Floating cells
Cedre is equipped with a specialised tool for pilot-scale experimentation at sea. These floating enclosures are set up in inshore waters or ports and harbours. They close off free surfaces of the sea which are subject to external environmental conditions where various trials can be carried out.
Characteristics
Cedre has 6 of these cells, each 3 x 3 m
and made of a frame fitted with floats at each of the
4 corners. A flexible tarpaulin attached to the frame
hangs down 2 metres into the water and is open at the
base. The tarpaulins act as a curtain and do not affect
the waves causing agitation at the water surface. The
conditions inside and outside the cells are therefore
practically identical: waves, temperature, wind, dilution…
This system allows 6 trials in real and practically identical
environmental conditions to be carried out simultaneously
(comparison of 6 different trials or duplicated trials).
For certain applications, different types of tarpaulins
can be used e.g. with a closed base.
Usage
This system is used for many studies:
-
monitoring the fate and weathering of, mainly floating,
oil or chemicals. The tests are conducted on 10 to 50
litres of pollutant and generally last a week.
-
assessment of the efficiency of dispersants according
to the degree of weathering of the pollutant or the application
mode, e.g. one or two applications, association of a dispersant
and demulsifier.
-
assessment of the efficiency of demulsifiers, sorbents
or flow agents.
Floating cells