In a message dated 7/27/2010 7:38:17 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
[email protected] writes:
DD: Dan Dimiduk comments
I guess the dispersants are working. I am pretty sure that the PEMEX well
(which released far more oil than the Deepwater Horizon well has) did not
get treated with dispersants. This means that the longer term effect may as
you suggest, be dominated by the availability of oxygen.
DD The toxicology tests so far have revealed that the dispersants are less
toxic than the oil. This is a very positive note. Bacteria which eat oil
are common in the Gulf because of oil seeps. We just need to give them extra
air to breathe.
As it is so warm there is talk about the effect not lasting all that long
(nothing like the Exxon Valdez). But if the bacteria run out of oxygen
before they run out of oil, then pumping air down is a really good idea,
especially if it is bled out in tiny bubbles.
DD Exactly, and by releasing air at depths, it has more time to be
absorbed into the water column. Also the extra air making it to the surface
will
carry some of the lighter oil vapors with it.
I think that here in the Dayton, Ohio, USA area we pioneered in the
use of air strippers. Those are enclosed cascades of solvent contaminated
landfill water. There is a blower at the base of the cascade which passes air
though the water evaporating the toxic solvents. These, combined with
interceptor wells protect our drinking water aqufiers from being contaminated
by
landfill lechate. I campaigned for the wellfield protection ordinance
decades ago after a paint factory fire. Now it set a pattern for protecting
aquifiers worldwide.
The swamps too will eat the oil slowly. Swamps are being created
artificially to treat sewage. Unfortunately, heavy metals and toxins may
contaminate seafood for some time in some areas.
So, what about that oil pressure? How about using the oil coming out to
power compressors to aerate the sea, hmm?? There must be some very clever
ways to pump air using the ocean waves too.
DD Not a bad plan. gas burn off can be utilized as an energy source as
well. There are thousands of rigs in the Gulf. Around here, small windmills
which pump air into ponds are becoming popular for enhancing fish
reproduction. I wonder if boat hull designers can design boat hulls to airate
the
water better as they pass over it. I am sure jet ski's and water skiers help
provide oxygen to the water.
Regards
Crispin
DD This subject is not directly related to biomass energy. However, we
trade information with the oil industry on a regular basis. What a better time
for all creative people to come together to solve a global problem. We are
all in the global energy business.
I spent a brief time erecting an oil rig in Wyoming in 1981. The
reminders of the many dangers of gas escapes were everywhere. Some are so
quick
to trash the few people who made mistakes leading to the Deepwater Horizon
tragic event. We also need to take this moment to remember those who gave
their lives to provide us energy.
Don't forget the coal mine accidents. Every time we fill up or turn on
a light switch, we owe a debt to those who willingly put their lives on
the line to provide us energy. I lost a friend one time who was driving a
gasoline tanker. Someone pulled out in front of the tanker and he swerved to
avoid the car. While saving the car driver, he overturned the tanker and
lost his life in a fiery crash. This heroic attitude is typical of energy
industry workers.
One of our goals must be to reduce the risk of injury and death in all
energy industries. Those ideas must be shared for the good of mankind. The
timber industry is also at the top of the list of most dangerous
industries.
Dan Dimiduk
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