ASTM F3349-18(2024)

Standard Guide for Use of Herding Agents in Conjunction with In-Situ Burning

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide describes the use of herding agents for the purpose of in-situ burning. It is intended to aid decision-makers and spill-responders in contingency planning, spill response, and training, and to aid manufacturers in developing effective herding agents.  
4.2 This guide is not intended as a detailed operational manual for the use of herding agents or the burning of spilled oil.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide relates to the use of herding agents in conjunction with in-situ burning of spilled oil.  
1.1.1 Although the focus is on the use of herders in conjunction with in-situ burning, herders may also be used to aid in mechanical recovery of spilled oil.  
1.2 The purpose of this guide is to provide information that will enable oil-spill responders to select the appropriate techniques and devices to successfully collect and ignite oil spilled on water.  
1.3 The focus of this guide is on the in-situ combustion of marine oil spills in drift ice conditions. The use of herding agents on calmer ice-free water is also possible.  
1.4 This guide is one of several related to in-situ burning. Other standards cover specifications for fire-containment booms and the environmental and operational considerations for burning.  
1.5 The storage, transport, and use of herding agents may be subject to regulations that will vary according to the jurisdiction. While guidance of a general nature is provided in this document, users of this guide should determine regulations that apply to their situation.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 29-Feb-2024
• ICS: 13.020.40 - Pollution, pollution control and conservation
• Technical Committee: F20 - Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response
• Drafting Committee: F20.11 - Control

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F3349-18 - Standard Guide for Use of Herding Agents in Conjunction with In-Situ Burning
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024

Overview

ASTM F3349-18(2024), Standard Guide for Use of Herding Agents in Conjunction with In-Situ Burning, is an international standard developed by ASTM International. This guide focuses on best practices for the use of herding agents-special chemical products-for oil spill response, particularly in creating conditions suitable for in-situ burning of spilled oil on water. It is designed to support decision-makers, spill responders, and manufacturers involved in contingency planning, oil spill response, and the development of effective herding agents.

The standard provides guidance on the selection and application of herding agents, highlights relevant operational and regulatory considerations, and outlines critical factors for success in marine environments, including challenging conditions such as drift ice. It is not intended as a detailed operational manual, but as a comprehensive reference to inform effective response strategies.

Key Topics

• Herding Agents and In-Situ Burning:
  Herding agents, also called surface collection agents, are deployed to contract and thicken oil slicks on water surfaces, making them amenable to in-situ burning-a technique where collected surface oil is ignited and burned onsite, minimizing environmental impact.

• Scope and Use Cases:

  • Focus on marine oil spills, especially in drift ice and arctic conditions
  • Applicability for both in-situ burning and assisting mechanical recovery of oil
  • Guidance for planning, training, and response operations

• Principles of Operation:

  • Herding agents are applied around oil slicks (not directly onto the slick)
  • The monomolecular layer created by the herder reduces surface tension, forcing the oil to contract into a thicker slick suitable for ignition
  • Effective in calm or icy waters, limited effectiveness in rough seas or high wind conditions

• Environmental and Safety Considerations:

  • Low application rates result in minimal water contamination
  • Monitoring for compliance with regional regulations is necessary
  • Standard PPE should be used during application to avoid contact or inhalation

Applications

• Oil Spill Response in Ice-Affected Waters:
  Herding agents enable rapid and effective collection and ignition of oil spills where mechanical containment is difficult, such as in drift ice environments. Helicopter or remotely operated aerial systems can also be used for both herder application and ignition, increasing speed and reducing risk to personnel.

• Oil Recovery Enhancement:
  Beyond in-situ burning, herding agents can be used to concentrate oil for mechanical skimming and to clear thin layers of oil from hard-to-access areas like under piers or among wetlands.

• Planning and Preparedness:
  The guide aids in scenario planning and spill contingency training, ensuring responders understand the best use cases for herding agents and their limitations.

