Project Recommendations for Response to Oil Spills from Condensates and Light Crude Oils - Thin Oil Film (TOF) project

Abstract

This Project Recommendation is a guide for assistance in establishing operational oil spill response strategies for thin oil films of condensates and light crude oils. The Recommendations are based upon the results and findings from the TOF project. Here we describe a method for predicting the effiiency of different oil spill response options using the SINTEF Oil Weathering Model (OWM) with a chosen "standard" subsea release scenario as an example. The response options include mechanical recovery, low-dosage dispersant application and high-capacity water tlushing (mechanical dispersion) by use of Firefighting monitors orbow-mounted booms. In order to use the methodology described in this report as a basis for preparation of oil spill contingency plans, the user must base the analyses on relevant Detined Hazard and Accident situations (DHA; in Norwegian DFU — Definerte Fare- og Ulykkessituasjoner). If initial release conditions give thin nil fiLns, the analyses provided here Hill give a precise time window for relevant oil spill response options. This methodology can he implemented into future weathering studies for thin oil films of condensates and light crude oils and provide comprehensive recommendations for oil spill response.