Oil spill detection technology for early warning spill prevention

This paper discusses the development of an oil spill detection and alarm system that provides the marine industry with a reliable, cost-saving mechanism for containing and/or preventing accidental discharges of hydrocarbon-based pollutants. By utilizing an automated spill detection system, hydrocarbon releases are detected in real-time [analogous to a ¿smoke alarm¿ for oil spills]. Early warning and automated response capabilities allow early containment of oil pollution - thereby reducing the oil volume spilled, and minimizing damage to the environment, wildlife, public waterways and/or commercial assets. This paper details: 1] Development of a reliable, economical, optical, non-contact, UV/fluorometry-type, hydrocarbon pollution detection sensor system 2] Performance results drawn from an array of performance tests and real-world deployments, 3] A variety of existing applications and deployment opportunities for which this new technology offers a reliable solution and easy-to-use tool for both regulatory compliance and realization of cost benefits associated with minimizing spill risk[s]. Design features have evolved to reflect feedback from existing industrial users, as well as input from environmental consultants and regulatory agencies. These key system attributes include: 1] Near-zero maintenance, 2] Micron- level sensitivity for a comprehensive range of oils [from crude-oil to jet-A], and. 3] Sensor/system flexibility and adaptability for varied application requirements and a wide range of installation settings [i.e. marine, industrial, harbor, offshore, etc.]. Finally, this paper describes how any entity that produces, stores, uses, or transports hydrocarbons, can best employ the detection sensor/alarm to realize cost-benefits, strengthen compliance, and eliminate the expense, environmental damage, and bad publicity inherent with any oil spill.