Oil-absorbing solid float-type oil containment device based on bionic strategy and method of use thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a solid float type oil containment device capable of absorbing oil based on a bionic strategy and a use method thereof. The device comprises a solid float arranged at the upper part of the device; a flexible skirt connected to the lower part of the solid float and extending underwater; a float energy consumption structure unit and a skirt energy consumption structure unit arranged respectively on the outer surface of the solid float and the wave-approaching surface of the flexible skirt, which are arranged at intervals for dividing waves and forming local vortex areas between adjacent units; an oilophilic and hydrophobic porous oil absorption layer arranged near the static working waterline; a hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer arranged on the underwater surface of the flexible skirt, which forms a wet transition boundary between the two; a rigid bearing framework arranged only on the left and right side edges of the flexible skirt; and a bottom counterweight system. The application integrates wave energy consumption, interface stability, oil film containment and oil absorption functions, and is suitable for oil spill emergency disposal in waters such as offshore platforms and port wharfs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of oil spill containment device technology, and in particular to an oil spill containment device based on a biomimetic strategy that can absorb oil with a solid float. Background Technology

[0002] Oil booms are commonly used containment devices in emergency response to oil spills on water surfaces. They typically consist of a float, skirt, counterweight components, and connecting components. The float keeps the boom near the water surface, while the underwater skirt prevents the floating oil film from spreading with the water flow. Based on structural rigidity, existing oil booms are mainly divided into rigid and flexible oil booms. Rigid oil booms have a strong ability to maintain their shape, but their ability to adapt to wave deformation is weak. Under continuous wave impact, rigid components bear a large instantaneous load, and stress concentration or damage can easily occur at the connection points. Flexible oil booms have better wave adaptability, but under conditions of large waves or complex water flow, the flexible skirt is prone to curling, tilting, and twisting, making it difficult to maintain a stable underwater containment depth. This results in problems such as oil film flowing over the skirt, escaping from under the skirt, or leaking through connection gaps.

[0003] Traditional oil booms are limited to blocking and diverting floating oil slicks; they lack the ability to actively absorb or recover oil. After containment, additional equipment such as oil skimmers, oil separators, and absorbent pads are required for subsequent recovery. Containment and recovery devices are independent of each other, involving numerous steps in emergency response. Existing technologies also utilize porous, oleophilic materials such as polypropylene fibers, polyurethane foam, and aerogel towbars or oil-absorbing barriers. However, the overall tensile and impact resistance of the oil-absorbing components in these devices is limited, relying primarily on the material's own buoyancy, making it difficult to maintain a stable containment shape under continuous wave impact. Furthermore, the lack of a unified structural design between the oil-absorbing layer, load-bearing structure, and underwater skirt makes it difficult to simultaneously address oil slick containment, wave adaptability, and oil recovery functions. In addition, the surfaces of existing oil boom floats and skirts are typically continuous and smooth. Wave energy is mainly transmitted through the overall oscillation of the boom and the force on connecting components. The surface structure itself lacks the ability to divert and dissipate waves, easily leading to localized liquid level rises near the boom under continuous wave impact, increasing the risk of oil slick overflow. In recent years, biomimetic wettability boundaries (simulating the boundaries between different wettable regions of pitcher plants) and biomimetic notch structures (simulating the notches at the edges of water lily leaves) have been used to control liquid sloshing within containers. However, these studies mainly focus on the wetting behavior between the inner wall of a closed container and water, and have not yet been structurally adapted to the oil-water interface, wave impact, and oil spill recovery needs in open sea areas. In summary, existing oil boom technology still has limitations in terms of synergistic containment and recovery functions, a balance between rigid and flexible structures, wave energy dissipation, oil-water interface stability, and comprehensive adaptability to complex sea conditions, leaving room for further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a biomimetic-based oil-absorbing solid float-type oil containment device and its usage method, to solve the following technical problems existing in the prior art: Existing oil booms separate containment and recovery functions, failing to simultaneously absorb floating oil during containment, requiring separate recovery equipment, resulting in longer emergency response times; rigid oil booms lack sufficient ability to adapt to wave deformation, while flexible oil booms are prone to curling, tilting, and twisting of the skirt under large waves, making it difficult to maintain effective underwater blocking depth continuously; it is difficult to balance structural stability and wave adaptability; the surface of the existing oil boom float and skirt... The surface of the boom is a continuous and smooth structure, lacking the ability to divert and dissipate waves. Under continuous wave impact, local liquid level rises are easily formed near the oil boom, increasing the risk of oil film overflow. Traditional oil booms do not utilize the difference in material wettability to constrain the oil-water interface and three-phase contact line. When impacted by waves and water flow, the oil film easily migrates up and down along the surface of the boom, changing the effective oil containment height. In addition, the oil containment device lacks a comprehensive design that combines rigid support, flexible buffering, wave energy dissipation, and oil absorption and recovery in waters with unknown sea conditions or constantly changing wave and water flow directions, resulting in insufficient overall adaptability.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] This invention provides a biomimetic oil-absorbing solid float-type oil containment device, comprising one or more oil containment boom units, each oil containment boom unit comprising: a solid float (1) disposed on the upper part of the oil containment boom unit; a flexible skirt connected below the solid float and extending underwater; a float energy-dissipating structure unit and a skirt energy-dissipating structure unit, the float energy-dissipating structure unit being disposed on the outer surface of the solid float, and the skirt energy-dissipating structure unit being disposed on the wave-facing surface of the flexible skirt, the float energy-dissipating structure unit and the skirt energy-dissipating structure unit being arranged at intervals and configured to divide the incoming flow and form local vortex regions between adjacent energy-dissipating structure units; and an oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer. Near the static working waterline of the oil containment device, a detachable fixing component is installed in the waterline area of ​​the solid float; a hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer is disposed on the underwater surface of the flexible skirt, and a wettable transition boundary is formed between the hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer and the hydrophilic and oleophobic porous oil-absorbing layer; a rigid load-bearing frame is disposed only on the left and right edges of the flexible skirt, the upper end of the rigid load-bearing frame is connected to the solid float, and the lower end is connected to the bottom load-bearing cable or end counterweights, and no continuous rigid support is provided in the middle of the flexible skirt; and a bottom counterweight system includes end counterweights disposed at both ends of the oil containment boom unit and connected to the rigid load-bearing frame, and a number of middle counterweights spaced apart along the bottom edge of the flexible skirt.