Related Standards

• ASTM D971: Test Method for Interfacial Tension of Insulating Liquids Against Water by the Ring Method
• ASTM F631: Guide for Collecting Skimmer Performance Data in Controlled Environments
• Other In-Situ Burning Standards: Covering fire-containment boom specifications and environmental/operational considerations associated with burning oil at sea

Practical Value

• Supports Compliance: Helps ensure use of herding agents aligns with international and jurisdictional regulations.
• Enhances Effectiveness: Outlines how herding agents can create optimal conditions for oil spill remediation, especially where traditional methods are less viable.
• Informs Product Development: Guides manufacturers in creating herders that are effective under various environmental conditions.
• Increases Safety: Provides recommendations for safe application and handling during spill response.

ASTM F3349-18(2024) is a critical resource for organizations involved in oil spill response, offering a standardized approach for integrating herding agents with in-situ burning to improve environmental protection and response efficiency.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3349 − 18 (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Guide for
Use of Herding Agents in Conjunction with In-Situ Burning
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3349; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This guide relates to the use of herding agents in
D971 Test Method for Interfacial Tension of Insulating
conjunction with in-situ burning of spilled oil.
Liquids Against Water by the Ring Method
1.1.1 Although the focus is on the use of herders in
F631 Guide for Collecting Skimmer Performance Data in
conjunction with in-situ burning, herders may also be used to
Controlled Environments
aid in mechanical recovery of spilled oil.
3. Terminology
1.2 The purpose of this guide is to provide information that
3.1 herding agent (also known as surface collection
will enable oil-spill responders to select the appropriate tech-
agent)—chemical product that can be applied to the water
niques and devices to successfully collect and ignite oil spilled
surface surrounding an oil slick to concentrate the slick and
on water.
thicken it to enhance countermeasures such as in-situ burning
1.3 The focus of this guide is on the in-situ combustion of
or recovery.
marine oil spills in drift ice conditions. The use of herding
3.2 ice concentrations—ice cover expressed as tenths, that
agents on calmer ice-free water is also possible.
ths
is, ⁄10 is equivalent to 50 % ice coverage by area.
1.4 This guide is one of several related to in-situ burning.
4. Significance and Use
Other standards cover specifications for fire-containment
booms and the environmental and operational considerations 4.1 This guide describes the use of herding agents for the
purpose of in-situ burning. It is intended to aid decision-makers
for burning.
and spill-responders in contingency planning, spill response,
1.5 The storage, transport, and use of herding agents may be
and training, and to aid manufacturers in developing effective
subject to regulations that will vary according to the jurisdic-
herding agents.
tion. While guidance of a general nature is provided in this
4.2 This guide is not intended as a detailed operational
document, users of this guide should determine regulations that
manual for the use of herding agents or the burning of spilled
apply to their situation.
oil.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 5. Overview of the Use of Herding Agents for Burning
Spilled Oil on Water
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5.1 The main requirement for the effective use of in-situ
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
burning of a marine oil spill is an adequate slick thickness to
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor- support combustion. Slicks of greater than 1 mm are required
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- to allow ignition and sustain combustion. Thicknesses of 2 mm
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the to 3 mm or greater will ensure effective in-situ burning.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.2 For spills that are not naturally contained against a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
shoreline, ice edge, or amongst ice pieces, artificial contain-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ment will be required to achieve burnable slick thicknesses.
5.3 Collection and containment using fire-resistant boom is
possible in open water and drift ice concentration up to 3 to
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F20 on
Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F20.11 on Control. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved March 1, 2024. Published March 2024. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2018. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as F3349 – 18. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/F3349–18R24. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3349 − 18 (2024)
