Determination of Crude Oil Thickness at Night Using Thermal Imagery

Abstract

A heat transfer model, has determined millimeter crude oil thicknesses on saltwater at night.  Model inputs are calibrated thermographic imagery, weather station data, metrological observations, and crude oil thermal conductivity.  Outdoor field-testing was performed at the National Oil Spill Response & Renewable Energy Test Facility (Ohmsett) to determine model accuracy.  Alaskan North Slope (ANS), Hoover Offshore Oil Pipeline System Blend (HOOPS), and ROCK crude oils were placed at varying mm depths.  A roof-top mounted thermal camera measured the average oil surface temperature for each target and converted to oil spill thickness.  The fidelity of the thickness measurements is dependent on the accurate measurement of the atmospheric and weather parameters, sea state, heat transfer constants, crude oil evaporation rates, and calibration and stability of the thermal camera.