A group of 25 agencies from Canada and the United States conducted a major offshore burn experiment near Newfoundland, Canada. Two lots of oil, about 50 cubic meters (50 tons) each, were released into a fireproof boom. Each burn lasted over an hour and was monitored for emissions and physical parameters. Over 200 sensors or samplers were employed to yield data on over 2000 parameters or substances. The operation was extensive; more than 20 vessels, 7 aircraft and 230 people were involved in the operation at sea. The quantitative analytical data show that the emissions from this in-situ oil fire were less than expected. All compounds and parameters measured more than about 150 meters from the fire were below occupational health exposure levels; very little was detected beyond 500 meters. Pollutants were found to be at lower values in the Newfoundland offshore burn than they were in previous pan tests. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were found to be lower in the soot than in the starting oil and were consumed by the fire to a large degree. Particulates in the air were measured by several means and found to be of concern only up to 150 meters downwind at sea level. Combustion gases including carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide did not reach levels of concern. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were abundant, however their concentrations were less than emitted from the nonburning spill. Over 50 compounds were quantified, several at levels of concern up to 150 meters downwind. Water under the burns was analyzed; no compounds of concern could be found at the detection level of the methods employed. Toxicity tests performed on this water did not show any adverse effect. The burn residue was analyzed for the same compounds as the air samples. Overall, indications from these burn trials are that 150 meters or farther from the burn source emissions from in-situ burning are lower than health criteria levels.
A series of mesoscale burns were conducted in 1998 to assess fire-resistant booms, twelve of these were used to study emissions from diesel oil burns. Extensive sampling and monitoring were conducted to determine the emissions at nine downwind ground stations, one upwind ground station, and at six side stations. Particulates were measured using high-volume samplers and real-time particulate analyzers. Particulate samples in air were taken and analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Water under the burns was analyzed; small amounts of PAHs were found. The burn residue was analyzed for PAHs as well. PAHs were at about the same concentration in the residue than in the starting oil, however, there is a slight differential concentration increase in some higher molecular weight species in the residue. Combustion gases including carbon dioxide, sulphuric acid aerosols, and sulphur dioxide were very low and in some cases undetectable. Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions were measured in Summa canisters. Over 100 compounds were identified and quantified; most concentrations were too low to be considered a health risk. It was concluded that small burns of this size (burn area about 25 m2) are too small to pose a health hazard.
Over 45 mesoscale burns were conducted to study various aspects of diesel and crude oil burning in situ,. Extensive sampling and monitoring of these burns were conducted at downwind stations, upwind stations, and in the smoke plume. Particulate samples were taken in air and analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs were found to be lower in the soot than in the starting oil, although higher concentrations of the larger molecular PAHs were found in the soot and residue, especially for diesel burns. Overall, the amount of PAHs in the soot and residue were about 2 to 8% of that in the starting oil. This implies a destruction of PAHS by 92 to 98%. Particulates in the air were measured by several means and were found to be greater than recommended exposure levels up to 500 meters downwind at ground level, depending on the size and type of fire. Diesel fires emit much more particulate matter and have longer exposure zones. Combustion gases including carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are below exposure level maximums. Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions are extensive from fires, but the levels were less than from an evaporating crude oil spill. Over 140 compounds were identified and quantified. Carbonyls, including aldehydes and ketones, were found to below human health concern levels. Emission data from over 45 experimental burns have been used to develop prediction equations for over 150 specific compounds or emission categories. These are used to calculate safe distances and levels of concern for a standard burn size of 500 square meters, an amount that would typically be contained in a boom. The safe distance for a crude oil burn of this size is about 500 m and for a diesel burn, much further.
Over 35 meso-scale burns were conducted to study various aspects of diesel and crude oil burning in situ. Extensive sampling and monitoring of these burns were conducted at downwind stations, upwind stations, and in the smoke plume. Particulate samples were taken in air and analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs were found to be lower in the soot than in the starting oil, although higher concentrations of the larger molecular PAHs were found in the soot and residue, especially for diesel burns. Particulates in the air were measured by several means, and were found to be greater than recommended exposure levels up to 500 meters downwind at ground level, depending on the size and type of fire. Diesel fires emit much more particulate matter and have longer exposure zones. Combustion gases, including carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, were below exposure level maximums. Volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions were measured, but the levels were less than from an evaporating crude oil spill. Over 140 compounds were identified and quantified. Carbonyls, including aldehydes and ketones, were found to be below human health concern levels. Emission data from over 30 experimental burns were used to develop prediction equations for over 150 specific compounds or emission categories. These were used to calculate safe distances and levels of concern for a standard burn size of 500 square meters, an amount that would typically be contained in a boom. The safe distance for a crude oil burn of this size is about 500 m and for a diesel burn, much farther.
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