After oil is burned, it undergoes chemical transformation into various substances released into the environment, including gases like carbon dioxide and water, as well as solid particulates and small amounts of toxic gases.
Products of Oil Combustion
When oil is burned, particularly in scenarios like controlled in-situ burns, the primary outcome is the conversion of the oil's chemical components into different forms. Based on observation from such events, the main products are gases and solid particles.
Primary Conversion
Most of the oil that is burned will be converted into fundamental compounds:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A greenhouse gas, this is a major product of complete combustion involving carbon-based fuels like oil.
- Water (H2O): Also produced during the combustion of hydrocarbons, as hydrogen atoms in the fuel combine with oxygen.
Particulate Emissions
Not all of the oil is converted into gases. Some solid or liquid particles are also formed and released:
- Particulates: These are tiny solid or liquid substances suspended in the air.
- Soot: A significant component of these particulates is soot, which is essentially unburned or partially burned carbon particles.
- Amount: Particulates, mostly soot, comprise ten to fifteen percent of the smoke plume resulting from the burn.
Toxic Gas Emissions
In addition to carbon dioxide, water, and particulates, burning oil also releases other gases, some of which are toxic:
- Small amounts of toxic gases are emitted as well.
- These include:
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): A pungent gas that contributes to acid rain and respiratory problems.
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): A reddish-brown gas that is a major air pollutant and contributes to smog and respiratory issues.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless, and highly toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion.
Understanding these outputs is crucial for assessing the environmental impact of oil spills and the effectiveness of countermeasures like in-situ burning. The relative amounts and specific types of emissions can vary depending on the type of oil, the burning conditions, and the efficiency of the combustion process.
Here's a brief summary of the main outputs mentioned:
| Output Type | Key Components | Typical Amount/Description |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Gases | Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Water (H2O) | Most of the oil is converted |
| Particulates | Soot | 10-15% of the smoke plume |
| Toxic Gases | Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO) | Small amounts |
