Oil spill reclamation system

Abstract

An oil spill reclamation system utilizes an elastomeric foam functionalized to exhibit both oleophilic and hydrophobic properties. The foam material is contained in permeable pods connected to each other in a chain to form a boom strung in a closed loop around the oil spill. As each pod is brought into contact with the spilled oil, the foam material absorbs it to saturation. The pods are linked through an inflated flexible hose that ensures their buoyancy. The chain of pods is continuously processed in one or more barges that include equipment to press the absorbed oil out of each pod and a conveyor system for retrieving the pods from the water, pulling them through the press, and returning them to the water in a continuous cycle of operation. Positioning buoys with vertical rollers are used to retain the general shape of the containment loop defined by the continuous boom.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application is based on and claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 361,974, filed Jul. 7, 2010.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention is related in general to systems for clean-up and recovery of oil spills. In particular, the invention pertains to a system based on the use of an elastomeric oleophilic / hydrophobic foam material suitable for continuous on-site oil extraction and separation.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Since the early times of off-shore drilling, concerns over oil spills have created much debate and tension between environmental and production interests. The potential economic damaged resulting from large spills has spurred much research, but no solution has proven to be satisfactorily effective in protecting wildlife and shore lines from major spills. As evidenced by the Exxon Valdez tanker rupture and the recent well blow-out in the Gulf of Mexico, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The invention is based on the use of an elastomeric foam that has been functionalized to exhibit both oleophilic and hydrophobic properties. Because of its foam structure, this material can be used to entrap oil that can then be pressed out and recovered on account of the material's elastomeric characteristic. The separation of oil from water is enhanced by the hydrophobic property of the foam, while the absorption of oil is greatly enhanced by its concurrent oleophilic characteristics.

[0010]Several schemes of containment and recovery are considered, some with stationary barges and some subject to tug-boat traction. The latter schemes provide the additional advantage of accumulating the floating oil at the trailing end of the loop where it is continuously recovered at higher density by the moving chain of pods as the processing barge, pulled by the tug boat, proceeds through the water.

Problems solved by technology

Since the early times of off-shore drilling, concerns over oil spills have created much debate and tension between environmental and production interests.

The potential economic damaged resulting from large spills has spurred much research, but no solution has proven to be satisfactorily effective in protecting wildlife and shore lines from major spills.

As evidenced by the Exxon Valdez tanker rupture and the recent well blow-out in the Gulf of Mexico, serious periodic accidents are almost unavoidable and the consequences can be disastrous.

No mobile, continuous process exists for containing an oil spill and at the same time extracting and recovering the oil from the water.

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