ASTM F3195-21

Standard Guide for Estimating the Volume of Oil Consumed in an In-Situ Burn

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide describes a methodology for estimating the effectiveness of an in-situ burn. It is intended to aid decision-makers and spill-responders in contingency planning, spill response, and training.  
4.2 This guide is not intended as a detailed operational manual for the ignition and burning of oil slicks. The guide does not cover the feasibility of an in-situ burn, or the evaluation of airborne emissions from a burn.  
4.3 It is generally accepted that a precise determination of the burn effectiveness will not be possible. However, the methodology presented in this guide can be used to provide a consistent and reasonable estimate.  
4.4 Burn effectiveness can be reported as total volume burned or burn efficiency (that is, volume burned of that available), or both.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide relates to the use of in-situ burning of oil spills. The focus of the guide is in-situ burning of spills on water, but the techniques described in the guide are generally applicable to in-situ burning of land spills as well.  
1.2 The purpose of this guide is to provide information that will enable spill responders to estimate the volume of oil consumed in an in-situ burn.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4.1 Exception—Table 1, Table 2 and Fig. 2 provide inch-pound units for information only.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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: 31-Oct-2021
• ICS: 13.020.40 - Pollution, pollution control and conservation
• ICS: 75.080 - Petroleum products in general
• ICS: 75.180.30 - Volumetric equipment and measurements
• Technical Committee: F20 - Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response
• Drafting Committee: F20.15 - In-Situ Burning

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F818-16(2020) - Standard Terminology Relating to Spill Response Booms and Barriers
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM F1788-14 - Standard Guide for In-Situ Burning of Oil Spills on Water: Environmental and Operational Considerations
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM F818-93(2009) - Standard Terminology Relating to Spill Response Barriers
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM F1788-08 - Standard Guide for In-Situ Burning of Oil Spills on Water: Environmental and Operational Considerations
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM F818-93(1998)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Spill Response Barriers
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1998
• Refers: ASTM F1788-97(2003) - Standard Guide for In-Situ Burning of Oil Spills on Water: Environmental and Operational Considerations
• Effective Date: 10-May-1997
• Refers: ASTM F1788-97 - Standard Guide for In-Situ Burning of Oil Spills on Water: Environmental and Operational Considerations
• Effective Date: 10-May-1997
• Refers: ASTM F818-93(2003) - Standard Terminology Relating to Spill Response Barriers
• Effective Date: 15-May-1993

Overview

ASTM F3195-21: Standard Guide for Estimating the Volume of Oil Consumed in an In-Situ Burn provides a systematic methodology for estimating the effectiveness of in-situ burning in oil spill response. This guide aids spill responders, decision-makers, and planners in calculating the volume of oil consumed during burning operations, supporting both contingency planning and incident response training. While the primary focus is on spills occurring on water, the principles and techniques are also applicable to in-situ burning on land.

In-situ burning is a critical oil spill response strategy that involves controlled combustion of oil slicks. Accurate estimation of the volume of oil consumed and burn efficiency is crucial for assessing response effectiveness, environmental impact, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key Topics

• Methodology for Estimation
  The guide describes the methodologies for estimating both total volume burned and burn efficiency. It emphasizes consistency and reasoned estimation, acknowledging inherent uncertainties in field conditions.

• Burn Rate, Duration, and Area
  Estimating the burned volume requires understanding the oil’s burn rate, the active burn duration, and the accurate measurement of the burn area. Typical burn rates for various oil types are provided for reference.

• Burn Efficiency
  Burn efficiency is defined as the percentage of oil removed from the environment by in-situ burning. The standard offers two approaches for estimating efficiency:

  • Comparison of the burned volume against the volume available for burning
  • Measurement of residue volume remaining post-burn

• Measurement Tools and Techniques
  The guide outlines practical observational techniques, including:

  • Use of photographs, video, and remote sensing
  • Timed overflights and referencing objects of known size
  • Employing laser range-finders for slick dimension estimation

• Potential Sources of Error
  The document discusses common uncertainties in the estimation process, such as variability in burn rate, imprecise area measurement, and difficulty in estimating the volume of oil available or residue remaining.

Applications

• Oil Spill Contingency Planning
  Enables response teams to develop realistic expectations for the performance and limitations of in-situ burning as an oil spill mitigation strategy.

