Ohmsett – The National Oil Spill Response Research & Renewable Energy Test Facility Provides Independent And Objective Performance Testing Of Full-Scale Oil Spill Response Equipment And Marine Renewable Energy Systems (Wave Energy Conversion Devices), And Helps Improve Technologies Through Research And Development.

It Is The Largest Outdoor Saltwater Wave/Tow Tank Facility In North America And Is The Only Facility Where Full-Scale Oil Spill Response Equipment Testing, Research, And Training Can Be Conducted In A Marine Environment With Oil Under Controlled Environmental Conditions (Waves And Oil Types). With Recent Emphasis On Developing Renewable Energy Sources, Ohmsett'S Mission Has Expanded To Offer A Research And Testing Venue For Wave Energy Conversion Devices.

The Facility, Located An Hour South Of New York City, In Leonardo, New Jersey, Is Maintained And Operated By The U.S. Department Of Interior'S Bureau Of Safety And Environmental Enforcement (Bsee) Through A Contract With Mar (Md) Llc Of Rockville, Maryland.

Ohmsett's unique testing venue plays an essential role in the development of new technology. We provide the perfect opportunity to evaluate new designs and prototypes, and to test the efficiency of new oil spill devices against a wide range of controlled oil spills with known characteristics. Ohmsett allows manufacturers the opportunity to learn more about their product by testing in real environmental conditions and real-time data analysis for equipment designers, allowing them to redesign and develop more effective procedures for responding to future oil spills.

The facility also supports research projects to study oil behavior, pumping strategies, towing forces, oil/mineral aggregates, bio-fuels, remote sensors, submerged and sunken oil, and chemical dispersants, to name just a few. Current researchers have included government agencies, universities, private companies and environmental research organizations.

Testing

Unlike field testing, researchers using Ohmsett's facilities are able to control test conditions. Our large test tank can accommodate full-size equipment. Therefore, testing at Ohmsett produces more accurate and reliable results while avoiding the need for scale models. And, unlike tests that use popcorn, oranges, or other biodegradable substitutes for oil, equipment testing at Ohmsett can be evaluated under authentic conditions using real oil. 

Ohmsett's objective experts are available to help response companies with pre-purchase testing of equipment, and to assist manufacturers with product testing and improvements. Real-world spill conditions are created in a the test basin where equipment or remediation techniques are evaluated and confidently translated to field use. Our facility has proven to be the ideal facility for testing and analyzing the practical effectiveness of equipment such as booms, skimmers, sorbents, temporary storage devices, pumping systems, and remote sensing devices. Ohmsett continually adapts to support industry research and testing needs by developing applicable testing environments.  Examples of these capabilities include in-situ burns (Propane) for fire boom testing, dispersant related evaluations, emulsion formation, and Arctic water testing.

A Summary Of Activities Conducted At Ohmsett Has Been Compiled To Provide A Comprehensive Overview Of The Capabilities Of The Bureau Of Safety And Environmental Enforcement'S (Bsee) Ohmsett Facility.

It Is Designed As A General Information Database And Reference For Managers, Scientists, Engineers, Technical Specialists, Spill Responders And The General Public Who Have An Interest In Understanding Oil Spill Response Technology And Current Progress In Improving This Technology.