SINTEFs oil weathering flume basin is used to map dispersibility as a function of weathering of various oil types and ice conditions. The data will be used with the SINTEF Oil weathering Model to estimate the operative “time window” using dispersants in different ice regimes.
The dispersibility experiments are closely linked to the meso-scale weathering experiments described under “fate and behavior”. The dispersibility experiments are performed over a weathering time up to 5 days, with various ice coverages (0, 30, 50 70 and 90%) and energy levels. Totally five different oil types are tested (naphthenic, asphaltenic, waxy, paraffinic and a “light” crude).
The dispersibility of the oil as a function of weathering time in the flume is documented by both using the SINTEF field effectiveness test (FET see figure) and MNS dispersant test method (see figure). Each experiment is terminated by an in-situ treatment in the flume.
For further details regarding dispersant testing, contact; or