Recommendations regarding oil tests and evaluation procedures are made in this guide; references are made to methods of reconditioning and reclaiming conventional petroleum (mineral) dielectric insulating oils; the levels at which these methods become necessary; and the routines for restoring oxidation resistance, where required, by the addition of oxidation inhibitors. The intent is to assist the power equipment operator in evaluating the serviceability of oil received in equipment, oil as received from the supplier for filling new equipment at the installation site, and oil as processed into such equipment; and to assist the operator in maintaining oil in serviceable condition. The mineral oil covered is used in transformers, reactors, circuit breakers, load tap changers, and voltage regulators. Read More»

The oil spill contingency planning is important for protecting the oceanic environment and reducing economic losses due to oil spill disaster. A real-time GIS based oil spill detection and decision support system can be very efficient in preventing, monitoring and mitigating oil spills. The use of event-driven GIS is proposed to provide a real time application. Oil spill surveillance constitutes an important component of oil spill disaster management. Advances in remote sensing technologies can help to identify parties potentially responsible for pollution and to identify minor spills before they cause widespread damage. Laser Fluorosensors, such as the Scanning Laser Environmental Airborne Fluorosensor (SLEAF) sensor operated by Environment Canada, are among the most appropriate sensors for oil spill surveillance in light of their ability to detect oil against a variety of backgrounds, including ice and snow. Laser fluorosensor data can be processed in real time and can reliably detect oil and hence can be the most useful remote sensing data as an input for real time Decision Support Systems. A reliable and robust classification scheme is proposed for oil spill detection and classification. The oil spill trajectory will be modeled based on the available metrological and oceanic current and tidal data. This research aims to provide various oil spill disaster products such as Oil Spill Location Map, Oil Spill Risk Map, Oil Spill Affected Area Map and Oil Spill Emergency Response Map to the oil spill responders. Various disaster products can be prepared to understand the impact of oil spill. The emergency response system is designed to be Internet based so that users or emergency responders can access all the valuable information from anywhere in the world. Read More»

In this IEEE standard the significance of oil-spillage regulations and their applicability to electric supply substations are discussed: the sources of oil spills are identified, typical designs and methods for dealing with oil containment and control of oil spills are discussed; and guidelines for preparation of a typical spill prevention control and countermeasures (SPCC) plan are provided<> Read More»

Recommendations regarding oil tests and evaluation procedures are made in this guide; references are made to methods of reconditioning and reclaiming conventional petroleum (mineral) dielectric insulating oils; the levels at which these methods become necessary; and the routines for restoring oxidation resistance, where required, by the addition of oxidation inhibitors. The intent is to assist the power equipment operator in evaluating the serviceability of oil received in equipment, oil as received from the supplier for filling new equipment at the installation site, and oil as processed into such equipment; and to assist the operator in maintaining oil in serviceable condition. The mineral oil covered is used in transformers, reactors, circuit breakers, load tap changers, and voltage regulators. Read More»

The guide discusses the significance of federal oil spillage regulations and their applicability to substations; identifies the problem of oil spills, which is latent in all substation facilities; discusses the economic aspects of oil spill control; quantifies the extent of the problem with respect to probability of occurrence and degree of risk; discusses methods of dealing with the problem; and provides guidelines for managing the problem.<> Read More»

This paper discusses the development of an oil spill detection and alarm system that provides the marine industry with a reliable, cost-saving mechanism for containing and/or preventing accidental discharges of hydrocarbon-based pollutants. By utilizing an automated spill detection system, hydrocarbon releases are detected in real-time [analogous to a ¿smoke alarm¿ for oil spills]. Early warning and automated response capabilities allow early containment of oil pollution - thereby reducing the oil volume spilled, and minimizing damage to the environment, wildlife, public waterways and/or commercial assets. This paper details: 1] Development of a reliable, economical, optical, non-contact, UV/fluorometry-type, hydrocarbon pollution detection sensor system 2] Performance results drawn from an array of performance tests and real-world deployments, 3] A variety of existing applications and deployment opportunities for which this new technology offers a reliable solution and easy-to-use tool for both regulatory compliance and realization of cost benefits associated with minimizing spill risk[s]. Design features have evolved to reflect feedback from existing industrial users, as well as input from environmental consultants and regulatory agencies. These key system attributes include: 1] Near-zero maintenance, 2] Micron- level sensitivity for a comprehensive range of oils [from crude-oil to jet-A], and. 3] Sensor/system flexibility and adaptability for varied application requirements and a wide range of installation settings [i.e. marine, industrial, harbor, offshore, etc.]. Finally, this paper describes how any entity that produces, stores, uses, or transports hydrocarbons, can best employ the detection sensor/alarm to realize cost-benefits, strengthen compliance, and eliminate the expense, environmental damage, and bad publicity inherent with any oil spill. Read More»

