Dispersant Application Field Guide

A guide to the use of chemical dispersants in the combating of oil spills at sea

SERIES NUMBER: 9
DATE RELEASED: December 2011
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Foreword Contents
This short field guide is intended to be used by Safety
anyone using dispersants to combat oil spills at sea. Risks and mitigations
It covers the set-up, spraying and maintenance are
included to assist the operator in the safe, efficient Key steps
and effective use of this response tool.
Plan and train:
Dispersant application platforms
Dispersants are chemicals designed to change the
black oil that is floating as a layer on the sea surface, Preparation:
into a plume of small droplets that move into the Determine whether the application of dispersant is suitable for the spill
water column to a depth of 5 – 10m. This cloud of oil Dispersants - the theory
will quickly be diluted to a low concentration where Organise operations
it will be naturally degraded reducing its impact to Requirements for a dispersant application operation
the environment by decreasing the: Apply dispersant:
Persistence of the oil in the environment. Calculate correct dispersant dosage
Risk of oil impacting shoreline. Target dispersant application
Volume of waste created. Record and report:
Dispersant application log

Tools
Safety

If used correctly following good operational These risks can be minimised by: Minimum PPE standards:
procedures and using the proper Personnel
Protective Equipment
aerial surveilance checklist (PPE), dispersants should Identifying the risks through a comprehensive Whilst conducting monitoring operations it is very
pose no risk to health. However, there are exposure risk assessment process and implementing important that all observers wear the correct level
pathways that could present risk to observers mitigations to reduce them where applicable. of PPE. The level of PPE will depend on the location
and these should be understood and mitigated of monitoring and the application platform. If
before beginning any monitoring operation. ommunicating the risks and mitigations
C there is a risk of contact with dispersant ensure full
in place through a safety brief prior to any dispersant PPE is worn. If monitoring from aerial
operations being carried out. platform, hearing protection, eye protection and
aviation life jacket is required.

Possible Exposure Pathways Risk of eye irritation or damage

of Dispersant
Harmful if inhaled or ingested

Can be absorbed through the skin

Dispersants are chemicals and should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance as set out within the appropriate Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
sheet. Failure to do so can result in harm or injury to yourself and others. Ensure that monitoring operations are fully risk assessed.
 RISKS IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES
Exposure to dispersant. Risk of eye irritation or damage. Harmful if inhaled Ensure that all non essential personnel are inside the accommodation with doors and windows shut
or ingested. during spraying operations. Ensure that the vessel is up wind during any dispersant application. Distance
from site of dispersant application may vary. It is recommended that 0.5 nm for vessel application and 1
nm for aerial application is allowed.
Noise (85-90dBA). Danger of damage to hearing if exposed to loud Ear defenders to be provided and worn.
machinery for prolonged periods of time.
Manual handling. Potential for back injuries. Before any deployment manual handling training should be given to anyone involved in the
deployment. Ensure that weights are clearly marked on the packages. Make sure that lifting equipment
is available as appropriate.
Slips, trips and falls. Potential for minor injuries such as cuts, bruises or Appropriate footwear to be worn. Handrails to be used. There should be an awareness of the sea
General

minor fractures. conditions. Good housekeeping will also minimise the incidences of slips, trips and falls. Hose deck down
after dispersant is applied if required.
Manual handling. Potential for back injuries. Before any deployment commences, manual handling training should be given to anyone involved.
Ensure that weights are clearly marked on the packages. Make sure that lifting equipment is available as
appropriate.
Slips, trips and falls. Potential for minor injuries such as cuts, bruises or Appropriate footwear to be worn. Handrails to be used. There should be an awareness of the sea
minor fractures. conditions. Good housekeeping will also minimise the incidences of slips, trips and falls. Hose deck down
after dispersant is applied if required.
Exposure to Volatile Organic Could cause nausea and if H2S is present, death in Enforce a site entry protocol. Provide gas monitoring devices and appropriate respiratory PPE.
Compounds (VOCs) and potentially extreme cases.
also Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) from
the oil that has been spilt.
Injury from aircraft on airfield either Impact injuries, possible fatalities. Follow direction from flight crew do not enter the air field without guidance and permission from the
starting engines or taxiing. flight crew.
Platform

Emergency/crash landing of aircraft. Impact injuries, possible fatalities. Thorough safety brief including emergency procedures from flight crew prior to commencing aerial
Aerial

operations.
Collision with other aircraft Impact injuries, possible fatalities. Ensure that communications plan is in place before undertaking operations. Make sure that flight crew
operating in the area. are fully briefed on the surveillance operation to be undertaken before take off.
Unsecured load. Lashing/welding Potential crush injuries from unsecure loads. Welding to be carried out by a competent and trained person. Equipment to be secured to the deck
Platform
Vessel

equipment to the deck. properly and checked by the person nominated In Command (IC) prior to vessel steaming.
Man over board. Potentially leading to hypothermia, drowning. When working on the back deck personal flotation devices to be worn. Any open access to be secure.

