ASTM F3251-21

5.1A standard test is necessary to establish a baseline performance parameter so that dispersants can be compared, a given dispersant can be compared for effectiveness on different oils, and at different oil weathering stages, and batches of dispersant or oils can be checked for effectiveness changes with time or other factors. This test method provides a second test at higher mixing energy in addition to the Swirling Flask (Test Method F2059).

5.2Dispersant effectiveness varies with oil type, sea energy, oil conditions, salinity, and many other factors. Test results from this test method form a baseline at high mixing energy, but are not to be taken as the absolute measure of performance at sea. Actual field effectiveness could be more or less than this value.

5.3Many dispersant tests have been developed around the world. This test has been developed in recent years and provides higher mixing energies compared to other laboratory scale tests.

1.1This test method covers the procedure to determine the effectiveness of oil spill dispersants on various oils in the laboratory. This test method is not applicable to other chemical agents nor to the use of such products or dispersants in open waters.

1.2This test method covers the use of the Baffled Flask test apparatus and does not cover other apparatuses nor are the analytical procedures described in this report directly applicable to such procedures.

1.3The test results obtained using this test method are intended to provide baseline effectiveness values used to compare dispersants and oil types under conditions analogous to those used in the test.

1.4The test results obtained using this test method are effectiveness values that should be cited as test values derived from this standard test. Dispersant effectiveness values do not directly relate to effectiveness at sea or in other apparatuses. Actual effectiveness at sea is dependent on sea energy, oil state, temperature, salinity, actual dispersant dosage, and amount of dispersant that interacts with the oil.

1.5The decision to use or not use a dispersant on an oil should not be based solely on this or any other laboratory test method.

1.6The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.