Properties of crude oil and oil products (not just another pretty database)

Abstract

When an oil spill occurs, there is an immediate need on the part of spill responders to know the properties of the spilled oil, as these will affect the behavior, fate, and effects of the oil, which will in turn affect the choice of countermeasures. However, it is often difficult or impossible to obtain a sample of the spilled oil, let alone the specialized analysis required to determine its properties, in a manner timely enough to suit the circumstances of an oil spill. Under the scrutiny of the media and the public, answers regarding the identity and predicted behavior of the spilled oil will be expected immediately, if not sooner. In preparation for such emergencies, the Emergencies Science Division (ESD) of Environment Canada has been collecting properties data for crude oils and oil products since 1984. Basic physical properties-density, viscosity, pour point, etc.-and environmentally relevant characteristics- evaporation rates, emulsion formation, chemical dispersibility-are measured. Properties related to health and safety-flash point, volatile organic compounds, sulfur-also are determined. In fact, nearly 20 different types of measurements are made for both fresh and weathered crude oils and oil products. To date data has been collected for more than 400 oils. For ease of access, this information is stored in an electronic database. The database in turn is accessible via the World Wide Web, and is also periodically printed in an easy-to-read catalogue format. The wide variety of data collected in the database also makes it possible to examine both simple and complex relationships that may exist between oil properties and spill behavior. This presentation will review the full scope of information determined and collected by ESD. Using tables and graphs, examples will be presented of the many ways in which this information can be viewed and used by both laymen and experts in the field of oil spills.