Oil Code Thickness and Concentration Values
Bonn (BAOAC) Data
The following graphics help spill observers estimate the thickness and volume of oil on the water.
The Bonn* table, below, shows thickness and concentration ranges in metric and English units for each of the oil codes: S, sheen (silver/gray); R (rainbow); M (metallic); T, transitional dark (or true) color; and D, dark (or true) color.
Code | Description | Layer-Thickness Interval | Concentration |
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microns (µm) | inches (in.) | m3 per Km2 | bbl/acre |
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S | Sheen (silver/gray) | 0.04 - 0.30 | 16. x 10-6 to 1.2 x 10 -5 | 0.04 - 0.30 | 1 x 10-3 to 7.8 x 10 -3 |
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R | Rainbow | 0.30 - 5.0 | 1.2 x 10 -5 to 2.0 x 10 -4 | 0.30 - 5.0 | 7.8 x 10 -3 to 1.28 x 10 -1 |
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M | Metallic | 5.0 - 50 | 2.0 x 10 -4 to 2.0 x 10 -3 | 5.0 - 50 | 1.28 x 10 -1 to 1.28 |
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T | Transitional Dark (or True) Color | 50 - 200 | 2.0 x 10 -3 to 8 x 10 -3 | 50 - 200 | 1.28 - 5.1 |
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D | Dark (or True) Color | > 200 | > 8 x 10 -3 | > 200 | > 5.1 |
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Chart modified by A. Allen from Bonn Agreement Oil Appearance Code (BAOAC) 02 May, 2006
Note the use of capital letters for thickness codes (S, R, M, T, & D). Use of these codes makes it easier to create and interpret sketches by aerial observers.
* The Bonn Agreement Oil Appearance Code (BAOAC), research conducted by Alun Lewis and SINTEF. Back to top
Similarly, the chart below shows more visually the thickness and concentration values for each of the oil codes: silvery grey sheen (S), rainbow (R), metallic (M), transitional dark (T), and true dark (D).
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