Research Assistant Professor Rowan University, New Jersey, United States
Abstract Submission: An oil wellhead blowout in the U.S. Arctic, whether caused by natural forces or adversarial actions, poses significant environmental risks. Given the economic importance of oil and gas extraction in this region, it is crucial to employ environmentally sound mitigation strategies. This presentation evaluates the environmental impacts of various response measures to oil spills, with a focus on intentional wellhead blowout mitigation. Key findings from a literature review of oil spill response tools, including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models, are synthesized. Researchers have employed various strategies to assess the fate and transport of oil spills, with droplet size distribution (DSD) models highlighting the role of oil viscosity and interfacial tension. These models, integrated with CFD, offer insights into the evolution of droplet size during transport. Additionally, studies on burn efficiency and combustion models explore the dynamics of droplet formation, evaporation, and soot production, which are essential for managing wellhead fires. The research underscores the need for comprehensive models incorporating hydrodynamic conditions, DSD, and combustion dynamics to simulate oil spill scenarios accurately. This presentation also identifies gaps in current models and response strategies, particularly their application in Arctic conditions. It also highlights areas for further development to improve oil spill response in this sensitive region.