Whilst this table lists some of the common hazards that are likely to be present whilst applying dispersant this does not substitute for a risk
assessment. A full site specific risk assessment must be conducted prior to operations commencing.
Key Steps

OIL

1 ! 2 3 4
Plan and Apply Record and
Spill Preparation
Train Dispersant Report
Plan and Train If you plan to use dispersant as a response strategy key assets and personnel should be identified and/or trained
prior to any incident occurring.

Spray Master Dispersant Application Platform Crew (VESSEL/AIRCRAFT/HELICOPTER)

Roles and Responsibilities: Roles and Responsibilities:

E nsure the successful set up Advise crew on appropriate E nsure the effective and safe T he vessel’s captain/pilot
and operation of the dispersant speed and course to maximise running of the vessel. maintains absolute authority for
system. the dispersant effectiveness.
 etermine whether the weather
D safety of the vessel/aircraft and
 eport to Incident Command
R  ight be required to maintain
M conditions are suitable. passengers.
the amount of dispersant communications with the aerial
 onduct a safety brief to all
C T he vessel’s captain/pilot
sprayed. surveillance platform. ensures that the vessel/aircraft is
passengers.
E nsure the health and safety seaworthy.
of all those involved in the
dispersant operations.
Training Required to Cover: Training Required to Cover:

T he health and safety aspects of the application of dispersant. T he health and safety aspects of the application of dispersant.
T he set up, operation and maintenance of spray kit.
T he calculation of suitable dispersant application rates.
H ow to most effectively target the dispersant application.
T he determination of dispersant effectiveness from visual observations.
T he information required by Incident Command.
Plan and Train: Dispersant Application Platforms

FIXED WING AIRCRAFT HELICOPTER VESSEL

Dispersant application systems have been Helicopters can also be used to carry specialist Vessels of Opportunity (VOOs) can be fitted with
developed for large aircraft platforms such as ‘bucket’ spray systems. a dispersant spray system.
the Hercules (L382G). Smaller ‘crop sprayer’ type
aircraft can also be used in the application of Helicopter
 application can be more Can
 stay ‘on station’, in the event of a
targeted than aircraft application continuous release could be effectively
dispersant.
so can be used to treat smaller ‘break away’ positioned to treat the spilt oil.
Aircraft can get ‘on scene’ quickly. spills. Dispersant application vessels are easier to
 
Large aircraft systems can hold a large elicopters have a shorter range than
H obtain than aircraft as VOOs can be fitted

volume of dispersant and treat a large area aircraft. with boat spray sets.
of oil in a relatively short period of time. Helibuckets generally have a smaller
 Have a limited capacity to hold dispersant
T here are limited numbers of systems capacity than aircraft spray systems. dependent upon its deck space or internal
available. tank capacity.
Aircraft have to regularly refuel. Are able to cover a smaller area than an
aerial system.
Crew hours have to be taken into
consideration when calculating the amount
of spray runs that are possible.
Preparation: Determine Whether the Application

DISPERSIBILITY
of Dispersant is Suitable for the Spill Scenario

NATURAL DISPERSION
REFINED PRODUCTS.
DO NOT DISPERSE!
EFFECTIVE

TEST SPRAY
DOSE RATE &

EMULSION
TEST SPRAY
INCREASED
RANGE
Is the oil amenable Not all types of oil will respond to dispersant treatment in the same way, some
to dispersant? will disperse very easily, but others will be more resistant. The chart will give an LOW VISCOSITY HIGH
indication of whether the spray operation will be successful. A basic field dispersant effectiveness test can be carried out to
assist in determining effectiveness. For more information please see the ‘Tools’ section of this guide.

Is there a suitable There is a window of opportunity where dispersant will be effective. The length of this window will vary according to:
window of • Climate (in warm climates oil viscosity is reduced making the oil more amenable to dispersant. However oil has proven to be
opportunity? dispersible even in temperatures of 0°C.)
• Weathering (when oil is released into the marine environment it gradually becomes weathered as the volatile light ends evaporate
and emulsification occurs. The rate of weathering is determined by the oil’s type and source of release.)

