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Technology
Assessment & Research (TA&R) Program
| Project
Number |
390 |
| Date of Summary |
September 10, 2003 |
| Subject |
A Method to
Determine Worst Case Discharges from Facilities that Produce or Transport
Oil in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) |
| Performing Activity |
SINTEF Applied
Chemistry and Well Flow Dynamics |
| Principal Investigator |
Dr. Mark Reed |
| Contracting Agency |
Minerals Management Service |
| Estimated Completion |
February
2003 |
| Description |
This project
produced a model to predict a discharge from a pipeline. It also included a
pocket guide to quickly make an estimate of a worst case discharge from a
pipeline. The model is known as the Minerals Management Service Pipeline Oil
Spill Volume Estimation Model (POSVEM). POSVEM is a computer-based
methodology to estimate discharges from seafloor pipelines. The system is
composed of a Release Module and a Near Field Module, linked together with
necessary databases through a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The GUI allows
the user to sketch a platform-pipeline layout, enter characteristic
parameters, and run a quasi-3-phase flow model to estimate the volume of
potential or actual leaks. Inputs to the model are parameters describing the
configuration and characteristics of a pipeline system, the fluid it
contains, and the leak or break from which the discharge occurs. Key outputs
are the evolution of the release rate over time, the total mass of oil
released, and the mean thickness of any eventual surface slick being formed.
A user’s manual is also available below. |
| Progress |
The pocket guide
pipeline estimator was completed in March, 2002. |
|
Reports |
|
AA (26 pages)
|
Users Manual
Pocket
Guide
Technical
Description
Pipeline Oil Spill Volume Estimation Model (POSVEM) (Call
for a copy of the model 703-787-1559) |
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