How are chemical dispersants applied to an oil slick ?
Oil Spill Dispersants can be applied by fixed wing aircraft such as agricultural spray planes, helicopters utilising special spray buckets (image), or from ship based spray systems. There are advantages and disadvantages of each method. The National Plan has equipment and resources available to spray Oil Spill Dispersants by all methods and from all different platform types. Oil Spill Dispersants must be applied as soon as possible to the thickest parts of the oil slicks and in an optimal droplet size and rate of application. A minimum sea energy is also required before dispersants function effectively – the higher the sea the more effective the dispersant. Training on the use and application of Oil Spill Dispersants is carried out as part of the National Plan training program across Australia.
