SEDL / STP / STP659-EB / STP35718S

Evaluation of Equipment for Aerial Spraying of Oil Dispersant Chemicals

Lindblom, GP
Exxon Chemical Co., Houston, Tex.

Barker, CD
General manager, Southern California Petroleum Contingency Organization, Long Beach, Calif.

Pages: 11    Published: Jan 1978

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Abstract

Tests of the feasibility of using helicopters or large aircraft for spraying of dispersants were performed during the summer of 1977 in desert areas of the Southwestern United States. The object was to study the interrelation of such variables as droplet size, swath width, altitude, speed, pump rate, dose of chemical per unit area, and variations in nozzle design. Exhaustive research was not possible within limitations of time and available equipment. It was concluded that aerial spraying is feasible and potentially of great use in responding to oil spills. Careful attention should be given to operating parameters and spray equipment design. Further tests, treating oil slicks at sea with aircraft spraying, are indicated.