Behavior of an Orimulsion{reg_sign} spill: Laboratory based studies
Conference
·
OSTI ID:452121
- INTEVEP, Caracas (Venezuela)
Orimulsion{reg_sign} is a natural bitumen in fresh water emulsion, stabilized by the addition of a non-ionic surfactant. Because of its relatively recent introduction in the world market, there is an important body of information which is being developed serving as a source of scientific evidences for present and future environmental decision making tools. Laboratory studies are presented, focused on describing the behavior of this fuel in sea water simulated spills, through estimates of the effects of photo-degradation and varying salinities as a function of time, as well as overall observations on its buoyancy and stability after the spill. Results indicate that Orimulsion{reg_sign} rapidly disperses after a spill, independently of the water salinity. In sea water, the dispersion is restricted, in the vertical direction, by the density difference of bitumen drops and that of the water; thus, the lower the salinity, the greater the vertical penetration of the bitumen drops in the water column. Most of the bitumen drops would sink to the bottom when salinities are within the range of 0 to 10 {per_thousand}. A surface layer of bitumen could be formed, particularly under stagnant conditions and salinities greater than 20 {per_thousand}, which could rapidly undergo a weathering process, especially by the effects of photodegradation. In the absence of sunlight or under the influence of UV light as a unique source of radiation, weathering either does not occur or is considerably suppressed. In conclusion, Orimulsion{reg_sign} has a unique behavior in comparison to other commercialized fuels, for which reason, environmental research is a central part of the efforts being conducted at INTEVEP related to this recently developed fuel.
- OSTI ID:
- 452121
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-961149--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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