A review is presented of the response techniques that are applicable to oil spills in Arctic conditions, onshore and at sea. The fate of oil in these environments is briefly discussed, and resource considerations for responding to oil spills are outlined. Read More»

Our goal in developing an optical non contact oil spill detection sensor was to create an automated system that remotely monitors for petroleum spills and sheens and provides instant (near real time) notification to authorities or users if and when a spill occurs. Detection in real time would then allow response personnel to contain spill pollution before extensive damage is done to wildlife, environment, public assets, and economic interests. This instrument may also provide select users (i.e., stormwater permit holders and petrochemical facility operators) with a new tool to meet regulatory requirements for spill prevention and reporting. Indeed any spill that is successfully prevented or minimized as a result of real time detection benefits not just the users of the sensor, but all waterway stakeholders, and the environment and society as a whole (in keeping with the "One Ocean" theme of this years Ocean's conference). This paper describes: 1) research and development of a reliable, economical, optical, non contact, oil-on-water petroleum detection sensor; 2) experience, results and evaluations drawn from extensive laboratory testing, and real world performance, using a range of hydrocarbons and related products (and differing environmental conditions, concentrations, ranges, etc.); and finally, 3) discussion of applications and deployment opportunities for which this technology provides a viable new tool as a preventative countermeasure and early warning system against potentially catastrophic oil spills. This paper discusses a number of objectives that were met during the development of this "Slick Sleuthtrade" oil spill detection sensor. The sensor was proven to provide reliable detection signal even when only trace amounts or a very slight sheen of oil was present The design goal of a near-zero maintenance system was accomplished by use of a downward looking optical sensor installed above the water. This above water technique allowed us to eliminate all cont- - act with in-water oil or debris, prevented biological or other fouling issues, and eliminated need for in-water mooring. The sensor was shown to provide successful consistent detection of petroleum on water when installed at 5 meters above (varying tidal) water surface, as well as at closer ranges and at fixed distances to the target area. This paper summarizes our investigation and testing of the limitations, strengths, sensitivity, and adaptability of the "Slick Sleuthtrade" oil spill detection sensor as we attempted to determine its effectiveness in a wide range of deployment arrangements. A few target applications include monitoring for spills around/in or on offshore structures and buoys, coasts, ports and harbor, piers and marine terminals, industrial culverts/sumps and outfalls, inland waterways, etc. This paper also examines use of this optical sensor to detect oil sheens in high current velocity regimes (i.e., 4 knots current speed), it's immunity to wave action, and the ability of the sensor to be used for continuous monitoring (as opposed to periodic sampling intervals). In conclusion we summarize results from our testing and performance evaluations, and suggest a few goals for future design modifications and improvements Read More»

The frequency of oil spills from substation electrical equipment is reviewed. The probability of oil spills and the percentage of oil spills leaving substation fenced in areas and percentage of oil spills reaching navigatible water are shown. Read More»

Marine oil spill will cause persistent damage to environment, marine ecology, economy and society. Started from the hazards of marine oil spill, behaviors of spilled oil at sea environment, including spreading, advection and horizontal diffusion, vertical dispersion, evaporation, dissolution, emulsification etc. were overviewed, and the main factors influence these behaviors were analyzed. Thereafter, numerical models to predict marine oil spills were introduced. These models were divided into hydrodynamic models to predict the oil trajectory and comprehensive models to predict environmental impact and efficiencies of different countermeasures. Based on these works, the response program of marine oil spill was proposed in the fourth section. The response program comprises discovery and notification, evaluation, containment, cleaning and disposal. Meanwhile, mitigation measures of the US Costal Guard Oil Spill Prevention, Preparedness and Response (OSPPR) program were introduced. After that, the main countermeasures of oil spill were introduced. These measures can be divided into mechanical, chemical and biological and physical measures. The mechanical, chemical and biological measures were expounded. In the conclusion, general principles to choose countermeasures were proposed. Read More»

Providing a decision supporting system was the main objective of an academic project for oil spill management, which has been commenced by 2002. Malaysia faces the oil pollution because of its oil transportation routes while it includes more than 4670 km marine borders with valuable and vulnerable coastal areas. Experts in different domains, including marine and coastal environment, marine pollution as well as emergency and contingency responders were interviewed, both in governmental and private sectors, to provide all required knowledge for preparing this DSSystem. All this was done to assist choosing the most appropriate method for oil spills prevention and clean up in the least time, considering the important factors for recognizing the sensitivities and protection priorities in marine and coastal areas of the Straits of Malacca, Malaysia. Read More»

