A standard test is necessary to establish a baseline performance parameter so that dispersants can be compared, a given dispersant can be compared for effectiveness on different oils, and at different oil weathering stages, and batches of dispersant or oils can be checked for effectiveness changes with time or other factors.

Dispersant effectiveness varies with oil type, sea energy, oil conditions, salinity, and many other factors. Test results from this test method form a baseline, but are not to be taken as the absolute measure of performance at sea. Actual field effectiveness could be more or less than this value.

Many dispersant tests have been developed around the world. This test has been developed over many years using findings from world-wide testing to use standardized equipment, test procedures, and to overcome difficulties noted in other test procedures.

1.1 This test method covers the procedure todetermine the effectiveness of oil spill dispersants on variousoils in the laboratory. This test method is not applicable to otherchemical agents nor to the use of such products or dispersants inopen waters.

1.2 This test method covers the use of the swirlingflask test apparatus and does not cover other apparatuses nor arethe analytical procedures described in this report directlyapplicable to such procedures.

1.3 The test results obtained using this test methodare intended to provide baseline effectiveness values used tocompare dispersants and oil types under conditions analogous tothose used in the test.

1.4 The test results obtained using this test methodare effectiveness values that should be cited as test valuesderived from this standard test. Dispersant effectiveness values donot directly relate to effectiveness at sea or in otherapparatuses. Actual effectiveness at sea is dependant on seaenergy, oil state, temperature, salinity, actual dispersant dosage,and amount of dispersant that enters the oil.

1.5 The decision to use or not use a dispersant onan oil should not be based solely on this or any other laboratorytest method.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regardedas standard. No other units of measurement are included in thisstandard.

1.7 This standard does notpurport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associatedwith its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standardto establish appropriate safety and health practices and determinethe applicability of regulatory limitations prior touse.