Estimation of the Mechanical Recovery Potential of Spilled Oil at Sea Considering the Spatial Thickness Distribution

Abstract

Recovery modeling and countermeasures for oil spilled at sea have been extensively researched, but research remains insufficient on recovery potential estimation methods. It is required to access the mechanical recovery potential by considering the relationship between oil behavior, environmental conditions, and the performance of clean-up activities. Two response-planning models were developed in this study. One is a spatially uniform recovery model for estimating recovery potential that reflects weathering, oil properties, and equipment efficiency. The other is a spatially nonuniform recovery model that considers not only the above characteristics but also local thickness reduction by skimming. A comparison between the two models and an analysis of their effects on response was carried out through the calculation using an accident scenario. It is possible to analyze the effect of the thin slicks, natural dissipation, and the quantification of deployable skimming systems with the spatially nonuniform recovery model. Finally, we analyzed interrelationships among residual oil volume on the sea, response time, and the number of skimming systems.