BS ISO 21072-3:2020

What is ISO 21072‑3 about?  

ISO 21072-3 is an International Standard that discusses the performance testing of oil skimmers used in marine pollution control. 

ISO 21072-3 is the third part in the multi-series of documents that specifies a methodology for establishing quantitative performance data for oil skimmers for recovery of oil with high 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 21072-3 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 highly viscous 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 21072-3 can only be used for the skimming device as such, not for the entire skimming system. 

Who is ISO 21072‑3 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 professionals for testing of 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 21072‑3 helps judge, compare and evaluate the design and performance of skimmers by using the methodology given in it. 

Test guidelines given in ISO 21072‑3, helps quality control professionals in testing that the provided requirements concerning 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 21072‑3, testing can establish quantitative performance data of the following parameters: 

• Test oil properties 
• Oil slick thickness 
• Skimmer operating parameters 
• Debris interference 
• Forward movement of the skimmer through slick 

ISO 21072-3 also covers the method of calculating the fluid recovery rate (FRR), oil recovery testing rate (ORTR), and oil recovery efficiency (ORE). 

Overall, compliance with test methodologies under ISO 21072‑3 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 21072‑3:2020 supersedes BS ISO 21072‑3:2010. BS ISO 21072‑3:2020 includes the following technical change: 

• The focus of this second edition continues to address testing oil skimmers in high viscosity oil, but due to the withdrawal of ISO 20172-1:2019, the following from ISO 20172-1:2019 has been added: the terms and definitions 3.2 through 3.10, and Subclause 4.4, “Oil slick thickness”