Numerical models

SINTEF Materials and Chemistry is in the forefront in developing models addressing effects and risks associated with operational and accidental discharges to the marine environment. Numerical modelling of environmental processes supports objective, science-based management of natural resources as well as recreational and industrial activities.

The SINTEF Oil Weathering Model (OWM) provides comprehensive predictions of the behaviour of spilled oil at sea under different weather conditions. Excellent agreement with field observations has been consistently achieved with this model when predictions are based on standardized laboratory studies of specific oils and petroleum products. The model is in use internationally.
Contact at SINTEF: Kjell Skognes

The Oil Spill Contingency and Response

(OSCAR) model provides a scenario-based and 3-D statistic approach to objective evaluation of alternative response strategies. Both physical and biological measures of success and effectiveness are provided. This 3-D map-based system uses the SINTEF OWM for weathering calculations.
Contact at SINTEF: Mark Reed , Øistein Johansen

 

ParTrack simulates the behaviour and fate of drill muds, cuttings from offshore platforms.
Contact at SINTEF: Henrik Rye 

SINTEF's Dose-related Risk and Effects Assessment Model (DREAM), has been developed through a partnership between the oil industry . The model can account for releases of complex mixtures of chemicals, such as those associated with produced water. Exposure, uptake, and depuration are computed for organisms of interest in the water column or on the sea floor. Laboratory test data is then used to estimate possible lethal and sublethal effects and risks.
Contact at SINTEF: Mark Reed 

DeepBlow computes the physical behaviour of oil well blowouts in both deep and shallow water. In water exceeding about 400 m depth, the possibility of hydrate formation and increased gas solubility may affect significantly the dynamics of the blowout plume. This multi-phase model is well-tested and published in the refereed literature, and is often used for initialization of both stochastic and scenario-based oil spill impact analyses.
Contact at SINTEF: Øistein Johansen 

GeoSim is a complete 3-dimensional current model developed by SINTEF to study ocean currents and transport and diffusion of matter. The model is well suited for complex topography as the Norwegian fjords and coastal areas. GeoSim includes all driving forces for ocean currents as wind, tides and pressure gradients. The model also includes all steering agents as stratification, topography, friction and the earth’s rotation.
Contact person at SINTEF: Bård Brørs

SinMod is another SINTEF-developed 3-dimensional current model, well suited for open oceans and more global simulations. The model includes all driving forces and steering agents, air-sea interaction of heat and turbulence. SinMod also includes several biological and chemical processes for simulation of e.g. primary production, eutrophication and upwelling.
Contact person at SINTEF: Bård Brørs

B-Jet is a model for submerged discharges. The model computes the initial spreading and dilution of the discharge and is used for cooling water (excess temperature) and for municipal and industrial waste. B-Jet includes the stratification and the current profile of the recipient and the orientation and slope of the orifice and may be used for both rising (light) and falling (heavy) effluents. If the discharge surfaces, the model B-Pool is applied to compute the further spreading in the surface.
Contact person at SINTEF: Grim Eidnes