ths
⁄10 , but is slower than in open water. In drift ice concen- 5.9 Although not the focus of this standard, herders may
ths
trations of ⁄10 and greater, natural containment may be also be used in other applications, such as: concentrating oil to
adequate for in situ burning. Herding agents (also known as enhance recovery operations; and clearing thin films of oil
herders) may be useful when ice concentrations do not allow from under piers and among wetlands where marine access
the use of booms and when natural containment is not afforded. may be difficult.
Herding agents can be used to contain and concentrate oil for
6. Guidelines for Use
the purpose of in-situ burning.
6.1 The use of specific chemical surface-active agents,
5.4 Herding agents sprayed onto the water surrounding an
sometimes called oil herders or surface oil collection agents, to
oil slick result in the formation of a monomolecular layer of
clear and contain oil slicks on an open-water surface is well
surfactants on the water surface (Fig. 1). These surfactants
known.
reduce the surface tension of the surrounding water signifi-
cantly. When the surfactant reaches the edge of a thin oil slick 6.2 Herding agents are applied to the water surface around
it changes the balance of interfacial forces acting on the slick the periphery of a slick, not onto the slick itself. Herders can be
edge and causes the oil/water and oil/air interfacial tensions to applied in a low-volume and low-pressure stream, for example,
contract the oil into thicker layers. using simple backpack sprayers.
5.5 Herding agents were initially developed in the 1970s as
6.3 These agents have the ability to spread rapidly over a
a method of thickening oil slicks on open water prior to water surface into a monomolecular layer, as a result of their
mechanical recovery. Unfortunately, it was discovered during high spreading coefficients, or spreading pressures. The most
field tests that herded slicks resumed spreading within tens of effective herding agents have spreading pressures in the mid-
minutes in all but relatively calm seas and cannot resist winds 40 mN ⁄m range, whereas most crude oils have spreading
in excess of 2 m/s (4 knots). Herders have limited effectiveness pressures in the 10 mN ⁄m to 20 mN/m range.
in breaking waves which rapidly disrupt the herder layer.
6.4 Consequently, small quantities of these surfactants (ap-
Recent research has re-examined the use of herding agents in
proximately 15 L per kilometre, equivalent to 7 gal per nautical
the context of in-situ burning in drift ice conditions, where
mile, as measured along the perimeter of a slick) will quickly
breaking waves are generally less of an issue and the ice and oil
clear thin films of oil from large areas of water surface,
tend to drift downwind at the same velocity.
contracting the oil into thicker slicks. Additional applications
5.6 When applied correctly, herding agents do not affect the may be required.
physical or chemical properties of the oil, and will not affect 3
6.5 For example, a 10 m (63 barrels, equivalent to
the ability to subsequently disperse or mechanically recover the
2640 gal) spill with an average thickness of 0.1 mm would
oil, beyond any effect related to thickening the oil slick.
have a perimeter of approximately 1100 ml (3600 flt), and
5.7 The ultimate fate of herding agents will generally be would require approximately 16 L (4 gal) of herding agent. In
dispersion and dissolution into the water column due to wave this example the herding agent to oil ratio is 1:600.
action. Given the low application rate, the concentration of
6.6 Depending on the scale of the application, herding agent
herding agent in the water will generally be very low.
may be applied dropwise or in low volume streams. In either
5.8 A more thorough description of herding agent develop-
case, care should be taken to avoid mixing the herding agent
ment is contained in Appendix X1. into the water column or spraying it onto the slick.
FIG. 1 Depiction of Herding Agent Application
F3349 − 18 (2024)
6.7 Following application of the herder, a period of 30 min 7.5.5 Apply prescribed amount (150 μL) of herding agent to
to 60 min may be required for it to have its full effect and open water area with micropipette.
maximize the thickness of the slick.
7.5.6 Allow the oil to contract and take another digital
photograph after one minute, 10 min, 30 min, and 1 h.
6.8 Another potential advantage of using herders in drift ice
7.5.7 Empty water from pan, remove plastic film, and dry
conditions is the possibility that the entire operation could be
the tray.
carried out using helicopters, or possibly even remote-control
7.5.8 The slicks (including any oil sheen) in the photo-
aircraft, to spray herders on the water around slicks and then
graphs must be corrected for perspective and the area mea-
ignite the thickened oil with aerially-deployed igniters. This
sured. Average slick thickness is estimated by dividing the
type of totally aerial response could be much faster, more
