SINTEF is carrying out environmental risk analysis related to accidental spills and blowouts. Based on information on release rates, durations and corresponding probabilities, the impacts from such events are evaluated. Impacts may include amounts of oil stranded on the shore as well as the resulting oil concentrations in the water column. From this information, restitution times for important resources and habitats struck by the oil/spill are evaluated.

The figure illustrates the tools applied for calculation of environmental impacts. For underwater spills, the amounts of oil in the water column are calculated by means of the model "DeepBlow", based on the release conditions (type of rupture, GOR, release rate and release velocity). Expected thickness of the resulting slick on the sea surface (if any) is also calculated. For surface spills, the model StatMap calculates the amount of oil evaporated, in slick, dispersed into the water column (including oil concentrations) and stranded. All models are verified through various field tests carried out in the past.

Contact person: Henrik Rye