Vale crude oil - properties and behaviour at sea

Abstract

A small scale study of the weathering properties of Vale crude oil has been performed at S°C and 13°C in SINTEFs laboratory. The data are used as input for SINTEF's Oil Weathering Model (OWM} to predict the properties and behaviour of Vale crude oil in a spill situation at sea. The weathering properties are discussed related to oil spill response; mechanical recovery and chemical dispersion.

The oil forms loose emulsions with the potential to form waxy lumps with increasing weathering. It is expected to have good potential for chemical dispersion under breaking wave conditions. Under very cairn conditions the dispersant application should be followed by artificial turbulence 0.5-1 h after the treatment.