Development of a non contact oil spill detection system

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 Sleuth/spl trade/" 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 contact 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 Sleuth/spl trade/" 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.