You are here:
Analysis of emissions and residue from methods to improve efficiency of at-sea, in situ oil spill burns
Citation:
Aurell, J., A. Holder, B. Gullett, N. Lamie, K. Arsava, R. Conmy, D. Sundaravadivelu, Bill Mitchell, AND K. Stone. Analysis of emissions and residue from methods to improve efficiency of at-sea, in situ oil spill burns. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, 173(Part A):113016, (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113016
Impact/Purpose:
This work will be useful to practioners of in situ oil burns as well as modelers of oil plume dispersion. These data will be useful for making determinations of whether or not use of in situ burning may have an adverse impact upon local workers or downwind populace. These data are believed to be generally representative of in situ burn emissions but are likely also somewhat site- and condition-specific.
Description:
The combustion efficiency of simulated at-sea surface oil burns (in situ burns) was determined in a 63 m3 tank while testing varied boom configurations and air-assist nozzles in the presence and absence of waves. Combustion efficiencies of Alaska North Slope oil based on unburned carbon in the plume emissions ranged from 85% to 93% while values based on oil mass loss ranged from 89% to 99%. A four-fold variation in PM2.5 emission factors was observed from the test conditions. The most effective burns in terms of reduced emissions and post-burn residue concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons were those that had high length to width boom ratios resulting in higher flame front surface area exposure to ambient air. The amount of oil mass lost was not related to any combustion efficiency parameters measured in the plume, representing a potential tradeoff between unburnt oil and air pollution.
URLs/Downloads:
DOI: Analysis of emissions and residue from methods to improve efficiency of at-sea, in situ oil spill burns