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Droplet Size Distribution as a Measure of Dispersant Effectiveness
Citation:
Sundaravadivelu, D., R. Conmy, R. Grosser, A. Burkes, AND E. HOLDER. Droplet Size Distribution as a Measure of Dispersant Effectiveness. International Oil Spill Conference, New Orleans, LA, May 11 - 15, 2020.
Impact/Purpose:
In this study, Dispersion Effectiveness (DE) using the standard Baffle Flask Test (BFT) and dispersed oil droplet size distribution (DSD) measured by the Laser In Situ Scattering and Transmissometry probe (LISST-100X, Sequoia Scientific, Inc.) was compared to provide information regarding different dispersion states that are produced with several commercial dispersants. In addition to the total oil dispersed into solution, the size of the particulate fraction is critical for better understanding the ultimate transport and fate in the ocean.. Presentation on the use of oil droplet size distribution as a proxy for dispersant effectiveness at the 2020 IOSC conference.
Description:
Laboratory evaluations of chemical dispersant effectiveness typically measure the total mass of oil dispersed into the aqueous phase. However, they do not evaluate the degree of dispersion based on the quantity or size of small droplets produced. Studying dispersant performance using droplet size distribution methods can offer important information regarding the mass of small droplets produced as a result of dispersant addition and can aid oil spill response strategies.