[0007] This invention draws inspiration from the dispersion and energy dissipation effect of the notch at the edge of a water lily leaf on the impact of water flow. Energy-dissipating structural units are set on the outer surface of the solid float and the wave-facing surface of the flexible skirt. At the same time, it draws inspiration from the wettability boundary between different wettable areas of pitcher plants. By utilizing the abrupt change in the wettability of the material surface, the contact line near the oil-water interface is restricted. This allows the oil containment device to dissipate wave impact energy, restrict the up-and-down migration of the oil film along the surface of the device, and simultaneously passively adsorb and recover the contained oil.

[0008] Furthermore, the floating body energy-dissipating structural unit and the skirt energy-dissipating structural unit are wedge-shaped energy-dissipating units. Each wedge-shaped energy-dissipating unit includes outwardly protruding wedge-shaped protrusions, inwardly recessed wedge-shaped grooves, or an alternating arrangement of protrusions and grooves. The tip or opening of the wedge-shaped energy-dissipating unit faces the incoming flow direction. The wedge-shaped energy-dissipating unit can divide continuous wave crests into several local water flows, causing the water flow to circulate around both sides of the wedge structure, and forming local eddies and backflow zones between adjacent wedge-shaped energy-dissipating units. Through water flow segmentation, flow direction change, vortex formation, and viscous friction, some of the ordered wave energy is converted into local turbulent kinetic energy and viscous dissipated energy.

[0009] Preferably, the energy-dissipating structural units of the floating body are symmetrically arranged along both sides of the solid float, or arranged around the outer periphery of the solid float. This arrangement enables the oil containment device to dissipate wave energy under different incoming wave directions, adapting to the uncertainty of wave direction in actual sea areas.

[0010] Furthermore, the stiffness of the skirt energy-dissipating structural unit is lower than that of the floating body energy-dissipating structural unit. The skirt energy-dissipating structural unit is made of elastic material and is configured to undergo elastic deformation and recover under wave action. The energy-dissipating structural units on the skirt can not only change the direction of water flow and weaken underwater lateral impact, but also absorb part of the wave energy through their own elastic deformation, forming a composite energy dissipation process of hydrodynamic dissipation and material deformation energy dissipation.

[0011] Furthermore, the oil-absorbing material of the oleophilic-hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer is selected from at least one of graphene aerogel, carbonized sponge, modified polyurethane porous material, polypropylene oil-absorbing fiber, or hydrophobic modified melamine sponge. All of these materials possess an oleophilic-hydrophobic porous structure, allowing oil to enter their internal pores under the influence of capillary force and oleophilic surface adsorption, while the hydrophobic surface reduces water absorption, thereby improving oil absorption selectivity.

