Gelation of Oil Slicks by Amine Carbamates as an Adjunct to U.S. Navy Oil Spill Recovery Operations
Abstract
Solutions of Amine D (dehydroabietylamine; 70%) in ethyl and benzyl alcohol, when sprayed on oil slicks to a concentration of about 10% and then treated with CO2 to form the carbamate, provides excellent gelation of the oil. Lab tests were performed on gel strengths and on effects of film thickness, temperature, and salinity for various fuels. A field test indicated that this system is very advantageous in recovery of oil slicks, in terms of ease of pick- up; immobilization of the oil, keeping the gelled oil from drifting back over cleared areas; and greater visibility of the gelled slick. The toxicity of the Amine D is of a very low order, comparable to that of the oil slick itself; for water depths of over two feet, the toxicity is negligible. There is a significant (ca. 50%) reduction in evaporation rate of gelled, compared with ungelled hydrocarbons. This factor would be important in terms of reduced vapor hazards and perhaps fire hazards. Ultraviolet fluorescers as additives to the gelling agent or to the oil slick itself were studied and found to have promise in terms of providing increased visibility for night time operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA035702
Entities
People
- William W. Bannister