Offshore field experiments with in-situ burning of oil: Emissions and burn efficiency.

In situ burning (ISB) is an oil spill response technique including ignition and burning to remove oil on the water surface. The technique rapidly and effectively removes large portions of the oil. However, the combustion process causes a large smoke plume and leaves a viscous residue in the water. During six large-scale experimental burns in the North Sea in 2018 and 2019, the smoke plume, released oil and contained residues were analysed. The objectives were to document the content of particles and gases in the smoke plume, properties of both the released oils and residues, and the effectiveness of the burns. Oseberg crude oil, Ultra Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (ULSFO), Intermediate Fuel Oil (IFO180) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO) were released into a fire-boom and ignited. Particles and gases in the smoke plume were monitored using drones with several sensors. Soot particle monitoring indicated that more than 90% of the particles produced during the burns were 90% for MGO, and <60% for both ULSFO and IFO180. The present paper addresses the results of the smoke plume monitoring, properties of the ISB residues and the burn efficiency.