Brasse crude oil – Properties and behaviour at sea

Abstract

A weathering study has been conducted on Brasse crude oil. This study included a small­scale laboratory study and a meso-scale flume basin experiment. In addition, standardized dispersibility tests was conducted on various dispersants and their efficiency was determined using the SINTEF Minitower to simulate an underwater dispersant injection. The SINTEF Oil Weathering Model (OWM) was used to predict the weathering properties of Brasse crude oil if spilled on the sea surface at 5 and 13 °C, reflecting winter and summer temperatures in the North Sea. The weathering properties are also discussed in relation to oil spill response by mechanical containment and recovery, and chemical dispersibility.