[0012] Specifically, the detachable fixing assembly includes a mounting frame, a mesh bag or slot, and an external protective mesh cover. The mounting frame, mesh bag or slot is installed in the waterline area of ​​the solid float via buckles, slides, Velcro, zippers, bolts, or quick-release pins. The external protective mesh cover is located outside the mounting frame, mesh bag, or slot, and the mesh aperture of the external protective mesh cover is smaller than the overall size of the oil-absorbing material in the oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer. The protective mesh cover reduces the risk of the oil-absorbing material breaking, falling off, or undergoing localized deformation under wave impact, while allowing oil to enter the porous oil-absorbing layer. After the oil-absorbing material is saturated, the detachable fixing assembly can be removed from the oil containment device, and the oil-absorbing material can be recycled and replaced. The oil containment device continues to maintain its barrier function during the replacement process.

[0013] Furthermore, the hydrophilic-oleophobic functional layer is composed of silica micro-nano particles and a thermoplastic polyurethane elastic matrix. The silica micro-nano particles enhance the surface hydrophilicity and roughness of the hydrophilic-oleophobic functional layer, while the thermoplastic polyurethane elastic matrix improves the bonding strength between the hydrophilic-oleophobic functional layer and the flexible skirt. After the device enters water, the hydrophilic surface preferentially adsorbs water and forms a stable hydration layer. When oil droplets or oil films approach this surface, the hydration layer acts as a barrier, reducing the adhesion and spread of oil on the underwater skirt surface, causing more oil to accumulate in the hydrophilic-oleophobic porous oil-absorbing layer region near the water surface. The thermoplastic polyurethane elastic matrix allows the functional layer to bend with the skirt without easily cracking or detaching over a large area.

[0014] In some embodiments, a flexible transition zone is provided at the connection point between the rigid load-bearing frame and the flexible skirt, and the stiffness of the flexible transition zone is between that of the rigid load-bearing frame and the flexible skirt; the solid float has several independent sealed buoyancy cavities inside. The flexible transition zone is used to reduce the abrupt change in stiffness at the connection point of the two materials, reducing the risk of skirt tearing and stress concentration at the connection point; the compartmentalized design of the sealed buoyancy cavities ensures that the remaining cavities can still provide buoyancy when the float is partially damaged, preventing the entire oil boom unit from losing its buoyancy due to single-point damage.

[0015] Furthermore, connecting components are provided at the ends of adjacent oil boom units, which simultaneously connect the solid float, the rigid load-bearing frames on both sides, and the bottom load-bearing rope; the flexible skirt edges of adjacent oil boom units are provided with overlapping joints or flexible sealing plates. The connecting components allow the tension between adjacent oil boom units to be transmitted separately through the upper float, the side frames, and the bottom load-bearing rope, preventing the tension from being concentrated entirely on the flexible skirt; the overlapping joints or flexible sealing plates adhere to each other under the action of water flow, reducing the amount of oil film passing through the connection gaps.

[0016] This invention also provides a method for using a biomimetic-based oil-absorbing solid float-type oil containment device, wherein the oil-absorbing solid float-type oil containment device is the aforementioned oil-absorbing solid float-type oil containment device, and the method of use includes the following steps:

[0017] (1) Connect multiple oil boom units to form a continuous containment structure consisting of solid floats, rigid load-bearing frames, flexible skirts and bottom load-bearing components;

[0018] (2) The oil containment device is placed in the oil spill area. The solid float floats on the water surface by buoyancy, and the bottom counterweight system causes the flexible skirt to unfold downward.

[0019] (3) Adjust the buoyancy of the float, the weight of the oil-absorbing module or the bottom counterweight so that the wettability transition boundary between the oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer and the hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer is located near the static water surface.

[0020] (4) When waves act on the oil containment device, the floating body energy dissipation structure unit diverts and dissipates the waves, the skirt energy dissipation structure unit further dissipates the underwater flow, and the flexible skirt undergoes moderate bending in the middle to buffer the impact load.

[0021] (5) After the floating oil film is blocked by the flexible skirt, it gathers on the upstream side of the oil containment device. The oil film comes into contact with the oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer and is absorbed. The hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer inhibits the oil from migrating downward along the flexible skirt.

[0022] (6) After the oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer reaches the predetermined saturation level, the detachable fixing component is removed from the oil containment device, the oil-absorbing material is recycled and replaced, and the oil containment device continues to maintain its barrier function during the replacement process.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] 1. By setting up floating body energy dissipation structural units and skirt energy dissipation structural units, the staged dissipation of wave energy is achieved.

