ISO 21072-2:2020

Overview

ISO 21072-2:2020 - Ships and marine technology: Marine environment protection - Performance testing of oil skimmers (Part 2: Light and medium viscosity oil) defines a standardized, repeatable methodology for full‑scale basin testing of oil skimmers handling light and medium viscosity oils (up to 50 000 cP). The standard establishes how to measure and report quantitative skimmer performance so end users can objectively compare designs and validate recovery capability under controlled test conditions. It applies to all skimmer types that fit within the physical limits of the test basin and clarifies limitations when extrapolating results to field operations.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test scope and applicability: Basin-based performance testing for oils up to 50 000 cP; applicable to individual skimming devices (not entire in‑built systems).
• Measured performance parameters: Definitions and measurement requirements for Fluid Recovery Rate (FRR), Oil Recovery Rate (ORR), Recovery Efficiency (RE) and Emulsification Factor (EF).
• Test facility controls:
  • Maintain oil properties and monitor oil/emulsion viscosity at specified shear rates.
  • Water temperature control (maintain within ±2 °C); tests performed ≥3 °C above oil pour point.
  • Oil slick thickness measurement with proven accuracy (±2 %).
  • Calibrated measuring tanks sized to ensure accurate data collection periods.
• Clearance and physical limits: Sufficient clearance between skimmer and basin walls; minimum clearance at any point ≥50 % of the skimmer’s maximum width; free‑float capability maintained.
• Test procedure and quality control: Preparation, steady‑state data collection, repetitions, and documentation requirements to ensure reproducible, comparable results.
• Reporting requirements: Detailed recording of oil properties, environmental parameters, skimmer operating settings and calculated performance metrics.

Applications and users

ISO 21072-2 is practical for:

• Manufacturers of oil skimmers validating product claims and improving design.
• Oil spill response organizations and maritime authorities selecting and comparing skimming equipment.
• Test laboratories and marine engineering facilities conducting standardized oil skimmer testing.
• Procurement teams requiring objective performance data for equipment selection in marine pollution control and emergency response planning.

The standard supports better decision‑making in oil spill response equipment selection and helps translate lab results into procurement specifications. Note: the standard cautions users about the care required when predicting field performance from basin tests.

Related standards

• ISO 21072 series - other parts address different test conditions (e.g., high‑viscosity oils in ISO 21072-3).
• ISO 16165 - vocabulary relating to oil spill response, referenced for terms and definitions.

Keywords: ISO 21072-2:2020, oil skimmer testing, skimmer performance testing, marine environment protection, light and medium viscosity oil, oil recovery rate, recovery efficiency, oil spill response.