Particle Tracking Method for Prediction of Oil Spill Transport in Sea

A two-dimensional two-phase numerical model is developed to predict transport and fate of oil slicks which resulted the concentration distribution of oil on the water surface. Two dimensional governing equation of fluid flow which consists mass and momentum conservation was solved using the finite difference method on the structured staggered grid system. The resulted algebric equations were solved by use of ADI (Alternating Direction Implicit) technique. In addition the wind speed and coriolis effect can be included in the current hydrodynamic model. Transport of oil slick was pridect by the two dimensinal particle tracking approach consists of Lagrangian method for advection processes, the Random Walk technique for horizontal diffusion process and the empirical equations for the fate processes. Different processes are considered and included in the developed model which are: advection, spreading, turbulent diffusion, evaporation, dissolution, vertical dispersion, emulsification, shoreline deposition and adsorption by bed sediment. Oil is divided into eight hydrocarbon components so this model is capable of considering the oil composition of some fractions with theirs characteristics. Comparison of results with analytical solution for standard problems represent a good degree of similarity. In addition, model is used in a case of oil spill in Persian Gulf to represent the application of model to real case studies.