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The Chemical Engineer

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Chemical Engineering Project

TACKLING OIL SPILLS

PROJECT MISSION

  1. To carry out a comprehensive literature review on oil spills
  2. Use of Modelling Software to Predict Oil Spill Trajectory Analysis
  3. Estimation of volume of contaminated water
  4. Response, Cleanup & Recovery techniques during Oil Spill Operations
  5. Initialising & finalising experimental work on the new Operations Tank at the Operations Lab.

The team will use The Jolly Rubino Oil Spill off the St Lucia Wetlands during 2002 as a factual reference during the duration of the project.

ABSTRACT

OIL SPILLS endanger public health, imperil drinking water, devastate natural resources, and disrupt the economy. In an increasingly technological era, the Republic of South Africa has become more dependent upon oil-based products to help us maintain our high standard of living. Products derived from petroleum, such as engine oil and petrol, provide fuel for our vehicles, heat for our homes, and energy for the machinery used in our industries. Other products derived from petroleum, including plastics and pharmaceuticals, provide us with convenience and help to make our lives more comfortable. Additionally, non-petroleum oils, such as vegetable oils and animal fats, are increasingly being consumed in South Africa. These oils can contain toxic components and can produce physical effects that are similar to petroleum oils. Because they have toxic properties and produce harmful physical effects, spills of non-petroleum oils also pose threats to public health and the environment.

Because we use vast quantities of oils, they are usually stored and transported in large volumes. During storage or transport, and occasionally as the result of exploration activities, oils and other oil-based products are sometimes spilled onto land or into waterways. When this occurs, human health and environmental quality are put at risk. Every effort must be made to prevent oil spills and to clean them up promptly once they occur.

The Department of Environmental Affairs plays an important role in protecting the environment through prevention of, preparation for, and response to oil spills.

The purpose of this Project is to research oil spills. Examine the potential effects on the environment, how they are cleaned up, and how various agencies (i.e. Department of Environmental Affairs, Smit Salvage Group) prepare for spills before they happen. Details about various oil spills are provided to show different types of spills and the complexities and issues involved in responding to them.