Open-cell foam-based filtration is an emerging oil/water separation technology. This research looks at the implementation of the foam filters for marine oil spill clean up. Specifically, we aim to optimize the oil/water separation process in a flow through column configuration through numerical simulations and experimental validation. The free parameters include flow rate, packing density, temperature, salinity and acidity, where the latter three are determined based on marine conditions. Adsorption rates will increase with flow rate until the shearing force overcomes the bonds between the oil and sponge. The impact of the flow rate on the adsorption rate was simulated using Ansys Fluent. Navier-Stokes equations coupled with the Brinkmann equation and Darcy’s Law were used to simulate the pressure drop across the foam bed. Simultaneously, the adsorption process was modelled using Langmuir isotherm. Our simulations show that the adsorption rate increases and the adsorption capacity decreases with higher flowrates. These results will be validated in an experimental column system. These models provide a pathway to optimize the overall operation for large-scale open-cell foam filter for oil spill cleanup.