Are the weather A minimum wave height of about 0.2 metres (approx. 10 inches) or conditions generating an active chop should be
conditions suitable? present. Any sea condition less than this will rely on the mixing energy provided by the vessel itself. The maximum wave
height to apply dispersant should be about 4 metres (12ft).

Can approval for the Seek approval from the appropriate authority for dispersant application.
use of dispersant
If dispersant is to be used as a potential response strategy, it is advisable to consult and engage with regulators
be secured by the
during the contigency planning stage.
relevant authorities?

Are there adequate There must be adequate stocks of dispersant that have been stored appropriately in order to carry out the operations. Dispersant
stockpiles of should be stored out of direct sunlight. If possible avoid decanting into the vessels’ tanks. Tote tanks and barrels should remain
dispersant? sealed. Do not mix different dispersant types.

This information is intended as a guide only. If in doubt consult a dispersant expert, carry out a basic field effectiveness test and conduct a test spray
to determine effectiveness.
Preparation: How do dispersants work? ADVANTAGES

Dispersants are comprised of surfactant When the surfactant is applied to the oil the Aerial
 dispersant is able to provide a rapid
compounds which are dissolved in solvents. oleophilic part of the molecule bonds with the response over large areas.
Surfactants are made of hydrophilic (water oil and the hydrophilic part of the molecule Application
 is possible in relatively rough
loving) head and a oleophilic (oil loving) tail. bonds with the seawater. weather.
The
 application of dispersant may break or
SURFACTANT This forms small oil droplets with a larger surface inhibit the formation of emulsions.
area, the oil droplets will not recoalesce due to
HYDROPHILIC (WATER-LOVING)
the association with the surfactant. This means The
 application of dispersant reduces the
HEADGROUP
that naturally occurring bacteria and oxygen amount of waste that may be generated
in the water can work more readily on the oil (relative with other response strategies).
OLEOPHILIC (OIL-LOVING) in the water column increasing the rate of
TAILGROUP
biodegradation. DISADVANTAGES

It involves redistribution of pollution from

the surface of the water into the water
Dispersant Effectiveness SURFACTANT-STABILISED OIL
DROPLET column.
It can have negative effects on organisms
There is a limited “Window of Opportunity” in the upper water column or shallow
to use dispersant before the oil becomes water as the oil dispersant mix maybe
OIL
too weathered to be successfully dispersed. taken up by these organisms.
There are also types of oil that are not WATER There is a limited time window for effective
amenable to dispersant due to their use; this is dependent upon the oil type, if
composition. dispersant is a response strategy that may
If the oil has a propensity to form a be used the oils amenability to dispersant
stable emulsion then it is likely that it will not be amenable to dispersant. If oil has an Asphaltene content should be tested at the planning stage.
greater than 0.5% or a combined Nickel and Vanadium content greater than 11ppm, it will tend to form a Dispersant application requires many

stable emulsion. The density of the oil may also affect its dispersability, generally oils with a viscosity more resources and logisitics to ensure maximum
than 2,000 centistokes will not be amenable to dispersant. effectiveness e.g. boats, planes, support
staff.

Beware of old assay information sheets. The characteristics of the oil produced may change over time. If there is any doubt over the possibility of
dispersant effectiveness then a basic dispersant effectiveness field test (see ‘Tools’ section of this field guide) and/or a test spray should be conducted.
Preparation: Organise Operations
Establishing effective methods of communication is essential for the success of the response and the safety of the mission.

Communications Plan Aircraft Tracking Organisation

In order to ensure effective communications It is useful to have GPS (Global Positioning If there are a number of vessels tasked with
it is important to produce a communications System) tracking fitted on to the aircraft dispersant operations the use of “mother
plan which will document: in order to track the aerial surveillance ships” may be considered to ensure that there
operations from Incident Command and are clear lines of communication.
Who
 to call in the event of an emergency.
ensure the safety of the personnel on board. The mother ship may also be useful in being
N
 ames of assets deployed, call signs and able to provide additional resources to vessels
frequencies they are operating on. conducting response operations.

