SEDL / STP / STP659-EB / STP35708S

A Small-Scale Laboratory Dispersant Effectiveness Test

Mackay, D
Professor, research associate, and undergraduate student, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario

Nadeau, JS
Professor, research associate, and undergraduate student, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario

Ng, C
Professor, research associate, and undergraduate student, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1978

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Abstract

A small-scale laboratory system is described in which known amounts of oil and dispersant are introduced on a water surface at a controlled temperature and turbulence and the dispersion behavior observed. Turbulence is provided by circulating an air current over the oil-water surface, thus simulating, to some extent, natural wave action and avoiding the atypical turbulence introduced by mechanical agitation devices. Oil adherence to solid surfaces is minimized. The apparatus is believed to be particularly suitable for studying the effectiveness and behavior of dispersants under conditions where little or no artificial turbulence is provided. The design and performance of the apparatus is described and some results presented in which turbulence, oil-to-dispersant ratio, and temperature are varied. The system is suitable for close observation of the dispersion process and subsequent emulsified oil behavior. The advantages and disadvantages of the system are outlined and the possibility of relating sea state to conditions in the apparatus is discussed.