The LURSOT sensor: Providing absolute measurement of oil slick thickness

There exists a need to measure the thickness of oil slicks on water. At the present there are no methods to accurately measure oil thickness from an airborne platform or in the laboratory. Slick thickness and volume are required to effectively direct spill countermeasures such as dispersant application and in-situ burning. A joint project sponsored by Environment Canada, Imperial Oil Research Limited and the Industrial Materials Institute of the National Research Council of Canada, has been initiated to develop a new technology for the remote measurement of oil thickness on water. The Laser Ultrasonic Remote Sensing of Oil Thickness (LURSOT) sensor employs three lasers to produce and measure the time-of-flight of ultrasonic waves in oil and hence provide a direct measurement of oil thickness. The successful application of this technology to the measurement of oil slick thickness will benefit not only the spill responder, but the scientific community as a whole by providing information about oil slick spreading, dispersant effectiveness and providing a tool to calibrate other remote sensing equipment. Laboratory scale tests of the LURSOT system have been very successful. The system has measured the thickness of oil slicks on water at distances of up to 91 in formore » four different types of oil. Currently, the development of an operational airborne LURSOT sensor is underway. A new solid-state GaAs detector is being integrated into the LURSOT system to provide reliable detection in vibrationally noisy aircraft environments. Recent developments in the design of the LURSOT system will be presented along with a prognosis for the future of this essential remote sensing tool.« less