Diameter and Density Dependent Target Strength of Submerged Oil Droplets Measured by a Broadband, High-frequency Echo Sounder

TitleDiameter and Density Dependent Target Strength of Submerged Oil Droplets Measured by a Broadband, High-frequency Echo Sounder
Publication TypeConference Abstract
Year2015
AuthorsLoranger, S, Weber, TC
Conference Name169th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America
Conference LocationPittsburgh, PA
Conference DatesMay 18-22
Keywordsacoustical engineering, density dependent target strength, submerged oil droplets

Over two million tons of oil enters marine environments from anthropogenic sources annually with severe environmental consequences. The most effective method of cleaning spills is to biodegrade them by dispersing the oil as droplets. However, the ultimate fate of dispersed oil in the environment is largely unknown. Acoustic remote sensing may offer a means by which to assess the quantity, characteristics, and ultimate fate of submerged oil droplets. To provide a foundation for this work, we have made a series of laboratory measurements using a broadband, high-frequency, calibrated echo sounder. Measurements of oil droplet frequency-dependent target strength were made in a 6 m deep tank of fresh water. Target strength was measured and compared to droplet size and density. Droplet size ranged from 60 lm to 1 mm and was measured by high definition camera. Oils of different density were used including castor, gasoline, diesel, and crude oil. Sound speed of each oil was measured using a Digibar Pro sound velocimeter.

URLhttp://acousticalsociety.org/content/program-169th-meeting-acoustical-society-america