ASTM F631-15(2020)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Collecting Skimmer Performance Data in Controlled Environments
Standard Guide for Collecting Skimmer Performance Data in Controlled Environments
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide provides quantitative data in the form of oil recovery rates, throughput efficiencies, and oil recovery efficiencies under controlled test conditions. The data can be used for evaluating design characteristics of a particular spill removal device or as a means of comparing two or more devices. Caution must be exercised whenever test data are used to predict performance in actual spill situations as the uncontrolled environmental conditions that affect performance in the field are rarely identical to conditions in the test tank. Other variables such as mechanical reliability, presence of debris, ease of repair, ease of deployment, required operator training, operator fatigue, seaworthiness, and transportability also affect performance in an actual spill but are not measured by this guide. These variables should be considered along with the test data when making comparisons or evaluations of spill removal devices.
SCOPE
1.1 This standard provides a guide for determining performance parameters of full-scale oil spill removal devices in recovering floating oil when tested in controlled environments.
1.2 This guide involves the use of specific test oils that may be considered hazardous materials after testing is completed. It is the responsibility of the user of this guide to procure and abide by the necessary permits for disposal of the used test oil.
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Mar-2020
- Technical Committee
- F20 - Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response
- Drafting Committee
- F20.12 - Removal
Relations
- Replaces
ASTM F631-15 - Standard Guide for Collecting Skimmer Performance Data in Controlled Environments - Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2020
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2016
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2012
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2012
- Refers
ASTM D971-12 - Standard Test Method for Interfacial Tension of Oil Against Water by the Ring Method - Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2012
Overview
ASTM F631-15(2020): Standard Guide for Collecting Skimmer Performance Data in Controlled Environments provides a structured methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of full-scale oil spill removal devices, commonly known as skimmers, under controlled test conditions. This internationally recognized ASTM standard supports consistent, quantitative data collection related to oil recovery performance, helping industry professionals assess, compare, and select spill response technology. The guide is critical in establishing reliable skimmer performance metrics such as oil recovery rates, throughput efficiency, and oil recovery efficiency.
Key Topics
- Performance Metrics: The standard details how to measure and calculate oil recovery rates, oil slick recovery rates, throughput efficiency, and oil recovery efficiency.
- Test Environments: Guidelines are provided for using wave/tow tanks, current tanks, or similar facilities with controlled variables such as wave conditions, oil slick thickness, and water current.
- Test Oils: Selection and handling of specific test oils, including their viscosity, density, and safety procedures for hazardous material disposal.
- Data Collection and Reporting: Outlines the necessary operational parameters, test variables, measurement techniques, and format for documenting test results.
- Limitations: Stresses the importance of supplementing quantitative performance data with consideration of factors outside controlled tests, such as debris, mechanical reliability, operator training, and field conditions.
Applications
ASTM F631-15(2020) is widely used in the field of oil spill response to:
- Evaluate and Compare Skimmers: Skimmer technologies are rigorously tested and compared using standardized criteria, facilitating objective selection in procurement processes.
- Support Research and Development: Manufacturers use the guide to optimize skimmer designs and demonstrate performance improvements based on standardized testing.
- Regulatory Compliance: Response organizations and agencies rely on data collected per this standard to validate skimmer capabilities for regulatory submission and certification.
- Training and Qualification: Data derived from this standard support operator training programs and help in benchmarking devices against real-world scenarios.
- Risk Management: Stakeholders can make informed equipment deployment decisions by understanding potential variances between controlled test results and actual spill situations.
Related Standards
To ensure robust and consistent test results when following ASTM F631-15(2020), the following related ASTM standards are frequently referenced:
- ASTM D445 – Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids
- ASTM D971 – Test Method for Interfacial Tension of Oil Against Water by the Ring Method
- ASTM D1298 – Test Method for Density, Relative Density, or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products
- ASTM D4007 – Test Method for Water and Sediment in Crude Oil by the Centrifuge Method
- ASTM F625/F625M – Practice for Classifying Water Bodies for Spill Control Systems
Practical Value
Following ASTM F631-15(2020) enables:
- Consistent Skimmer Performance Evaluation: Clear, repeatable methodology to quantify device capabilities.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: Supports procurement, deployment, and regulatory compliance for oil spill response operations.
