Mesoscale Application and Testing of an Oil Spill Demulsifying Agent and Elastol

摘要

The Minerals Management Service and the Conservation and Protection Agency, Environment Canada, have evaluated two new oil spill chemical additives during a series of intentional oil spills off the Canadian coast during September 1987. One chemical agent modified the visco-elastic properties of the spilled oil to enhance its recoverability using conventional mechanical techniques. The second chemical agent inhibited the formation of oil-water emulsions which are not readily captured using existing recovery techniques. Both chemical agents were applied to several small spills and their effects on oil properties measured. Tests were conducted in three phases. The first phase was a laboratory analysis conducted at the Environmental Emergencies Division Laboratories in Ottawa, Ontario. The second phase, tank testing, was conducted at the Esso Resources Ltd. test tank in Calgary, Alberta. The third phase, at-sea evaluations were conducted off Nova Scotia. Analysis indicates that slick spreading rates were significantly retarded using dosages of the visco-elastic agent in concentrations of less than 9,000 ppm by weight. Emulsion formation in high sea states was retarded compared to untreated oil slicks. Proper use of either chemical additive can materially increase recovery rates using conventional equipment.