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Dispersant Effectiveness at Various Sea States
In 2002, a dispersant effectiveness protocol, which tested the effectiveness of dispersants to disperse crude oil into the water column, was developed. A new and highly reproducible protocol that uses a baffled flask as the primary vehicle for getting the oil dispersed has emerged. Researchers have determined that the energy dissipation rate in the baffled flask is at least an order of magnitude greater than its predecessor flask, the swirling flask. The purpose of this project is to finalize measurement of the energy dissipation rates in the baffled flask and to conduct the same measurements at a larger pilot-scale in a constructed wave tank facility. Different breaking wave sea state conditions will be evaluated to determine if there is any similarity between energy dissipation rates in the baffled flask and larger tanks. After the energy profile has been measured in the larger tank, a follow-on experiment will be conducted with oil and dispersants to determine the minimum energy needed to bring about the dispersion of oil. It is hoped that this work will enable us to establish links between the lab, pilot, and field.
Contact: Albert D. Venosa, USEPA (EIMS#56303)