Vessel Tracking
It is useful to have an Automatic Identification AERIAL SURVEILLANCE SUPPORT

System (AIS) fitted on the vessels in order

to track the containment and recovery
operations from Incident Command and INCIDENT COMMAND Via UHF (If the vessel is fitted with a UHF base
ensure the safety of the personnel on board. station communications can be maintained
with the aircraft over a much wider area)

Generally via satellite

communications

Via VHF

VESSEL TASKED WITH

MOTHER SHIP RESPONSE OPERATIONS
Preparation: Requirements for a Dispersant Application Operation
Application Method Vessel Aerial
Suitable Platform If a purpose-built spray vessel is not available a Vessel of As well as the aircraft the air crew may also require
Opportunity (VOO) fitted with a spray set can be used. A suitable training in low level flying, permission must also be
VOO from which to mount marine dispersant operations should: sought to carry out low level flying operations prior to
• Be able to maintain steerage at low speeds. such operations being undertaken. The Hercules aircraft
• Provide enough deck space to be able to load, store and when spraying flies at 140 knots at an altitude of 150ft.
secure dispersant.
• Have a means of communicating to any aerial surveillance
support provided.
• Adequate berthing for vessel crew and responders on board.

BOW MOUNTED The spray system STERN MOUNTED If the spray system
Suitable Spray System should be mounted is mounted to the These are purpose built systems that are certified to
before the bow stern, the vessel
wave to ensure
be able to load into suitable aircraft. The ADDS (Aerial
speed should
direct contact with be decreased to Dispersant Delivery System) pack is calibrated to 238 GPM
the oil prior to reduce the herding (US gallons per minute) utilising 34 nozzles giving 7 GPM/
mixing by the bow effect of the bow
wave. wave.
nozzle resulting in a dispersant dosage of 4.88 G/Acre.

Dispersant supply should be carefully considered. Dependent upon the country of operation there may be regulations on the
A Sufficient Supply of type of dispersant that may be used. It is recommended that dispersant is provided in IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) rather
Dispersant than barrels as this increases the speed of loading. If a large scale dispersant operation is planned the use of ISO tanks should be
considered as this will considerably reduce the loading time into the aircraft increasing the amount of flights that can
be made.
Additional dispersant stocks can be obtained from Tier 2 and Tier 3 response organisations or directly from the manufacturer.
Dispersant resupply should be considered in the planning stage.

As aerial dispersant planes typically fly approximately 100-150 ft above the water to apply dispersant at the correct droplet size
Aerial Surveillance
and swath width, the visibility of the waters’ surface from the cockpit of the spray plane is limited. A spotter aircraft is required to
Support
fly above the spray plane and inform the spray crew when they are on target to ensure the maximum efficiency of the dispersant
operations. This is also true of vessel dispersant application, it is challenging to view the oil spill from the vessel platform due to
the low height of eye. Aerial surveillance support is required to ensure that dispersant applied from the vessel is targeting the thick
leading edge of the spill.
 Preparation: Requirements for a Dispersant Application Operation

1. PREPARE CHECKLIST 2. RECEIVE TASKING INFORMATION 3. RECEIVE PRE-OP BRIEFING

aerial surveilance checklist

Report/log form (with clipboard)

Before any operations are undertaken it is Operational Details:
important to understand the tasking that
A method of communication • The location of the area of operation.
will be undertaken.
(e.g. mobile/satellite phones, VHF
radio.) The tasking may be provided verbally or •R
 adio frequencies used in the area and on the
using a written form. response.
veilance checklist

Handheld GPS
J oint briefings should be conducted with the •C
 all signs of other aircraft that are operating
assigned spotter and spray crews. in the vicinity.
Digital camera
 
• L ocations of any temporary or permanent
Compass exclusion zones.

Additional batteries

Ruler (or other) for scale when

taking photos

It is important that the amount and location of dispersant sprayed is recorded and reported back to the Incident Command.
Apply Dispersant: Calculate Correct Dispersant Dosage

The speed of the aircraft or vessel will have a direct impact on the
dispersant dosage rate; the faster the speed the lower the concentration
of dispersant and vice versa. Adjusting the pump rate will also effect
the dosage rate.

SPEED (KNOTS) = OUTPUT PUMP RATE (L/MIN) X 32.4

SWATH (M) X APPLICATION RATE* (M3/KM2)

*A typical rate for application should be 5 – 20 m3/km2 (approx. 5 – 20

US gallons/acre). Some areas may require repeated passes to ensure
dispersion of very thick oil patches.

Dispersant Oil Ratio (DOR)

Controlling the Dispersant Oil Ratio (DOR) accurately during
operations can be difficult. The colour of the plume can be used as an
indicator to judge the effectiveness of the spray run. Where available,
dispersant effectiveness can be assessed using fluorometry.