• Field Response Operations
  Offers practical guidance for incident commanders and spill responders to assess the effectiveness of burning operations promptly and accurately during emergencies.

• Training and Exercises
  Provides a standard approach for estimating oil consumption and burn efficiency, valuable in training scenarios to improve response readiness.

• Environmental Impact Assessment
  Assists regulators and environmental agencies in evaluating the removal of oil and potential residue, contributing to more informed regulatory and environmental decisions.

Related Standards

ASTM F3195-21 is part of a suite of ASTM standards addressing oil spill response and in-situ burning, including:

• ASTM F818: Terminology Relating to Spill Response Booms and Barriers
• ASTM F1788: Guide for In-Situ Burning of Oil Spills on Water: Environmental and Operational Considerations

Additionally, it references internationally accepted standardization principles, supporting harmonization of oil spill response practices worldwide.

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Keywords: in-situ burning, oil spill response, burn efficiency, oil consumption, ASTM F3195-21, spill control, environmental impact, spill contingency planning, burn rate, residue estimation

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: F3195 − 21
Standard Guide for
Estimating the Volume of Oil Consumed in an In-Situ Burn
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3195; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope F1788Guide for In-Situ Burning of Oil Spills on Water:
Environmental and Operational Considerations
1.1 This guide relates to the use of in-situ burning of oil
spills. The focus of the guide is in-situ burning of spills on
3. Terminology
water, but the techniques described in the guide are generally
3.1 burn effıciency—the percentage of the oil removed from
applicable to in-situ burning of land spills as well.
the water by burning. F1788
1.2 The purpose of this guide is to provide information that
3.2 gap ratio—sweep width divided by boom length. F818
will enable spill responders to estimate the volume of oil
3.3 residue—the material, excluding airborne emissions,
consumed in an in-situ burn.
remaining after the oil stops burning. F1788
1.3 This guide is one of several related to in-situ burning.
3.4 sweep width —widthinterceptedbyaboomincollection
Other standards cover specifications for fire-containment
mode, the projected distance between the ends of a boom
booms and the environmental and operational considerations
deployed in a “U,” “V,” or “J” configuration. (Also known as
for burning.
swath.) F818
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
asstandard.Nootherunitsofmeasurementareincludedinthis
4. Significance and Use
standard.
4.1 This guide describes a methodology for estimating the
1.4.1 Exception—Table 1, Table 2 and Fig. 2 provide
effectiveness of an in-situ burn. It is intended to aid decision-
inch-pound units for information only.
makers and spill-responders in contingency planning, spill
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
response, and training.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.2 This guide is not intended as a detailed operational
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
manual for the ignition and burning of oil slicks. The guide
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
does not cover the feasibility of an in-situ burn, or the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
evaluation of airborne emissions from a burn.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.3 It is generally accepted that a precise determination of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
the burn effectiveness will not be possible. However, the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
methodology presented in this guide can be used to provide a
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
consistent and reasonable estimate.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.4 Burn effectiveness can be reported as total volume
burned or burn efficiency (that is, volume burned of that
2. Referenced Documents
available), or both.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5. Evaluation Approach
F818Terminology Relating to Spill Response Booms and
Barriers
5.1 For most oils and under most conditions, oil slicks burn
at a rate of between 2 and 4 mm/min. By accurately observing
the total area of an in-situ burn and the total duration of the
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F20 on
burn it is possible to estimate the volume of oil consumed in
Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F20.15 on In-Situ Burning.
the burn.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2021. Published January 2022. Originally
5.2 If it is necessary to estimate the burn effectiveness,
approved 2016. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as F3195–16. DOI:
10.1520/F3195–21
