Measurements on Natural Dispersion Available to Purchase

In the case of an oil spill, knowledge is needed of the natural dispersion behavior of the oil in the particular situation for decision making on the application of chemical dispersants. Small-scale and full-scale laboratory measurements were performed on the natural dispersion rate Q, droplet size distribution d₀(f), and intrusion depth z_i for a surface oil slick broken up by breaking waves and the breakup of submerged oil (submerged spill) in a turbulent ambience. Empirical relations were derived for Q, d₀(f), and z_i as a function of oil type, weathering state, oil layer thickness, breaking wave energy, temperature, and water salinity.