- Enhanced Oil Spill Preparedness: Provides reliable performance baselines, leading to more effective and rapid environmental response.
By standardizing oil skimmer performance testing in controlled environments, ASTM F631-15(2020) underpins industry best practices in oil spill remediation and supports global environmental protection initiatives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM F631-15(2020) is a guide published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Guide for Collecting Skimmer Performance Data in Controlled Environments". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This guide provides quantitative data in the form of oil recovery rates, throughput efficiencies, and oil recovery efficiencies under controlled test conditions. The data can be used for evaluating design characteristics of a particular spill removal device or as a means of comparing two or more devices. Caution must be exercised whenever test data are used to predict performance in actual spill situations as the uncontrolled environmental conditions that affect performance in the field are rarely identical to conditions in the test tank. Other variables such as mechanical reliability, presence of debris, ease of repair, ease of deployment, required operator training, operator fatigue, seaworthiness, and transportability also affect performance in an actual spill but are not measured by this guide. These variables should be considered along with the test data when making comparisons or evaluations of spill removal devices. SCOPE 1.1 This standard provides a guide for determining performance parameters of full-scale oil spill removal devices in recovering floating oil when tested in controlled environments. 1.2 This guide involves the use of specific test oils that may be considered hazardous materials after testing is completed. It is the responsibility of the user of this guide to procure and abide by the necessary permits for disposal of the used test oil. 1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This guide provides quantitative data in the form of oil recovery rates, throughput efficiencies, and oil recovery efficiencies under controlled test conditions. The data can be used for evaluating design characteristics of a particular spill removal device or as a means of comparing two or more devices. Caution must be exercised whenever test data are used to predict performance in actual spill situations as the uncontrolled environmental conditions that affect performance in the field are rarely identical to conditions in the test tank. Other variables such as mechanical reliability, presence of debris, ease of repair, ease of deployment, required operator training, operator fatigue, seaworthiness, and transportability also affect performance in an actual spill but are not measured by this guide. These variables should be considered along with the test data when making comparisons or evaluations of spill removal devices. SCOPE 1.1 This standard provides a guide for determining performance parameters of full-scale oil spill removal devices in recovering floating oil when tested in controlled environments. 1.2 This guide involves the use of specific test oils that may be considered hazardous materials after testing is completed. It is the responsibility of the user of this guide to procure and abide by the necessary permits for disposal of the used test oil. 1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM F631-15(2020) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.060.30 - Sewage water. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM F631-15(2020) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F631-15, ASTM D445-24, ASTM D2983-23, ASTM D445-23, ASTM D971-20, ASTM D2983-16, ASTM D445-16, ASTM D4007-11(2016), ASTM D445-14e1, ASTM D445-14, ASTM D97-12, ASTM D1298-12a, ASTM D971-12, ASTM D445-12, ASTM D1298-12. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM F631-15(2020) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F631 − 15 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Guide for
Collecting Skimmer Performance Data in Controlled
Environments
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF631;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoptionor,inthecaseofrevision,theyearoflastrevision.Anumberinparenthesesindicatestheyearoflastreapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D1298Test Method for Density, Relative Density, or API
Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Prod-
1.1 This standard provides a guide for determining perfor-
ucts by Hydrometer Method
mance parameters of full-scale oil spill removal devices in
D2983Test Method for Low-Temperature Viscosity of Au-
recoveringfloatingoilwhentestedincontrolledenvironments.
tomaticTransmissionFluids,HydraulicFluids,andLubri-
1.2 Thisguideinvolvestheuseofspecifictestoilsthatmay
cants using a Rotational Viscometer
beconsideredhazardousmaterialsaftertestingiscompleted.It
D4007TestMethodforWaterandSedimentinCrudeOilby
is the responsibility of the user of this guide to procure and
the Centrifuge Method (Laboratory Procedure)
abide by the necessary permits for disposal of the used test oil.
