APPLICATIONS OF A NEW PRODUCT TO DECREASE THE SMOKE PLUME OPACITY OF IN-SITU BURNING OF OIL SPILLS

Demirel F. B., BAŞAR E.

FRESENIUS ENVIRONMENTAL BULLETIN, vol.25, no.11, pp.4921-4928, 2016 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 25 Issue: 11
  • Publication Date: 2016
  • Journal Name: FRESENIUS ENVIRONMENTAL BULLETIN
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
  • Page Numbers: pp.4921-4928
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In-situ burning is an oil spill response method, which is becoming more and more popular due to its recent effective applications. In this study, a new product, which is produced from natural pumice stone through a patented process, is observed for its ability to reduce the density and opacity of smoke plume that results due to combustion of in-situ burning. Oil removal amounts, burning efficiencies, burning rates and the smoke production of these 4 tests were considered and interpreted. Images of the densest moments of the test burns were clustered with k-means method and their pixel numbers were compared in order to interpret the opacity and density of the smoke plume. We observed that the numbers of black pixels significantly reduced, which indicates a decrease in opacity and density of the smoke plume. In conclusion, proper use of this application might reduce the known negative impacts of the in-situ burnings to the environment.