A Novel Method to Improve Oil Spill Cleanup in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

This paper describes the production of a Gang Flushing System (GFS) to improve oil spill clean-up in the Niger Delta region. The pollution caused by oil spill has consequently led to increased mortality rate of marine animals and organisms. In a bid to avoid oil from the sediment re-impacting already cleaned up and certified site, this study has devised the gang flushing system. The GFS has 100% capacity to excite crude trapped in as low as 0-0.9m below the sediment to the free surface for easy recovery unlike the conventional hose flushing method. A 807mm long, 807mm wide and 1004mm high Gang Flushing System weighing 60kg was produced. Results from comparative cost analysis between the use of conventional hose flushing and GFS show that 50% cost would have been saved in 2012 if GFS was used; 47% cost would have been saved in 2013; 50% in 2014, 49% in 2015; 50% in 2016; 46% in 2017 and 47% cost would have been saved in 2018. This study is significant as it has proffered solution to the inevitable oil spill challenges faced in the affected areas. The solution would save cost for the oil and gas companies and equally reduce the propensity of oil spill causing harm to human and aquatic life, the environment and the economy.