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DOE Pulse
  • Number 412  |
  • April 28, 2014

Researchers evaluate capabilities of BLOSOM, NETL’s blowout oil spill model

Researchers evaluate capabilities of BLOSOM, NETL’s blowout oil spill model

Researchers evaluate capabilities of
BLOSOM, NETL’s blowout oil spill model.

Scientists at DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory set out to create a data and modeling system to support DOE’s mission to produce science-based evaluations of engineered and natural systems, ensure sustainable, environmentally responsible access to U.S. resources, and help prevent future hydrocarbon spills and impacts. One result of this effort is NETL’s Blowout and Spill Occurrence Model (BLOSOM), an integrated system designed to simulate offshore oil spills resulting from deepwater (greater than 500 feet) and ultra-deepwater (greater than 5,000 feet) well blowouts.

Recently, researchers used BLOSOM in an international oil spill model intercomparison study focused on improving understanding and predictions of plume dynamics and droplet-size distributions associated with subsea hydrocarbon spills or seeps. The American Petroleum Institute (API) led the effort that included modelers from Texas to Norway. The purpose of the study was to determine the relative strengths of each model and identify areas of large uncertainty with these predictive modeling tools. Another goal was to better understand the formation of subsurface plumes and the effect of dispersants on them—phenomena that are currently poorly understood and lack substantial real world data

In addition to the API-led study, the Ultra-Deepwater Risk Assessment team at NETL also recently received a request from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s (BSEE) Oil Spill Response Division for a review of BLOSOM. BSEE is seeking new computational modeling and assessment tools for its efforts.

These outside opportunities and interest in BLOSOM have offered NETL researchers the opportunity to evaluate the performance of BLOSOM.  In addition, the team has gained key insights into the model’s current capabilities and relevance to DOE’s current hydrocarbon spill prevention goals for offshore systems, as well as potential future uses of this tool.

[Linda Morton, 304.285.4543,
Linda.morton@netl.doe.gov]