Chemical dispersants
The use of dispersants has a potential in ice-covered waters. The present project will improve the technology, document the effects and further improve our knowledge on how and when to use dispersants as part of an environmentally efficient solution for oil spill contingency in ice covered and Arctic areas

The main objectic of the project on dispersants will be to  establish criteria for how, where and when to use dispersant in ice covered areas. The project will:

  1. study the effectiveness of dispersants and define the  “window of opportunity” for operational use of dispersants under these conditions.
  2. evaluate existing application equipment and suggest improvement and adaption to cold conditions and presence of ice. 

The most critical parameters for obtaining an effective dispersants operation under Arctic conditions are:

1. Good application of dispersant on the oil
2. Sufficient energy for the dispersion process
3. Oil properties at low temperature – weathering
4. Dispersant performance and properties under relevant conditions (salinity, temperature, oil type).

For further details contact;

Published September 7, 2006

Dispersant effectiveness testing at Arctic condition (0°C) at SINTEFs ice lab using the IFP test

From earlier testing of a 3000 liter spraying bucket in the North Sea. Developing new application equipment adapted for Arctic conditions is an important task in this JIP

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