Oil spill modeling of Chengdao oilfield in the Chinese Bohai Sea

Abstract

Offshore oil exploration and development is faced with complex operational conditions and harsh environments. Once an oil spill occurs, it will cause serious damage to the marine ecological environment. The Chengdao oilfield is located in the south of the Chinese Bohai Sea, which is an important oil production area of the Shengli oilfield. At present, the trajectories and fate of spilled oil under complex marine conditions are still unclear and the potential impacts in different areas of the Chengdao oilfield are unknown. Aiming to solve the above problems, this paper carries out numerical simulations of oil spills in the Chengdao oilfield. The hydraulic model of the Chengdao oilfield is constructed and its accuracy is evaluated against tide level and tidal current data from different ports along the coast. By coupling the hydrodynamic field and wind field, an oil spill model of the Chengdao oilfield considering weathering effects could be constructed. The effects of hydrodynamic factors and environmental factors on an oil spill in the Chengdao oilfield are studied. Weathering processes such as evaporation and emulsification are considered in the simulations. The research results can provide theoretical and technical support for the emergency responses to the oil spills in the Chengdao oilfield.