Ignition of Weathered and Emulsified Oils (NIST SP 995)

Published

March 1, 2003

Author(s)

Anthony D. Putorti Jr., D D. Evans, E J. Tennyson

Abstract

In situ burning of oil spills has been shown to be a rapid means of removing oil from the water surface. Although fresh oil is usually easily ignited, the ability to ignite weathered oils and water-in-oil emulsions is less certain. This paper presents results from laboratory experiments that measure the ignition times for oils and emulsions when heated by thermal radiation. Measurements of thermal radiation for diesel fuel pool fires of various sizes likely to be used for oil spill ignition are combined with the laboratory measurements of ignition times to provide a guide for ignition of weathered and emulsified oils under no wind conditions.

Citation

Special Publication (NIST SP) - 995

Report Number

995

NIST Pub Series

Special Publication (NIST SP)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

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Keywords

oil spills, in situ combustion, oils, emulsions, experiments, ignition time, thermal radiation, diesel fuels, pool fires, in situ burning

Citation

Putorti, A. , Evans, D. and Tennyson, E. (2003), Ignition of Weathered and Emulsified Oils (NIST SP 995), Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=911215 (Accessed October 7, 2025)