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Overland flow model for asphalt oil spills
1Department of Civil Engineering, University of Colorado at Denver, Denver, Colorado 80217, USA. james.guo@cudenver.edu
Journal of Environmental Management
|November 24, 2005
Summary
Hot asphalt oil spills can spread 400-600 feet in refinery yards before cooling. This study models overland flow to predict spill range, crucial for refinery safety and layout design.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Safety
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Hot asphalt oil requires cooling in tanks during production, posing safety risks if tanks rupture.
- Refinery yard design necessitates scenario studies for potential asphalt oil spills.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an overland flow model for predicting the spread of hot asphalt oil spills.
- To inform safety protocols and layout designs in refinery yards.
Main Methods:
- Application of laminar flow theory to model asphalt oil spill dynamics.
- Inclusion of key parameters: fluid viscosity, ground slope, hydraulic conveyance, and oil volume.
- Development of a simplified quasi-steady state flow model.
Main Results:
- The model calculates the potential spread range of hot asphalt oil overland.
- For a typical refinery yard scenario, spills can extend 400 to 600 feet.
- Spill spread is limited by the asphalt oil cooling and solidifying.
Conclusions:
- The overland flow model provides a valuable tool for assessing asphalt oil spill risks.
- Findings aid in designing safer refinery layouts and emergency response plans.
- Understanding spill dynamics is essential for mitigating environmental and safety hazards.
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