Verification of the OOC Mud and Produced Water Discharge Model using lab-scale plume behaviour experiments
Abstract This paper describes comparisons of predictions by the Offshore Operators Committee (OOC) Mud and Produced Water Discharge Model with published data on experimental laboratory-scale observations of plume behavior in flumes, towing tanks, and wind tunnels. The ability of the OOC Model to predict the plume characteristics observed in numerous individual tests of plume behavior covering a wide range of discharge conditions was examined. Data are provided summarizing the predictive ability of the model for all tests. The dimensionless parameters describing the physical characteristics of the plumes were within the range expected for typical Gulf of Mexico produced water and drilling fluid discharges for most of the comparisons. The model was in good to excellent agreement with measurements of plume behavior under most discharge conditions. The model was less accurate for those experimental cases where extreme plume bending occurred. It is believed that turbulence caused by the discharge pipe itself influenced the behavior of these extreme-bending plumes. The predicted density of solids accumulation on the bottom of a towing tank, a lab-scale analogy of the seabed accumulation of drilling solids, was within a factor of two of experimental observations. Excluding the three simulations of extreme bending plumes, the model showed no systematic trend towards either under- or over-estimation of any parameter examined. This suggests that experimental errors or biases may have contributed to observed differences between predictions and observations. The results of the validation testing described in this report increases confidence in the use of OOC Model predictions as an alternative to the difficult and expensive process of performing field measurements for every practical discharge situation.
Modeling Offshore Discharges of Produced Water
Industry and government have used the Offshore Operators Committee (OOC) mud and cuttings dispersion model (Brandsma and Sauer, 1983a) for years to assess the effects of drilling effluent discharges. Now, a revised version of the model simulates the dispersion of produced water discharges as well. The same fundamental predictive methods are used in either case. The revised model predicts the fate of soluble components, particulate solids and oil droplets or gas bubbles in the produced water stream. The model also predicts the decline of the plume temperature and salinity to ambient levels.
Wood Microbiology: Decay and Its Prevention
Introductory text on the principles of decay and discoloration processes in wood, with emphasis on the major fungal damages which may develop during the growth, storage, and use of wood. The characteristics, detection, effects, and control of microbial attacks are stressed. Provides a synthesis of the current literature on wood microbiology, a rapidly expanding field of study. (Abstractor's note: This is an important resource for conservation researchers studying the decay of wood in art and architecture.) The following is a list of chapter headings: 1) Introduction to wood microbiology; 2) Wood deterioration agents; 3) Characteristics and classification of fungi and bacteria; 4) Factors affecting the growth and survival of fungi in wood (fungal ecology); 5) Fungal metabolism in relation to wood decay; 6) The decay setting: some structural, chemical, and moisture features of wood in relation to decay development; 7) General features, recognition, and anatomical aspects of wood decay; 8) Chemical changes in wood caused by decay fungi; 9) Ultrastructural features of wood decay; 10) Changes caused by decay fungi in the strength and physical properties of wood; 11) Colonization and microbial interactions in wood decay; 12) Decays originating in the stems of living trees; 13) Biodeterioration of stored wood and its control; 14) Wood stains and discolorations; 15) Decay problems associated with some major uses of wood products; 16) Detection of internal decay; 17) Paint mildew and related degradative problems; 18) Natural decay resistance (wood durability); 19) Chemical protection of wood (wood preservation); and 20) Some trends in wood microbiology research and a new emphasis (biotechnology). -- AATA