Numerical simulation of oil spills and oil combating techniques

Abstract

A multiphase model of oil spill dynamics has been developed. The model simulates oil slick thickness at the water surface; dissolved, emulsified and particulate oil concentrations in the water column; and dissolved and particulate oil concentrations in the bottom sediments. The oil slick dynamics at the water surface is calculated using the layer-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. A high-order numerical scheme, within the Eulerian approach, ensures accurate transport simulation of the oil phases in the marine environment. Model parameters of oil kinetics are tuned using various empirical data. The model is applicable to a comparable simulation of oil spill combating techniques, such as floating booms and chemical dispersants. The model is used for oil spills simulation in The Singapore Straits.