Development of a Non-Toxic Simulated Oil For Marine Testing Programs

Abstract

Abstract The results of a program supported by the Environmental Protection Agency to demonstrate a non-toxic, low oxygen demand simulated oil for marine testing is presented herein. The simulated oil exhibits a broad range of physical characteristics that can be used to replace more toxic crude and fuel oils for testing control and cleanup devices in a marine environment. The simulated oils circumvent many of the problems associated with using natural oils or simple substitute oils in a testing program: *The high cost and scheduling problems associated with going far out to sea to test are avoided because of the non-toxic nature of the simulated oil. *Adverse public relations are avoided. *Adverse ecology effects, even if out at sea, are avoided. *The viscosity and density of the oils which an oil cleanup skimmer or containment boom encounter have been shown to have a significant effect on the performance of the device. A simple substitute oil can not match specific crude or fuel oil viscosity and density and can not cover the broad range of viscosity and density of natural oils which are spilled. *The non-toxic simulated oils can be used to simulate test temperatures other than those encountered at the test site, thus avoiding the expense or scheduling problems associated with relocating to a different temperature test site or waiting until the temperature reaches the desired level. In the project, three (3) representative natural oils were chosen which constitute a large percentage of the oils transported by water in U. S. trade and which cover a broad range of viscosity and density. Simulated, non-toxic oils were formulated and compared to the viscosity and density of the natural oils. Other fluid properties such as surface tension were also compared. Physical tests have also been performed to compare the flow properties on water of the simulated oils and the chosen natural oils. The tests performed have been:*Oil Spreading Rate on Water.*Oil Containment Barrier Tests.*Pumping (Emulsion) Tests.*Oil /Water Separation Tests.*Bioassay. Additional tests have yet to be performed on simulated oil dispersion into water and a final bioassay. Introduction After the several oil spills such as the Torry Canyon and Eagle, new devices were developed to clean up or contain spilled oil. However, the new devices need to be tested to determine their efficiency and effectiveness. Also, the testing process normally reveals design changes which will improve the performance of the device. In planning the testing program, several difficulties associated with the oil used in testing become apparent. These are listed below:If real crude oils are used, the test must be performed far out at sea to be legal. Tests performed at sea are very expensive in transporting men and equipment to the test site. The test crew can normally remain on station a relatively short time. Scheduling of at sea tests is dependent on the weather, thus stretching out the development cycle of a very necessary device.