Orimulsion®: Research and Testing and Open Water Containment and Recovery Trials

Abstract

Orimulsion is a bitumen-water mixture (approximately 70% bitumen and 30% water, with 0.2% surfactant) produced in Venezuela and sold internationally as a fuel to fire power plants. The permitting process for the introduction of this fuel into the international energy market has required extensive research and testing on its chemical composition, physical properties, behavior in water, environmental toxicity, and containment and recovery after a spill. Both components (water and bitumen) initially disperse in water. The volatile compounds, which are relatively low in concentration, are contained mostly in the water component. The bitumen is relatively inert. The density of the bitumen tends to cause it to sink in fresh water and rise in saltwater. In addition, seawater causes the emulsifier to destabilize from the bitumen. The result is that, at sea, in calm conditions with sufficient concentration, the bitumen will tend to coalesce and rise to the surface. Bitor and potential users of Orimulsion have been developing response strategies and tools for responding to Orimulsion spills. Recent field testing has shown that a spill of Orimulsion can be cleaned up using currently available response equipment in response strategies developed uniquely for Orimulsion. The tests have shown that, once contained, bitumen can be recovered from an Orimulsion spill very effectively (80% to 90% recovery).

An Update on Techniques and Technologies which are Available for Responders in Response to Potential Spills of Emulsified Fuel (Orimulsion®)

“…The agitation by the pump, combined with air, induced either at the pump's suction or discharge side, and the splashing effect when discharged into the separation and recovery tank onboard a response vessel, causes the bitumen particles to re-coalesce and refloat. Controlled dockside FAF testing demonstrated the reflotation and subsequent recovery of 94% of the spilled bitumen, while an offshore open water testing, where the spill had been released inside a deep-skirted boom in "O" configuration, resulted in the reflotation and recovery of 82% of the bitumen, which had originally been suspended in the water column (Deis, et. al., 1997).…”

“…• LAMOR Brush Belt Skimmer, Finland In addition to these tests, a Tar Hawg Inclined Belt Skimmer (same as Grizzly), USA, was tested at an offshore Orimulsion® spill test in Venezuela in 1996 by BITOR with CCG and USCG in attendance (Deis, et. al., 1997).…”