Abstract
A standardized weathering study of Verdande crude oil was conducted using bench-scale laboratory testing and meso-scale flume experiments at 5 and 13 °C, representing winter and summer conditions, respectively. Dispersibility testing was included to establish viscosity limits and windows of opportunity for chemical dispersion. The laboratory data were used as input to the SINTEF Oil Weathering Model (OWM) to predict the weathering behaviour of Verdande following a surface release at sea. The implications of the weathering properties for oil spill response were also evaluated. Verdande is a paraffinic crude oil with a high pour point and a pronounced tendency for rapid solidification when released onto seawater. Persistent waxy lumps were not dispersed by dispersant treatment. Mechanical recovery is considered the primary response option, and active recovery systems such as HiVisc skimmers are recommended during the early stages of a response.