The evaporation of oil spills: Prediction of equations using distillation data

Abstract

This work follows on extensive empirical studies on the evaporation of oil and petroleum products. A study of the evaporative characteristics of 19 different crude oils and petroleum products was conducted. Best-fit equation parameters were determined for both percentage loss by time and absolute weight loss. All oils except for three (diesel fuel, FCC Heavy Cycle and Bunker C light) were found to fit logarithmic curves. The exceptions noted, fit square root curves with time for periods up to about 5 d. The equation constants were correlated with oil distillation data. The equation constants correlated highly with the percentage distilled at 180°C. Using this correlation, equations were developed by which the oil evaporation can be predicted using the distillation data alone.