mechanical equipment for their deployment and retrieval. Alternatively, 

 multiple anchors may be used in tandem. 



Evaluation of the Sorbent Distribution System 



The original Work Breakdown Structure on the Sorbent Distribution 

 System, reference 3, was reduced in scope in order not to duplicate the 

 work completed earlier by NAVWESA, reference 8. This earlier work showed 

 that the sorbent distribution system was satisfactory in all respects 

 except that it generated unacceptable amounts of dust under wind conditions . 

 Accordingly, the CEL test consisted of building a hopper, referred to here 

 as a bin, of about the same dimensions as the one tested in reference 8, 

 modifying the bin to reduce dust under wind conditions, and then subjecting 

 the designed hardware to a laboratory test and evaluation. 



Three modifications were tried; (1) using a cover to reduce the top 

 opening of the bin, (2) adding a tapered hopper on top of the bin, and 

 (3) a sorbent material-loader boot assembly mounted on the bin. The 

 construction drawing of the bin and the tapered hopper is given in Figure 

 3 3 whereas the construction drawing of the boot is included in Figure 

 34. There are two items of special interest in these designs. 



a. The horizontal grate in the bin opening was designed to ensure 

 that if the sorbent bag were released or dropped accidentally, it 

 would not affect the agitator mechanism of the bin. 



b. The hopper and the boot assemblies were designed high enough so 

 that the filling-up operation is conducted by the operator from the 

 standing position which is easier and safer, rather than the knee- 

 bent position. 



An air speed of 15 knots generated by a blower to simulate ambient 

 winds was considered adequate for these tests. The air speed was measured 

 by an Alnor Thermo-Ajiemometer, type 8500. The determination of the 

 effectiveness of these modifications in reducing the dust level was 

 carried out visually. 



The first test consisted of pouring a 4-cu ft, 24-lb bag of 

 EKOPERL, manufactured by Metropolitan Petroleum Petrochemicals Co., Inc., 

 25 Caven Point Road, Jersey City, N.J. , 07305, into the bin through the 

 grate. Prior to pouring the sorbent, the blower speed was adjusted to 

 simulate a 15-knot wind condition at the bin. After holding the EKOPERL 

 bag on the bin's grate, the operator sliced open the bag with a knife. 

 The bin is shown in Figure 35. Although the dust level is not visible in 

 Figure 35, visual observations and a motion picture record clearly showed 

 that the dust level was high and not likely to be acceptable. It required 

 one man approximately 40 seconds to completely empty one bag of EKOPERL 

 into the bin . 



33 