F625/F625MPractice for ClassifyingWater Bodies for Spill
Control Systems
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
asstandard.Nootherunitsofmeasurementareincludedinthis F808Guide for Collecting Skimmer Performance Data in
Uncontrolled Environments (Withdrawn 1997)
standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 3.1.1 data collection period, n—the period of time during a
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
test run when the performance data are recorded.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.2 emulsification factor, n—the increase in total fluids in
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
storage as a result of emulsification by the skimming
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
mechanism, the skimmer pump, or other component of the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
skimmer.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
EF 5 ~WC 2 WC !/~100 2 WC !11 (1)
F 0 F
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
where:
2. Referenced Documents
WC = the final water content %, and
F
WC = the initial water content %.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D97Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products
3.1.3 fluid recovery rate, n—the volume of fluid recovered
D445Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
by the device per unit of time m /h.
andOpaqueLiquids(andCalculationofDynamicViscos-
3.1.4 nameplate recovery rate, n—the maximum skimming
ity)
capacity of a device as stated by the manufacturer.
D971Test Method for Interfacial Tension of Oil Against
3.1.5 oil encounter rate, n—the volume of oil per unit time
Water by the Ring Method
actively directed to the removal mechanism (m /h).
3.1.6 oil recovery effıciency, n—the ratio, expressed as a
percentage, of the volume of oil recovered to the volume of
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F20 on Hazardous
total fluids recovered.
Substances and Oil Spill Responseand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F20.12 on Removal.
3.1.7 oil recovery rate, n—the volume of oil recovered by
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published April 2020. Originally
the device per unit of time (m /h).
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F631–15. DOI:
10.1520/F0631-15R20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F631 − 15 (2020)
3.1.8 oil slick, n—theoilyfluidencounteredbytheskimmer. 6. Interferences
3.1.8.1 Discussion—Most real oil slicks actually are com-
6.1 The table of results (see 13.1) shall address the possi-
posed of various proportions of pure oil, water-in-oil (W/O)
bility of test facility effects. For example, wall effects may
emulsions, and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions; therefore, effi-
interfere hydrodynamically with the device’s performance.
ciencies and other performance criteria must be differentiated
6.2 Careshouldbetakenthatanycontainmentmeansthatis
between those based on the oil slick itself, and those based on
not inherent in the skimming device does not affect the oil
only the water-free oil contained within the oil slick.
distribution to the device.
3.1.9 oil slick encounter rate, n—thevolumeofoilslickper
unit time actively encountered by the skimmer, and therefore,
7. Test Facilities
available for recovery (m /h).
7.1 Severaltypesoftestfacilitiescanbeusedtoconductthe
3.1.10 oil slick recovery effıciency, n—the ratio, expressed
test outlined in this guide.
as a percentage, of the volume of oil slick recovered to the
7.1.1 Wave/Tow Tank—A wave/tow tank has a movable
volume of total fluids recovered.
bridge or other mechanism for towing the test device through
3.1.11 oil slick recovery rate, n—the volume of oil slick
water for the length of the facility. A wave generator may be
removed from the water surface by the skimmer per unit of
installed on one end, or on the side of the facility, or both.
time.