[0025] By setting spaced energy-dissipating structural units on the outer surface of the solid float and the wave-facing side of the flexible skirt, the waves are divided into several local water flows after reaching the oil containment device. Local vortices and backflow zones are formed between adjacent energy-dissipating structural units. Through changes in water flow direction, vortex motion, viscous friction, and elastic deformation of the flexible energy-dissipating structural units, some of the ordered wave energy is converted into local turbulent kinetic energy, frictional dissipation energy, and material deformation energy. This reduces the direct impact of waves on the float and skirt, reduces the local liquid level rise and reflected wave superposition on the wave-facing side of the oil containment boom, and reduces the risk of the oil film crossing the top of the float with the waves. This overcomes the shortcomings of existing oil containment booms, which have smooth surfaces and lack the ability to actively dissipate wave energy.

[0026] 2. By setting up an oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer and a hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer, a wettability transition boundary is formed to stabilize the oil-water interface.

[0027] By setting up an oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer and an underwater hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer near the static working waterline, a wettability transition boundary is formed between the two. The abrupt change in wettability creates a blocking effect on the oil-water-solid three-phase contact line, restricting the vertical migration of the oil film contact line. This causes the oil to mainly concentrate in the oleophilic region near the waterline, reducing the possibility of the oil film entering the underwater skirt area or bypassing the control boundary along the structural surface. This solves the problem that traditional oil booms lack measures to stabilize the oil-water interface.

[0028] 3. By setting up an oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer, the functions of containment and recovery are integrated.

[0029] By setting an oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer in the waterline area, the floating oil film, after being blocked by the flexible skirt, can directly contact the porous oil-absorbing material. Under the action of capillary action, surface adsorption, and pore filling, it enters the interior of the oil-absorbing material, allowing the oil containment device to simultaneously absorb some of the floating oil while blocking the oil film. This shortens the time interval between the containment and recovery operations, solving the problem of the separation of containment and recovery functions in traditional oil booms. The oil-absorbing module adopts a detachable structure and can be replaced individually after reaching saturation, without having to remove the entire oil containment device from the water. During the replacement of the oil-absorbing material, the float and the flexible skirt can continue to perform the oil film blocking task.

[0030] 4. By setting a hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer, the adhesion of oil to the surface of the underwater skirt is reduced.

[0031] By setting a hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer on the underwater surface of the flexible skirt, the hydrophilic surface preferentially adsorbs water to form a stable hydration layer after the device enters the water, reducing the adhesion, spreading and residue of oil on the underwater skirt surface. This makes it easier for oil to stay near the water surface and be absorbed by the upper oleophilic porous material, reducing the amount of cleaning work after the use of the oil containment device and reducing the risk of secondary residue and secondary release of oil on the skirt surface.

[0032] 5. By setting up a rigid load-bearing frame in combination with a flexible skirt, a rigid-flexible coupled structure is formed, which takes into account both shape preservation and wave adaptation.

[0033] By setting rigid load-bearing frames on the left and right edges of the flexible skirt while keeping the middle of the skirt flexible, a rigid-flexible coupled structure is formed, with rigid support at the edges and flexible deformation in the middle. The rigid load-bearing frames on both sides bear the main tensile loads generated during the connection, towing and anchoring of the oil boom, maintaining the basic vertical shape of the oil boom unit and limiting the curling and overturning of the skirt edges. The middle of the flexible skirt can bend and sway moderately under the action of waves and water flow, buffering instantaneous impact loads. Compared with a completely rigid oil boom, it reduces stress concentration at the frame and connection points. Compared with a completely flexible oil boom, it reduces excessive deflection, folding and loss of effective underwater depth of the skirt, solving the problem of the difficulty in balancing rigid and flexible structures.

[0034] 6. By setting up a segmented counterweight system, the uniformity and stability of the skirt's unfolding are improved.

[0035] By setting end counterweights and several middle counterweights at the bottom of the flexible skirt, a segmented counterweight system is constructed. The end counterweights are connected to the rigid load-bearing frames on both sides to stabilize the two ends of the oil boom unit. The middle counterweights are arranged at intervals along the bottom edge of the skirt to keep the middle of the skirt drooping and unfolding. This segmented counterweight method can maintain the underwater blocking depth of the skirt and allow the bottom edge of the skirt to undergo moderate flexible deformation with the waves. Compared with continuous rigid counterweight rods, it is less likely to restrict the overall deformation of the skirt, which can reduce the risk of bending damage to the bottom counterweight components. Compared with setting only a few concentrated counterweights, it can improve the uniformity of the stress and sinking state of the bottom edge of the skirt and reduce the escape of oil film from the bottom of the skirt.