defined as the percentage of oil burned of that available for
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
burning, one must also estimate either: the volume of oil
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
spilled or available for burning; or, the volume of residue
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. remaining after the burn.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3195 − 21
5.3 In most cases an estimate of the spill volume or of the (1)a boom length of 150 metres;
residue volume will be much less accurate than that of the (2)towedinacatenaryconfigurationwithaswathwidthof
volume of oil consumed in the burn. If all three components 50 metres (that is, a gap ratio of 0.33);
can be estimated independently, the calculation procedure can (3)with the boom approximately one-quarter full; and
be refined and the overall accuracy increased. (4)a slick length of 17 metres measured up-current of the
apex of the boom;
5.4 Potential errors are described in Section 8.
(5)the burn area is estimated to be approximately 530 m .
6. Estimating Volume of Oil Burned
InusingthegraphinFig.1,the y-axisdimension,thatis,the
lengthoftheslickmeasuredup-currentoftheapexoftheboom
6.1 Estimating the volume of oil burned comprises three
should be used. This will lead to better accuracy in that the
variables: burn rate of the oil, burn duration, and burn area.
y-axis can be more precisely estimated in most instances and
Note that the area actively engaged in burning must be
the estimate of burn area is less sensitive to small changes in
estimated, not simply the total slick area.
estimating the y-dimension than the x-dimension (slick width).
6.2 The volume of oil burned is calculated as:
The data in Fig. 1 and Table 2 have been determined only for
Volumeburned m 5 burnrate mm/min 3duration minutes a gap ratio of 0.33, which is the commonly accepted gap ratio
~ ! ~ ! ~ !
for effective oil containment.
3burnarea ~m ! 30.001 m/mm (1)
6.3 Table 1 lists the burning rate for various oils. The 6.8 Fig. 2 shows the conversion of burn rate from the units
specified burn rates represent the accepted median values for of mm/min to a more useful litres per square metres per hour
2 2
(L/m /h) and barrels per square feet per hour (bbl/ft /h). For
given oil types; the ranges reflect potential variability.
example, diesel or light crude has a burn rate of 3.5 mm/min,
6.4 Discontinuitiesinslickscanoccurduetothepresenceof
which equates to an areal burn rate of 210 L/m /h. This is
ice or debris within the burning area. For discontinuous slicks,
calculated as (3.5 mm/min) × (1 L/m /mm) × (60 min/h).
burn durations should be recorded for discrete portions of the
slick.
7. Estimating Burn Efficiency
6.5 For slicks of emulsions, heat from the fire may cause
7.1 There are two methods of estimating burn efficiency;
emulsion to break, and may lead to variations in burning rate.
both methods require an estimate of the volume of oil burned
Inthisinstance,estimatesoftheburnareashouldmakenoteof
(see 6.2). The first method requires an estimate of the volume
the variations in slick area that is burning with time.
of oil available for burning; the second requires an estimate of
6.6 There are a number of methods that can be used to aid
the volume of burn residue. Both methods should be used if
in estimating the slick area, including: the use of photographs,
possible to increase confidence in accuracy.
video, or output from remote sensing devices; the use of timed
7.2 Estimate o
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F3195 − 16 F3195 − 21
Standard Guide for
Estimating the Volume of Oil Consumed in an In-Situ Burn
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3195; 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
1.1 This guide relates to the use of in-situ burning of oil spills. The focus of the guide is in-situ burning of spills on water, but
the techniques described in the guide are generally applicable to in-situ burning of land spills as well.
1.2 The purpose of this guide is to provide information that will enable spill responders to estimate the volume of oil consumed
in an in-situ burn.
1.3 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.
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
1.4.1 Exception—Table 1, Table 2 and Fig. 2 provide inch-pound units for information only.
1.5 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F818 Terminology Relating to Spill Response Booms and Barriers
F1788 Guide for In-Situ Burning of Oil Spills on Water: Environmental and Operational Considerations
3. Terminology
3.1 burn effıciency—the percentage of the oil removed from the water by burning. F1788
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
F20.15 on In-Situ Burning.
Current edition approved June 1, 2016Nov. 1, 2021. Published July 2016January 2022. Originally approved 2016. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as F3195–16.
DOI: 10.1520/F3195–1610.1520/F3195–21
