challenge

=Challenge 2012: Deep Sea Oil Spill= "Early this morning, an offshore drilling rig leased by a local oil company experienced a sudden explosion. The rig was in the final stages of drilling an exploratory well, just 50 miles of the coastline. The full scope of the incident in currently unknown, but an oil slick has begun to appear on the surface surrounding the rig site. The source and rate of the leak is unknown, but it seems to be rapidly spreading and there is great concern that it will cause devastating effects on local industry and the environment if not addressed soon. You have been asked to assist in mitigating the disaster, as part of a science and engineering response team, using your cutting edge ROV technology

Below is a summary of information about how the challenge will be simulated for the final event at the MIT pool.
 * Modeling the Challenge [[file:Event - Model.pdf]] **


 * Modeling the Environment**
 * **Pool Dive Well –** You have access by ship to an area of approximately 25 X 25 yards surrounding the drilling rig called the //disaster area//. Beyond this area you are not able to enter by ship but you can send an ROV. This area will be modeled in the MIT Z-Center pool dive well. You have access to only 3 sides of the area.
 * **Width**: 25 X 25 yards.
 * **Depth**: 7 – 14 ft


 * **Debris –** there may be debris and obstructions preventing clear access to the rig. This can include things on the “sea floor” as well as on the surface and anywhere in between. (other vehicles, broken rubble from the rig, other man made structures in the area, marine life, etc.) These things will vary in size and shape, expect that some you will be able to clear / move, others you will not.


 * Modeling the Offshore Drilling Rig**
 * **Offshore Drilling Platform –** a floating offshore drilling platform will be present. The marine riser will extend from this platform to the sea floor.
 * **Marine Riser –** The marine riser (the temporary extension of the subsea oil well to the drilling facility) will be modeled by a rigid PVC pipe extending from the floating drilling platform to the “sea floor”


 * Modeling Oil**
 * **Dissolved Oil (temperature)**– Dissolved oil underwater is not visible from the surface. This dissolved oil will be modeled by a change in temperature. The spread and dispersion of the dissolved oil can be determined by measuring temperature. Expect temperatures between 40 – 110 deg F.
 * **Surface Spill** – Surface oil concentrations and presence in the area will be simulated by ping-pong balls. Each particle represents a certain number of barrels of oil.
 * **Visual underwater plume –** air bubbles escaping from the leak along with the heated fluid will serve to create a plume of “oil” that can be visually identified underwater.