title: Reynolds number scaling to predict droplet size distribution in dispersed and undispersed subsurface oil releases.
abstract: This study was aimed at testing the applicability of modified Weber number scaling with Alaska North Slope (ANS) crude oil, and developing a Reynolds number scaling approach for oil droplet size prediction for high viscosity oils. Dispersant to oil ratio and empirical coefficients were also quantified. Finally, a two-step Rosin-Rammler scheme was introduced for the determination of droplet size distribution. This new approach appeared more advantageous in avoiding the inconsistency in interfacial tension measurements, and consequently delivered concise droplet size prediction. Calculated and observed data correlated well based on Reynolds number scaling. The relation indicated that chemical dispersant played an important role in reducing the droplet size of ANS under different seasonal conditions. The proposed Reynolds number scaling and two-step Rosin-Rammler approaches provide a concise, reliable way to predict droplet size distribution, supporting decision making in chemical dispersant application during an offshore oil spill.
authors.affiliation: Department of Engineering, Dalhousie University (Truro Campus), Truro, NS, Canada B2N 5E3. Electronic address: Pu.Li@Dal.Ca.
authors.forename: Pu
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Civil Engineering, Dalhousie University (Sexton Campus), Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 4R2.
authors.forename: Linlu
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Weng
authors.affiliation: Department of Engineering, Dalhousie University (Truro Campus), Truro, NS, Canada B2N 5E3.
authors.forename: Haibo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Niu
authors.affiliation: Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research (COOGER), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, NS, Canada B2Y 4A2.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.affiliation: Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research (COOGER), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, NS, Canada B2Y 4A2.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: King
authors.affiliation: US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA 45220.
authors.forename: Robyn
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Conmy
authors.affiliation: Oceans and Atmosphere Flagship, CSIRO, Bentley, WA, Australia 6102.
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Civil Engineering, Dalhousie University (Sexton Campus), Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 4R2.
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000413:Alaska; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010316:Particle Size; D010578:Petroleum / Q000032:analysis*; D059392:Petroleum Pollution / Q000032:analysis*; D014783:Viscosity; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D010578:Petroleum; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
keywords: Chemical dispersant; Dispersant to oil ratio; Modified Weber number scaling; Oil droplet size distribution; Reynolds number scaling; Rosin-Rammler