Utilization of Automated Oil Spill Detection Technology for Clean Water Compliance and Spill Discharge Prevention

ABSTRACT: This paper discusses the development of an oil spill detection and alarm system that provides 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 containment of pollution before the environment, wildlife, public waterways, or commercial assets are damaged. This technology provides a new weapon in the pollution prevention arsenal, offering HSE personnel a critical compliance tool in accordance with NPDES, SPCC, and other regulations stipulating spill prevention, planning and response. This paper details: 1) Development of a reliable, economical, optical, non contact, hydrocarbon pollution detection sensor, the “Slick Sleuth”, 2) Performance results drawn from an array of performance tests and real-world deployments, 3) A variety of applications and deployment opportunities for which this new technology provides a reliable, easy-to-use tool for 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 include: 1) Near-zero maintenance, 2) Micron- level sensitivity for a comprehensive range of oils (from crude-oil to jet-A), and 3) Flexibility of sensor’s adaptability to a wide range of installation settings and application requirements. Finally we describe 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 spill. I