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).
Orimulsion “First Generation,” commonly known as Orimulsion®-100, is a commercial boiler fuel presently used at power plants worldwide (e.g., Canada, Denmark, Japan, Italy, Lithuania, and China). This fuel is manufactured by PDVSA-BITOR (PDVSA, Petroleos de Venezuela South America) from the vast bitumen reserves of the Orinoco Belt, Venezuela. Orimulsion® is a liquid fossil fuel made up of 70% bitumen, and 30% water. Orimulsion®-400 is part of the “New Generation” of Orimulsion-type fuels being developed by PDVSA-BITOR; this formulation includes modifications which enhance the fuel's combustion and transport, while continuing to improve its environmental and economic benefits. The characteristics of Orimulsion® fuels are conducive to the conversion to this fuel in any kind of boiler designed to burn Fuel Oil No. 6 or coal. The introduction of this fuel alternative for utility repowering will have a significant impact on power generation worldwide. The environmental fate and effects of Orimulsion®-400 has been studied by several groups of scientists (e.g., Battelle, 1998; Bjornstead et al., 1998; Environment Canada, 1998; Esclapés et al., 7997, 1998; Johnson et al., 1998a), and this paper is an overview of these studies. This presentation includes: chemical and physical properties of the fuel; behavior of bitumen particles in freshwater and seawater; environmental toxicity studies using Orimulsion®-400 and its new surfactant package; and spill prevention and cleanup methods.
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