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3195 − 21
3.2 gap ratio—sweep width divided by boom length. F818
3.3 residue—the material, excluding airborne emissions, remaining after the oil stops burning. F1788
3.4 sweep width —width intercepted by a boom in collection mode, the projected distance between the ends of a boom deployed
in a “U,” “V,” or “J” configuration. (Also known as swath.) F818
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This guide describes a methodology for estimating the effectiveness of an in-situ burn. It is intended to aid decision-makers
and spill-responders in contingency planning, spill response, and training.
4.2 This guide is not intended as a detailed operational manual for the ignition and burning of oil slicks. The guide does not cover
the feasibility of an in-situ burn, or the evaluation of airborne emissions from a burn.
4.3 It is generally accepted that a precise determination of the burn effectiveness will not be possible. However, the methodology
presented in this guide can be used to provide a consistent and reasonable estimate.
4.4 Burn effectiveness can be reported as total volume burned or burn efficiency, or both efficiency (that is, volume burned of that
available.)available), or both.
5. Evaluation Approach
5.1 For most oils and under most conditions, oil slicks burn at a rate of between 2 and 4 mm/min. By accurately observing the
total area of an in-situ burn and the total duration of the burn it is possible to estimate the volume of oil consumed in the burn.
5.2 If it is necessary to estimate the burn effectiveness, defined as the percentage of oil burned of that available for burning, one
must also estimate either: the volume of oil spilled or available for burning; or, the volume of residue remaining after the burn.
5.3 In most cases an estimate of the spill volume or of the residue volume will be much less accurate than that of the volume of
oil consumed in the burn. If all three components can be estimated independently, the calculation procedure can be refined and the
overall accuracy increased.
5.4 Potential errors are described in Section 8.
6. Estimating Volume of Oil Burned
6.1 Estimating the volume of oil burned comprises three variables: burn rate of the oil, burn duration, and burn area. Note that
the area actively engaged in burning must be estimated, not simply the total slick area.
6.2 The volume of oil burned is calculated as:
3 2
Volume burned~m !5 burn rate~mm/min!3duration~minutes!3burn area ~m !30.001 m/mm (1)
6.3 Table 1 lists the burning rate for various oils. The specified burn rates represent the accepted median values for given oil types;
the ranges reflect potential variability.
6.4 Discontinuities in slicks can occur due to the presence of ice or debris within the burning area. For discontinuous slicks, burn
durations should be recorded for discrete portions of the slick.
6.5 For slicks of emulsions, heat from the fire may cause emulsion to break, and may lead to variations in burning rate. In this
instance, estimates of the burn area should make note of the variations in slick area that is burning with time.
6.6 There are a number of methods that can be used to aid in estimating the slick area, including: the use of photographs, video,
F3195 − 21
TABLE 1 Burn Rate for Various Oils (1)
Burn rate
A
Burn rate, Burn Rate
Burn Rate
Oil Type range,
(L/m /h)
(mm/min) (gal/ft /h)
(mm/min)
Gasoline 4 3.5 to 4 240 5.9
Diesel fuel 3.5 3 to 3.7 210 5.2
Light crude 3.5 3 to 3.7 210 5.2
Medium crude 3.5 3 to 3.7 210 5.2
Heavy crude 3 3 to 3.5 180 4.4
Weathered crude 2.8 2.8 to 3.5 170 4.1
Crude oil amongst dense 2 2 to 2.5 120 2.9
ice
Light fuel oi1 2.5 2.5 to 3 150 3.7
Heavy fuel oil 2.5 2.5 to 2.8 150 3.2
Lube oil 2 2 to 2.5 120 2.9
Emulsified crude oil 1.5 1 to 2 90 2.2
A 2
Burn rate in gal/ft /h provided for information only.(1)
or output from remote sensing devices; the use of timed overflights; and reference to objects of known dimensions in the vicinity
(for example, response vessels, containment boom). Hand-held laser range-finders can also be used to estimate lateral slick
dimensions.
6.7 Fig. 1 and Table 2 (2) provide data to estimate oil slick area in a typical catenary-shaped booming configuration based on
the length of the slick within the boom.
For example, for the following conditions:
(1) a boom length of 150 metres;
(2) towed in a catenary configuration with a swath width of 50 metres (that is, a gap ratio of 0.33);
(3) with the boom approximately one-quarter full; and
(4) a slick length of 17 metres measured up-current of the apex of the boom;
(5) the burn area is estimated to be approximately 530 m .
In using the graph in Fig. 1, the y-axis dimension, that is, the length of the slick measured up-current of the apex of the boom
should be used. This will lead to better accuracy in that the y-axis can be more precisely estimated in most instances and the
estimate of burn area is less sensitive to small changes in estimating the y-dimension than the
...