SMART Protocol Using Polarized Infrared Cameras

Abstract Tier II/III SMART protocol for dispersant use requires placing fluorometers in the water and towing them under a slick by boat. To protect health of teams, boats typically remain at least 2 miles away from slicks during aerial treatment. After spray completes, transit into oil slicks. The time between completion initiation monitoring can be > 30 minutes. In minutes, dispersed plumes will significantly dilute making difficult to detect based on fluorescence. Further, we identified separate issue. That is, fluoresces primarily because aromatic constituents many aromatics are somewhat volatile soluble. Modeling found that these leach prior application dispersant. So, even if were immediately underneath dispersing oils slicks, loss challenges SMART. combination leaching rapid plume dilution limits ability identify fluorescence signals above recommended five times background. This means effectively might not accurately characterized. What is needed technique applied rapidly targets some other characteristic oil. Polarized infrared (IR) cameras measure both thermal differences difference emissivity when IR energy emitted sheens / relative water. These easily flown spray/support planes. They used image before, during, after operations. Effectively have significant change their signature as transfers surface column. an effective tool deployed continually dispersion providing longitudinal synoptic record process. this paper, describe modeling estimate water-column concentrations hydrocarbons (both mono polycyclic) applying dispersants slick. addition, testing polarized camera OHMSETT tank testing. We need modifying show meet need.