Estimation of oil spill behaviour parameters from readily-available oil properties. Volume 1

Oil spill modeling is an important tool in oil spill planning and response. When an oil spill occurs, it is necessary to predict oil behaviour based on the unique properties of density and viscosity for every type of oil. Other oil behaviour parameters for evaporation, emulsification and chemical dispersion are also needed, but these property inputs are not always available, particularly during a spill. For that reason, this paper presented a series of simple schemes to predict oil evaporation, emulsification and chemical dispersion using only readily available data. The process is based on using density and viscosity data along with oil composition data such as saturates, aromatics, resin and asphaltene (SARA) content. This paper described the development of the algorithm along with a review of the significance of spill processes and more detailed behaviour prediction algorithms. The estimation schemes were compared to the measured available data as well as to the use of generic oil types used in models such as light or heavy crude oil. The accuracy of these estimation schemes were found to be more accurate than the traditional predictions based on generic oil types. The accuracy in estimations will also increase as more input data becomes available. 17 refs., 6 tabs., 6 figs