7.1.2 Current Tank—A current tank is a water-filled tank
equipped with a pump or other propulsion system for moving
3.1.12 oil slick thickness, n—theaveragethicknessoftheoil
the water through a test section where the test device is
slick encountered by the test device (mm).
mounted.Awavegeneratormaybeinstalledonthistypeoftest
3.1.13 test fluid, n—the oil or oil/water mixture distributed
facility.
on the water of the test facility and presented to the spill
7.1.3 Other facilities, such as private ponds or flumes, may
removal device for recovery.
also be used, provided the test parameters can be suitably
3.1.14 throughput effıciency, n—the ratio, expressed as a
controlled.
percentage,ofthevolumeofoilrecoveredtothevolumeofoil
7.2 Ancillary systems for facilities include, but are not
encountered.
limited to, a distribution system for accurately delivering oils
tothewatersurface,skimmingsystemstoassistincleaningthe
4. Significance and Use
facilitybetweentests,andadequatetankageforstoringthetest
4.1 This guide provides quantitative data in the form of oil
oils.
recovery rates, throughput efficiencies, and oil recovery effi-
ciencies under controlled test conditions.The data can be used
8. Test Oils
for evaluating design characteristics of a particular spill re-
8.1 Testoilsforusewiththisguideshouldbeselectedtofall
movaldeviceorasameansofcomparingtwoormoredevices.
within the parameters specified in Appendix X1. These oils
Caution must be exercised whenever test data are used to
may be crude, refined, or simulated.
predict performance in actual spill situations as the uncon-
8.2 If test oils vary significantly from the recommended
trolled environmental conditions that affect performance in the
ranges, the test report shall discuss the implications of such
field are rarely identical to conditions in the test tank. Other
deviations on the performance of the device.
variables such as mechanical reliability, presence of debris,
ease of repair, ease of deployment, required operator training,
8.3 The viscosity of oil varies greatly with temperature.
operator fatigue, seaworthiness, and transportability also affect
Frequently test oils must be distributed in the test facility at
performance in an actual spill but are not measured by this
temperatures different from the water temperature. When this
guide.Thesevariablesshouldbeconsideredalongwiththetest
occurs, the oil generally will approach the surface water
datawhenmakingcomparisonsorevaluationsofspillremoval
temperature.
devices.
8.4 If oils that originally meet the conditions stated in
Appendix X1 are reused, their properties may change and
5. Summary of Guide
should be evaluated prior to reuse.
5.1 The spill removal device may be tested in a wave/tow
tank or other facility that is suitable for controlling the
9. Safety Precautions
appropriate test parameters. Significant testing results can be
9.1 Test operations shall conform to established safety (and
obtained using simple test tanks or ponds, particularly when
regulatory) requirements for both test facility operations and
calm water and low velocity advancing tests are desired as an
oil handling. Particular caution must be exercised when han-
economical means to screen and compare devices. Controlled
dling flammable or toxic test oils.
test variables include relative velocity, oil properties and slick
thickness,waveconditions,andpertinentdevicevariables.Itis
10. Test Device
essentialthatthedevicebeoperatedinasteady-statecondition
during the sampling period when oil encounter rate, recovery 10.1 The test device shall be deployed in accordance with
rate, recovery efficiency, and device parameters are monitored, facility operating characteristics. The device must be operated
measured, and recorded. in accordance with the manufacturer’s specified operating
F631 − 15 (2020)
instructions with respect to mechanical operations and estab- through a flowmeter to obtain a flow rate and sampled
lished maintenance routines. Modifications to the device, in periodically to obtain the oil-to-fluid ratio. Alternatively, the
any modification from commercial design, shall be recorded discharge may be diverted into calibrated sample tanks from
with the test results. whichtheflowrateandoil-to-fluidratiomaybedetermined.In
either case, the data collection period begins when sampling
10.2 The make and model of the device, its nameplate
startsandendswhensamplingstops.Duringthedatacollection
recovery rate, and any other identifying specifications shall be
period or immediately thereafter, measure and record the
recorded with the test results.
following parameters:
12.2.1 Test fluid distribution rate (m /h),
11. Test Variables
12.2.2 Fluid recovery rate (oil and water) (m /h),
11.1 Attheoutsetofthetest,theindependentorcontroltest
12.2.3 Tow speed or current speed (m/s),
parameters are selected. The test evaluator should include a
12.2.4 Wave characteristics (s
...
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