[0036] 7. By adopting a modular and detachable design, the equipment's versatility and maintenance efficiency are improved.

[0037] By adopting a modular and detachable design for the oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer, when a certain oil-absorbing module reaches saturation, only the corresponding module needs to be disassembled and replaced, without the need to scrap the entire oil containment device. The modular structure also facilitates configuration for different marine conditions. Large-pore porous materials can be used for high-viscosity oils, while finer oil-absorbing media can be used for low-viscosity oils, improving the equipment's versatility and reducing maintenance costs and the types of spare parts required. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 The diagram shows a frontal view of the overall structure of the oil-absorbing solid float type oil containment device, illustrating the frontal layout of the solid float 1, the float energy-dissipating structural unit 2, the oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer 3, the flexible skirt 4, the hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer 5, the rigid load-bearing frame 6, and the bottom counterweight system 8.

[0039] Figure 2A side view of the solid float-type oil containment device is shown, illustrating the lateral positional relationship and waterline position of the solid float 1, the float energy-dissipating structural unit 2, the oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer 3, the flexible skirt 4, the rigid load-bearing frame 6, the skirt energy-dissipating structural unit 7, and the bottom counterweight system 8.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Solid float; 2. Float energy-dissipating structural unit; 3. Oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer; 4. Flexible skirt; 5. Hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer; 6. Rigid load-bearing frame; 7. Skirt energy-dissipating structural unit; 8. Bottom counterweight system. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the following embodiments are used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0042] This application provides a biomimetic strategy for an oil-absorbing solid float-type oil containment device. It draws on the diversion and energy dissipation mechanism of the notch at the edge of the water lily leaf and the contact line pinning mechanism of the wettability boundary of the pitcher plant. It integrates a biomimetic wedge-shaped energy-dissipating structure, an oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer 3, an underwater hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer, and a rigid-flexible coupled load-bearing structure into the same oil containment unit. This solves the problems of traditional oil containment barriers that separate containment and recovery functions, lack of wave energy-dissipating structure on the surface, lack of stabilization measures for the oil-water interface, and difficulty in balancing rigid and flexible structures.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 In one embodiment, the oil-absorbing solid float type oil containment device includes a solid float 1, a float energy-dissipating structural unit 2, an oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer 3, a flexible skirt 4, a hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer 5, a rigid load-bearing frame 6, a skirt energy-dissipating structural unit 7, and a bottom counterweight system 8.

[0044] A solid float 1 is positioned at the top of the device, floating on the water surface to provide buoyancy support for the entire oil containment device. A flexible skirt 4 is connected below the solid float and extends underwater, with its upper edge connected to the solid float or a detachable fixing component, and its lower edge connected to the bottom counterweight system, forming an underwater barrier surface to prevent floating oil film from passing under the solid float.

[0045] The oleophilic-hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer 3 is installed in the waterline region of the solid float via a detachable fixing component. Its lower edge is located near the design waterline, and its upper edge is 50–200 mm above the static water surface. The hydrophilic-oleophobic functional layer 5 covers the underwater surface of the flexible skirt and is positioned below the wettability transition boundary. The oleophilic-hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer is adjacent to the hydrophilic-oleophobic functional layer, and a wettability transition boundary is formed between them, which is located near the static working waterline.

[0046] The rigid load-bearing frame 6 is only arranged on the left and right edges of the flexible skirt 4. Its upper end is connected to the solid float, and its lower end is connected to the end counterweight or bottom load-bearing cable. The left and right edges of the flexible skirt are fixedly connected to the rigid load-bearing frame by pressure strips, bolts, grooves, or stitched reinforcement strips. There is no continuous rigid support in the middle of the flexible skirt, so that the middle of the skirt can bend and sway moderately with the waves.

[0047] The bottom counterweight system 8 includes end counterweights located at both ends of the oil boom unit and several central counterweights spaced apart along the bottom edge of the flexible skirt. The end counterweights are connected to the rigid load-bearing frames on both sides to maintain the stability of the edges of the oil boom unit. The central counterweights are spaced apart along the bottom edge of the skirt, ensuring that the middle of the skirt remains drooping and extended. Because the end counterweights are directly connected to the rigid load-bearing frames, tensile loads are transferred through the rigid load-bearing frames and are not concentrated on the flexible skirt.