Three petroleum fractions were burned floating on water in confined and unconfined layers, at two thicknesses and in various wave and ice conditions. Ten promoter materials were screened in an effort to improve the ease of ignition and the complete- ness of the burns. The test results continue to suggest that in-situ burning is a promising oil spill response technique. Read More»

A systems methodology for identifying, characterizing, and evaluating engineering solutions and policies that prevent the formation of brownfields is presented. Brownfields exist in very large numbers and pose serious environmental and health risks in developed countries around the world. As industries abandon unprofitable sites and development spreads to other parts of the globe, potential brownfield creation abounds which will further exacerbate the problem. Preventing the creation of brownfields in the first place should be a priority. However, it will depend on the availability of options (technology) and the incentives to implement them (policy). A retrospective look at the City of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, shows that a $10,000 investment in prevention could have avoided $100,000+ of cleanup cost on former gas station sites. Similarly, leaking underground fuel tanks could be prevented in South Sudan with double-walled tanks and appropriate procedures for less than 2% of the cost of cleaning up fuel leaks. Additional health-related economic and social costs associated with consumption of hydrocarbon contaminated groundwater could also be avoided. Actual implementation of pollution prevention requires a systems approach. Our research focuses on enhancing the relationship between engineering and policymaking through systems thinking and providing practical decision making support tools to guide development in a sustainable manner. Read More»

Describes an innovative method for constructing large, thin-shell, highly reinforced concrete pontoons, domes, and risers for installation over thermal vents and hydrocarbon seeps. Cost projections based on marine structures previously built by the method and tested for long-term durability, show savings of more than fifty percent in labor and materials over their counterparts in steel or conventional concrete. Building takes place in floating formwork at or near the site without the need for shipyard facilities and with no size limit on monolithic contruction. The method can also substantially reduce the cost of an OTEC cold water tube and platform. Possible applications to seabed mining, smelting, and transportation are mentioned Read More»

The evaluation and handling procedures for natural ester transformer insulating fluids are covered. The transformer operator is assisted by the purpose of the guide, which is to evaluate the serviceability of new, unused fluids being received by the equipment manufacturer or service company and fluid in new equipment. The operator is also assisted by the guide in maintaining the fluids in serviceable condition. Read More»

This paper will review the events surrounding the blowout of IXTOC I, and consider the legal and environmental effects of a Law of the Sea (LOS) Treaty on a potential oil well blowout in 1989. The present LOS negotiating text contains articles which detail specific marine environmental protection responsibilities at the national and international level with respect to seabed exploration and exploitation. The authors believe that a LOS regime will provide the framework within which resource exploitation can be undertaken pursuant to a more uniform set of international rules and standards which will facilitate offshore development and significantly enhance global protection of the marine environment. Read More»

This guide recommends tests and evaluation procedures, as well as criteria and methods of maintenance for less flammable hydrocarbon (LFH) transformer insulating fluids. These are also known as high molecular weight hydrocarbon (HMWH) fluids. HMWH dielectric fluids are defined as those fluids having an ASTM D92 fire point of 300 degrees C or greater, being primarily composed of, but not restricted to, hydrocarbons. These fluids meet the requirements of ANSI/NFPA 70-1990, National Electrical Code, Article 450-23 as a less flammable dielectric for use in indoor applications when used in properly designed and installed transformers. Methods of reconditioning LFH fluids are also described.<> Read More»

The authors describe how silicone transformer fluid can be successfully utilized in higher volume production processes provided proper consideration is given to handling of the fluid. These considerations would include handling and storage of the silicone fluid, safety and environmental aspects, equipment selection, prevention of fluid contamination, and fluid compatibility with finishing processes such as painting. Provided proper care in handling is given, silicone transformer fluid is easy to work with and can be utilized in almost all manufacturing facilities using other transformer fluids presently. There are no unusual procedures required, just good manufacturing practices to keep the fluid dry and away from other insulating liquids Read More»

An overview of classical leak detection systems is given and the engineering basis of a novel type of detector is examined. This system is a flexible hydrocarbon-sensing cable that can be installed along pipelines, in double-containment tanks and piping, or in trenches to detect and locate leaks of common industrial hydrocarbon solvents or fuels while ignoring the presence of water. The simple electrical circuit that locates and detects a leak anywhere along the length of the sensor is also described Read More»

In this IEEE standard guidance is provided to substation engineers in determining the design, equipment and practices deemed necessary for the fire protection of substations. A list of publications that can be used to acquire more detailed information for specific substations or substation components is presented<> Read More»

The evaluation and handling procedures for natural ester transformer insulating fluids are covered. The guide¿s purpose is to assist the transformer operator in evaluating the serviceability of new, unused fluids being received by the equipment manufacturer or service company and fluid in new equipment. It also assists the operator in maintaining the fluids in serviceable condition. Read More»