volume of oil by the calculated area.
effective, safer and less complicated than conventional
7.5.9 The error in estimating area should be quite small, less
icebreaker-based countermeasures in Arctic waters.
than 5 % taking into account parallax errors at the sides of the
6.9 This type of aerial- based response could be much safer,
pans. Errors in average slick thickness would increase as time
faster, more effective, and less complicated than conventional
progresses, unless evaporation losses are taken into account,
countermeasures in arctic waters.
but in a quiescent lab environment over the period of an hour
would not likely exceed 10 %.
6.10 Herding agents in common use may gel at sub-freezing
temperatures. Gelling can be avoided by limiting the exposure
7.6 An effective herder will thicken a light to medium crude
of herding agent to ambient conditions, the use of insulated
from an initial equilibrium thickness of approximately 0.5 mm
application containers, and the use of heat.
to a thickness greater than 3 mm in a few minutes and maintain
the herded slick thickness at 3 mm or greater for the one hour
7. Herding Agent Effectiveness Test
test.
7.1 With renewed interest in the use of herding agents there
8. Regulatory Considerations
has been renewed interest in developing and evaluating new
and existing products. To be accepted as a spill control agent in
8.1 In most jurisdictions, application of a chemical product
US waters, a herding agent must pass a floating persistence test
in a marine environment is subject to regulatory approval.
and have its toxicity test results published.
8.2 Few jurisdictions have established approval criteria for
7.2 The test parameters are intended to reflect minimum
the acceptance of herding agents for spill response. In the U.S.,
conditions for acceptable performance. More stringent condi-
the Environmental Protection Agency would approve or disap-
tions such as higher wind speed or the use of weathered or
prove of such a product based on one criteria: tendency for the
emulsified oils may be considered for some herding agents,
product not to mix into the water column. Should a product
depending on the application.
meet this criteria EPA will list it on the National Contingency
Plan (NCP) Product Schedule along with the results of stan-
7.3 The recommended oil for the effectiveness test is a light
dardized toxicity tests.
to medium viscosity crude oil. (See Guide F631, Table X1.1
and select a Type I or II oil.) Diesel could be used, but should
NOTE 1—Accepting a product for listing in the NCP Schedule does not
be tinted to aid in visual measurement techniques.
constitute approval for use in a spill.
7.4 The following test can be performed using fresh water
9. Safety
underlying the oil. Present-day herding agents work equally
well in fresh water and in seawater. For new products,
9.1 SDS information should be consulted prior to the use of
depending on the intended application, the inconsequence of
any herding agent.
water salinity should be confirmed or, preferably, both condi-
9.2 In general, the use of herding agents does not present
tions tested.
any particular safety concerns to response personnel. Standard
7.5 The general procedure for a 1 m pan experiment is:
Personal Protection Equipment should be used to avoid
7.5.1 Place 20 L (a depth of 2 cm) of room-temperature ingestion, inhalation, and prolonged contact.
water in each 1 m pan lined with freshly rinsed (using tap
water) new plastic film. 10. Shipping and Storage
7.5.2 Take a sample of the water from the surface using a
10.1 In general, the currently available herding agents do
Petri dish and measure the water-air interfacial tension (IFT)
not present any particular concerns regarding shipping and
using a DuNuoy Ring Tensiometer (Test Method D971-12). If
storage regulations.
the IFT reading is less than 65, replace the water and film and
10.2 For some herders, the solvent may present a flamma-
retry.
bility hazard and may have restrictions with regards to com-
7.5.3 Carefully pour 500 mL of the test oil on the water;
mercial air shipment.
making sure that it doesn’t stick to the plastic on the bottom of
the tray while being poured.
10.3 Herding agents should be stored in sealed containers in
7.5.4 Allow the oil to spread to equilibrium and take a a warm facility, shielded from sunlight and avoiding extreme
digital photograph from overhead, preferably directly overhead temperatures (that is, avoid freezing temperatures and tempera-
the center of the pan, for subsequent oil area coverage analysis. tures greater than 35 °C).
F3349 − 18 (2024)
10.4 The estimated shelf life of the product should be stated
by the manufacturer. For example, existing herding agents have
a known shelf life of five years or more.
11. Keywords
11.1 containment; herder; herding agent; in-situ burning;
ISB; oil
APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. BRIEF HISTORY OF HERDER DEVELOPMENT
Herding agents were initially developed in the 1970s as a to spread for 15 minutes until it was far too thin to ignite
meth
...