Improved In Situ Burn Efficiencies: An Overview of New Techniques and Technologies Resulting in Cleaner Burns

In situ burning is an efficient response method that quickly removes large quantities of oil from the marine environment eliminating the need for collection, storage, and transport. The combustion of hydrocarbons mainly yields carbon dioxide and water; however, it also creates large plumes of black carbon soot and residues of incompletely burned oils. Three research projects focusing on improving burn efficiencies show promise to make an already efficient response method even more efficient. Specifically, a technology to increase heat transfer back into the crude oil result in more complete combustion greatly reducing carbon soot is nearing completion and will soon be ready for transfer to industry for commercialization. A study reconfiguring existing booming techniques allows more oxygen into the fire resulting in decreased soot production and cleaner burns. Finally, a fundamental study into the phenomena of fire whirls demonstrates a dramatic increase in volumes of oil burned while greatly reducing emissions. Emissions and efficiencies of the studies are compared with standard pool fires.