UNDERDOSE EFFECTIVE OVERDOSE

NO EFFECT COFFEE COLOURED PLUME WHITE PLUME

Apply Dispersant: Calculate Correct Dispersant Dosage

UNDER-DOSING EFFECTIVE CONCENTRATION OVER-DOSING

Applying too little dispersant will mean When the dispersant is effective a grey or Spraying too much dispersant or spraying
that the spray run will be ineffective and coffee coloured plume will be visible in on clear water will result in a cloudy white
temporary herding may occur which may the water. There may also be a noticeable plume appearing in the water.
be caused by the bow wave. Oil will remain movement of oil from the surface into the
on the surface in its normal state. water column.

Reduce speed and review pump It may be necessary to alter the Increase speed or reduce pump
rate. speed or pump rate to maintain rate to prevent overdosing.
this effectiveness.
Apply Dispersant: Target Dispersant Application
Any dispersant operation must be directed

LATITUDE
at the thickest portion of the spill (leading WIND ROWS
edge) and not the thinner iridescent The concentration of oil in
these ‘wind rows’ may be
silvery sheen areas. lower than a larger slick.

A vessel or helicopter can target an oil

spill with dispersant more easily however
a large aircarft can cover a greater
geographic area in a shorter period of
time.
SLICK MOVEMENT
When the spill has been located, a ladder UNBROKEN SPILL
or zigzag approach should be adopted If the slick is moving at sufficient
dependent on the distribution of the oil speed the vessel’s longitude may
on the surface of the sea. not need to change in order to
stay in contact with the leading
edge of the spill.

Path of
dispersant
application

LONGITUDE
Recording and Reporting

1. RECORD USING: 2. REPORT (TO INCIDENT

COMMAND):

A
 nnotated maps
U
 nit/Personnel Log
P
 hotographs (preferably
L ocation of oil treated (either on
georeferenced, for more details see
map/chart, waypoints on GPS or
Aerial Surveillance Handbook.)
georeferenced photo on mapping
D
 ispersant application log software.)
Quantity of dispersant applied
W
 hether it looked to be
successful, based upon visual
observations
Dispersant Application Log
Incident: Location: Date (DD/MM/YY):

Vessel Name: Vessel Type: Vessel IMO Reg No.:

Time Spray Run Started: Time Spray Finished: Aerial Surveillance Used? YES / NO

OBSERVED CONDITIONS IN SPRAY AREA

Wind Direction & Speed: Sea State: Visibility: Weather Conditions:

OIL AND DISPERSANT INFORMATION

Oil Type: Oil Volume: Dispersant Type: Date of Manufacture:

SPRAY OPERATORS LOG

Run # Start Start Position Finish Position Course Bearing Dispersant to Observed Effects of Dispersant
Time Lat/Long Lat/Long Oil Ratio Used

Name of Operator: Signature of Operator:

 Tools
The following page contains information and tools to assist in conducting dispersant
operations and for determining dispersant effectiveness.
Basic Field Dispersant Effectiveness Test
Tools Required: Procedure:
2 x clear glass containers (with lids) 1. Take one glass jar and fill ¾ with sea water. 6. 
The oil and water should now mix to form
Plastic bottles are not adequate as 2. Add 20 drops of oil to the water using the pipette, a cloudy mixture in the jar, with very small
the oil will adhere to the plastic and or if not available gently pour a small amount to droplets that rise to the surface very slowly
affect your results. cover the water surface to about 1 mm thickness. (> 1hr) if left undisturbed.
Seawater 3. Cap the jar and shake the oil and water mixture 7. Compare your comparison mixture with the test
lightly about 10 times. sample. If the dispersant is effective you should
Dispersant (small quantity) see a marked increase in water cloudiness and
4. The oil and water should not mix very well and the
less surface oiling. The greater the difference the
Oil (same that has been spilled, or potentially droplets should rise to the surface quickly leaving
more effective the dispersant, if the two jars show
spilled) the water fairly clear. This is your comparison
similar clarity dispersant has not been effective
mixture.
Pipette (optional) and alternative strategies should be explored.
5. Take the second clean jar and repeat steps 1 – 3,
but also add one drop of your dispersant to the
mixture before shaking. This is your test sample.

Comparison
Mixture: Shake
Physically 20 x10 Times
dispersed

Test Sample:
Shake
Chemically
x10 >1hr
dispersed 20 1 Times