SEDL / STP / STP659-EB / STP35724S

A System for the Application of Dispersants to the Problems of Oil Spill Clearance

Cormack, D
Warren Spring Laboratory, Stevenage, Hertfordshire

Nichols, JA
Warren Spring Laboratory, Stevenage, Hertfordshire

Pages: 17    Published: Jan 1978

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Abstract

This paper describes, by way of introduction only, the U.K. response capability for oil spill clearance and outlines the reasons for choosing a dispersant approach. The paper then concentrates on the details of the system used to render the dispersant approach operational.

The methods of applying dispersants to slicks at sea are described in detail for ships, small vessels, and aircraft. This leads logically to consideration of the oil concentrations in the water column resulting from dispersant use, and data on this topic are presented.

Finally, the respective capability of ships and aircraft is presented in terms of oil treatment rate per hour and the whole rounded off by a statement of the amounts of dispersant and equipment held in the United Kingdom in support of the national contingency plan, with examples of performance in real spills.