- Pneumatic barrier
A pneumatic barrier is a method of containing
oil spill s. Air bubbling through a perforated pipe causes an upward water flow that slows the spread of oil. It can also be used to stopfish from entering polluted water.A pneumatic barrier is an "active" (as opposed to "passive") method of waterway oil spill control. (An example of a passive method would be a boom).
Method of operation
The pneumatic barrier consists of perforated pipe and a compressed air source. Air escaping from the pipe provides a "hump" of rising water and air which contains the oil spill. Anchors keeping the pipe in a decided spot are helpful.
Unique considerations
At water current speeds exceeding one foot per second, the pneumatic barrier no longer functions effectively, limiting deployable sites.
Environmental issues
The release of compressed air in the water adds oxygen to the local environment. This may be particularly useful in an area which has become a dead zone due to
eutrophication .Controversy
Like all active systems of any type, a mechanical failure can result in total failure of protection.
External links
* [http://www.rpi.edu/dept/chem-eng/Biotech-Environ/Environmental/boom.html A term paper on the subject published by Brett M. Durham]
* [http://stinet.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0719278 A U.S. government paper]
* [http://www.pubs.asce.org/WWWdisplay.cgi?0103774 Pneumatic Barrier and Beach Pollution] : anASCE paper
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