Behavior of Oil

BSEE is participating in a lab protocol study investigating the development of water-in-oil emulsions (emulsions) using a common set of oils and predefined conditions to compare the variability of emulsion properties based on lab protocols. Ultimately, the results will inform numerical models. BSEE is working with Applied Research Associates at its Ohmsett facility to further its capability to produce customizable, repeatable emulsions at the lab-, drum-, and tank-scales. BSEE's Ohmsett protocol involves characterizing the stability of the emulsions based on particle size analysis.

The purpose of Sweet Spot in Burning Emulsions project is to study how emulsions break and boil during in situ burning (ISB), which is a multi-physics process that includes radiative and convective heat transfer to the slick, any mechanical work that is driving emulsion formation, hydrocarbon and water evaporation, and internal heat transfer as the water either flash evaporates or separates and sinks. Previous work under OSRR 1085 resulted in a potential trend indicating an increase in burning efficiency in emulsions with 20% water content.

This new project will test Type I sorbents efficacy when exposed to three - (3) categories of Dielectric fluids. These will include natural ester, synthetic ester, and mineral oil (hydrocarbon) based fluids. The work will be performed at Ohmsett with testing completed to BSEE Oil Spill Research and Response (OSRR) project specifications. It will compare the findings to a selected control conventional oil product and will provide performance data to stakeholders to facilitate decision making for oil spill preparedness and response operations. 

BSEE Response Research Branch is undertaking the DSD Instrument Evaluation project to better understand how surface water dispersant monitoring, as specified by the NCP SubPart J Monitoring Rule, can be practically implemented with existing technology, with specific emphasis on detection of oil and dispersed oil droplets in depths of 1 to 5 meters. The three main objectives of this project are:

The current NOAA's WebGNOME platform displays the modeling bounds with available operational forecast models for selected areas. These areas are typically in shoreline areas. This project will expand the availability of forecast models to cover offshore areas where BSEE's regulated facilities reside. This added feature will enable the ability to run WebGNOME more easily, using available operational forecast models.

The goal of this project is to use a microfluidic platform (known as eChip) to assess key degradation hypotheses related to dissolution and microbial degradation of untreated and dispersed oil droplets. The objectives are two-fold:
(1) Determine if the degradation rate of rising oil microdroplets (through dissolution and microbial degradation) can be quantified using the eChip by measuring degradation on both untreated and dispersed oil during 14-day biodegradation studies using multiple oils; and 

Study the physical, chemical, and rheological behavior of an Alaskan oil (Endicott) on ice over the course of 60 days to better understand what types of oil response/recovery equipment might be suitable.

This project developed a technology selection approach to aid in the decision making process for determining the relative effectiveness of dispersant delivery techniques/systems based on various spill characteristics and delivery system capabilities. Parameters considered include spill characteristics and properties; evaporation processes; spray platforms, weather patters and effects; environmental restrictions; and dispersant characteristics. 

WebGNOME is an internet-based revision to the NOAA Emergency Response Division’s (ERD) traditional oil spill response modeling tools.

Recently, under a BSEE contract, Alion integrated its previously designed ROV-based submersible sled technology with a commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) skimmer technology to develop and test a prototype system. A prototype of this system was successfully tested at Ohmsett. (BSEE Project Number 1053, http://www.bsee.gov/Technology-and-Research/Oil-Spill-Response-Research…).