In-situ burning

In-situ burning (from in situ : “at the (original) location”, “at the place”, “on the spot”) is an efficient measure to prevent crude oil or heavy oil from leaking tankers from reaching the mainland. To do this, the oil spills are set on fire in order to save the weeks of recycling oil-smeared beaches . If the oil layers are already on land, for example because a pipeline has been damaged or the oil has already stranded, the area is cordoned off and then set on fire.

Since the easily flammable components of the oil evaporate quickly and the black mass is only flame retardant just a few hours after an accident , welding torches are sometimes used.

Web links

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: In Situ Burning (Engl.)