What is ISO 21072‑2 about?
ISO 21072 is an International Standard on the performance testing of oil skimmers used for marine pollution control.
ISO 21072-2 is the second part in the multi-series of International Standard that specifies a methodology for establishing quantitative performance data for oil skimmers for recovery of oil with a light and medium viscosity (up to 50 000 cP).
The methodology applies to testing in a basin and requires control of oil properties and oil slick characteristics.
ISO 21072-2 provides methods for carrying out and recording results of full-scale tests for a skimmer under a variety of test conditions, where there is limited or no access to specialist test facilities.
The method applies to all types of skimmers provided that the equipment dimensions are within the physical limitations of the test basin. The test procedure provides the full-scale test results for the unit tested, under controlled conditions, and for one or more classes of oil. Attention is drawn to the care required when applying the test results to predict skimmer performance under field conditions.
Note: For dedicated/in-built systems, the test procedures outlined in ISO 21072-2 can only be used for the skimming device as such, not for the entire skimming system.
Who is ISO 21072‑2 for?
ISO 21072‑2 on performance testing of oil skimmers is useful for:
- Ships and marine technology providers
- Manufacturers of oil skimmers
- Design engineers
- Marine engineers
- Quality control personnel for testing viscosity of oil
Why should you use ISO 21072‑2?
Viscosity determines the lubricant’s strength and efficiency in preventing friction between moving parts of ships and vessels. The guidelines provided in ISO 21072‑2 helps judge, compare and evaluate the design and performance of skimmers by using the methodology given in it.
Test guidelines given in ISO 21072‑2, helps quality control professionals in testing that the provided requirements for oil properties are met and hence they ensure in maintaining the water temperature in the test basin at a selected test temperature with a maximum variation of +/-2°C.
Through ISO 21072‑2, testing can establish quantitative performance data of the following parameters:
- Test oil properties
- Oil slick thickness
- Skimmer operating parameters
- Debris interference
ISO 21072-2 also covers the method of calculating the fluid recovery rate (FRR), emulsification factor (EF), oil recovery rate (ORE) and recovery efficiency (RE).
Overall, compliance with test methodologies under ISO 21072‑2 can help you select the optimal oil skimmer for your specific end-application needs. With the right equipment, you can manage the oil effectively while saving time and money and also minimize the risk of environmental pollution.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS ISO 21072‑2:2020 supersedes BS ISO 21072‑2:2009. BS ISO 21072‑2:2020 includes some technical changes for BS ISO 21072‑2:2009. This includes:
- Due to the withdrawal of BS ISO 21072‑1, the focus of the second edition of BS ISO 21072‑2:2020 is to address testing oil skimmers in both low and medium viscosities of oil, in lieu of the procedures provided in the original BS ISO 21072‑1 and BS ISO 21072‑2, which addressed testing in moving and static water conditions, respectively. This brings BS ISO 21072‑2 in line with the remaining BS ISO 21072‑3, dealing with high viscosity oil