This research project will assess the feasibility of a marine oil spill countermeasure strategy based on the stimulation of oil-mineral aggregate (OMA) formation. Experiments will be conducted on both laboratory and wave tank systems under controlled conditions to evaluate its potential effectiveness for the treatment of oil spills from ships, facilities or pipelines. Conceptual mathematical models will be developed from the data to identify the fundamental processes affecting operational effectiveness as a means to provide guidance for field operations.
This project is co-funded with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Center for Offshore Oil and Gas Environmental Research (COOGER).
The test oils and minerals have been selected for this project. The test plan and test matrix for laboratory testing and wave tank testing is being developed. All experimentation has been successfully completed. The final report for this project has been accepted by the MMS. This research project is complete.