The simulation of weathering processes in three different types of oil

Pipeline leaks, wells damage, and water transportation accidents are some of the causes of oil spills at sea. This spill causes seawater pollution and disturbs the equilibrium of marine life. Oil spills will spread and move with the influence of currents and sea wind. Spilled oil undergoes several physical and chemical processes, including spreading, evaporation, emulsification, dissolution, and dispersion. This process results in changes in oil density, volume, and viscosity. It is important to be aware of changes in oil spill conditions because it relates to clean up efforts of oil spills at sea. This research presents some mathematical models of the oil weathering processes which include physical and chemical processes. Then a numerical simulation is performed using a finite difference method to see the changes that occur in three types of oil: heavy, medium and light oil. Simulation results show that the three types of oil have a relatively similar tendency to spread. The highest rate of evaporation and emulsion water content is shown by light oil. This resulted in higher volume and viscosity. Therefore, the process of cleaning up will require greater effort for light oil spills.