A study of thin fuel slick combustion on wavy water

Abstract

In-situ burning is a fast, cheap, and effective means for cleaning up spilled fuel in the environment. As in-situ burning grows in popularity as a viable way to clean up oil spills, it is increasingly important to study the combustion of liquid fuels floating on wavy water. This study analyzes the burning behavior of a liquid fuel floating on water with the interaction of waves. Nine wave profiles are evaluated with thin layers of kerosene poured into a circular, floating test pan in a rectangular freshwater-filled wave tank. Wave generation and wave absorbing equipment ensure linear wave composition for interaction with the burning pool. Water sublayer and fuel/water interface temperatures are measured for incorporation into a model. It is observed that waves reduce the burning rate and flame height. The burning rate is directly proportional to the steepness of the wave and decreases as steepness increases.

Keywords: Boilover; Interface; Kerosene; Pool fire; Water; Waves.