Development of a field-portable oil analytical kit

A portable analytical kit has been developed which can be taken to an oil spill site and used to obtain rapid, reliable measurements of those oil properties which are crucial to cleanup efforts. The kit would allow on-scene personnel to determine and monitor the properties of the oil and incorporate the information into the operational decision making process. The kit measures the following properties: density, viscosity, dispersibility, water content, and flash point. Individual test components of the kit were selected and tested in the laboratory under simulated field conditions. The methods were selected on the basis of simplicity, portability, safety, ruggedness, and reliability. Cases were designed and manufactured for transportation of the instruments and peripheral equipment; the cases also serve as lab stations for on-site testing. A manual providing detailed operation and calibration procedures, as well as troubleshooting information and material safety data sheets, was also written and is appended. 14 refs., 20 figs., 7 tabs