30–50 m below the sea surface so as not to be affected by rough weather. This is achieved by means of a light, quickly deployable flexible structure that should stay in place until all the tanks of the wreck are emptied and the pollution threat eliminated. The buffer reservoir, into which the spilt fuel is channelled, is provided with standard equipment through which shuttle vessels, weather permitting, can recover the fuel rapidly, using standard off-shore equipment and procedures.

The ambition of the CA3ViAR project is to design an open test case fan that experiences instability mechanisms, which are representative for ultra-high bypass ratio (UHBR) fans of civil aircrafts, and to perform a comprehensive experimental investigation to measure aerodynamic, aeroelastic and aeroacoustic performance in a wide range of operational conditions. Experimental tests will be performed in the Propulsion-Test-Facility (PTF) of the Institute of Jet Propulsion and Turbomachinery (IFAS) of Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany. The final objective of the project is to provide an open test case for the entire research community, with geometries, numerical and experimental results to establish a new reference for composite UHBR fan design. This will support the development of new methods and tools for the development of safer, lighter and more efficient composite fans for greener UHBR engines. In this work the preliminary design of the low transonic fan (LTF) to be used as test article, whose main requirement is to be operated in a safe and controlled way in conditions of aerodynamic and/or aeroelastic instability during wind tunnel operations, is presented. More in particular, consolidated aerodynamic design, strategy adopted to drive the structural design, flutter analysis taking into account acoustic reflection at the intake, dynamic and stress analyses, as well as aeroacoustic measurement optimization are presented and discussed. The preliminary mechanical design of composite blades and the rotor hub, together with the rotor instrumentation and related studies to embed sensors in the composite blades, are also part of this article, and complemented by manufacturing trials and demonstration tests give the full picture of all the project activities up to the preliminary design review.

No abstract