Surface weathering and dispersibility of MC252 crude oil

Daling, Per S.; Leirvik, Frode; Almås, Inger Kjersti; Brandvik, Per Johan; Hansen, Bjørn Henrik; Lewis, Alun; Reed, Mark

Surface weathering and dispersibility of MC252 crude oil

2014

Results from a comprehensive oil weathering and dispersant effectiveness study of the MC252 crude oil have been used to predict changes in oil properties due to weathering on the sea surface and to estimate the effective “time window” for dispersant application under various sea conditions. MC252 oil is a light paraffinic crude oil, for which approximately 55wt.% will evaporate within 3–5days when drifting on the sea. An unstable and low-viscosity water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion are formed during the first few days at the sea surface. This allows a high degree of natural dispersion when exposed to breaking wave conditions. Under calm sea conditions, a more stable and light-brown/orange colored water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion may start to form after several days, and viscosities of 10,000–15,000mPas can be achieved after 1–2weeks. The “time window” for effective use of dispersants was estimated to be more than 1week weathering at sea.

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