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CHEMICAL DISPERSION
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Chemical dispersion is restricted to the treatment of oil pollution.
Dispersants act on hydrocarbons by fractioning them and mixing them with the water column, thus limiting their surface drift. This effect accelerates the natural breakdown process by reducing emulsification and the formation of a “chocolate mousse-like” substance. After dispersants have been sprayed, currents and natural turbulence ensure the dissemination or “dispersion” of droplets of the pollutant in a large volume of water.
It is therefore important, first of all, to act rapidly to prevent the product from weathering and emulsifying, and, secondly, to ensure that the sea conditions are conducive to mixing, i.e. a sea state of between 2 and 5.
The use of dispersants is not harmless for the environment. Certain measures have therefore been taken to limit the negative impacts of dispersants on the environment, in particular in certain areas near the coast, where the use of dispersants may be prohibited.
Dispersants are applied to an oil slick by spraying, either by a vessel equipped with spray arms or from an aircraft with a spraying system.
The means available to CEPPOL mainly comprise vessel spraying systems; however through cooperation agreements, aerial spraying equipment belonging to other countries, in particular the United Kingdom, can be used.
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Last Updated on Saturday, 12 February 2011 14:46 |