[0048] Reference Figure 2 In the above embodiment, the floating energy dissipation structural unit 2 is disposed on the outer surface of the solid float 1, and the skirt energy dissipation structural unit 7 is disposed on the wave-facing surface of the flexible skirt 4. The energy dissipation structural units on the outer surface of the solid float are arranged at intervals, forming local vortex zones between adjacent energy dissipation structural units, dividing the continuous wave crest into several local water flows. Through water flow segmentation, flow direction change, vortex formation, and viscous friction, some of the ordered wave energy is converted into local turbulent kinetic energy and viscous dissipation energy, thereby reducing the direct impact of waves on the floating body. The energy dissipation structural unit 7 on the wave-facing surface of the flexible skirt further dissipates the underwater lateral flow and absorbs some wave energy through its own elastic deformation.

[0049] In some embodiments, the floating body energy-dissipating structural unit 2 and the skirt energy-dissipating structural unit 7 are wedge-shaped energy-dissipating units. Each wedge-shaped energy-dissipating unit includes outwardly protruding wedge-shaped protrusions, inwardly recessed wedge-shaped grooves, or an alternating arrangement of protrusions and grooves. The tip or opening of the wedge-shaped energy-dissipating unit faces the direction of the incoming flow. When waves impact the solid float 1, the wedge-shaped surface divides the continuous incoming flow into multiple local water flows, causing the water flow to circulate around both sides of the wedge structure and forming local vortices and backflow zones between adjacent wedge-shaped energy-dissipating units.

[0050] In some embodiments, the energy-dissipating structural units 2 on the outer surface of the solid float 1 are symmetrically arranged along both sides of the solid float, or arranged around the outer perimeter of the solid float. When arranged symmetrically along both sides, the energy-dissipating structural units are located on the wave-facing and wave-avoiding sides of the solid float, respectively; when arranged around the outer perimeter, the energy-dissipating structural units are evenly distributed across the entire outer perimeter of the solid float. Both of these arrangements enable the oil containment device to have wave energy dissipation capabilities under different wave directions, adapting to the uncertainty of wave direction in actual sea areas.

[0051] In some embodiments, the stiffness of the skirt energy-dissipating structural unit 7 is lower than that of the floating body energy-dissipating structural unit 2. The skirt energy-dissipating structural unit is made of an elastic material and is configured to elastically deform and recover under wave action. The energy-dissipating structural units on the skirt can be made of flexible thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone rubber, or fabric-reinforced elastomer, and are arranged in segments to avoid forming continuous rigid members that run through the width of the skirt, so as to avoid affecting the wave-following ability of the flexible skirt. Since the wedge-shaped energy-dissipating unit and the flexible skirt bend and recover together, a composite energy dissipation process of hydrodynamic dissipation and material deformation energy dissipation is formed.

[0052] In some embodiments, the solid float 1 is a long, closed-loop float with an elliptical or rounded rectangular cross-section to reduce the instantaneous load caused by the frontal impact of waves. The solid float employs a composite structure consisting of an internal buoyancy core and an external protective shell. The internal buoyancy core can be made of closed-cell polyethylene foam, closed-cell polyurethane foam, or EVA closed-cell foam, while the external protective shell can be made of high-density polyethylene, glass fiber reinforced composite material, or thermoplastic polyurethane-coated fabric. The length of a single oil boom unit is 1–5 m, and the equivalent diameter of the solid float is 200–800 mm.

[0053] In some embodiments, the solid float 1 has several independent sealed buoyancy cavities inside, which are isolated from each other. When the float is partially damaged, water enters the damaged cavity, but the remaining sealed buoyancy cavities can still provide buoyancy, preventing the entire oil boom unit from losing its floating ability due to single-point damage.

[0054] In some embodiments, the oil-absorbing material of the oleophilic-hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer 3 is selected from at least one of graphene aerogel, carbonized sponge, modified polyurethane porous material, polypropylene oil-absorbing fiber, or hydrophobic modified melamine sponge. All of these materials have a continuous porous structure, allowing oil to enter their internal pores under the influence of capillary force and oleophilic surface adsorption, while the hydrophobic surface reduces water absorption, improving oil absorption selectivity. The thickness of the porous oil-absorbing layer is 10–100 mm, and the porosity is 70%–99%, with specific parameters determined based on the target oil viscosity, expected oil absorption capacity, and buoyancy reserve of the oil boom.

[0055] In some embodiments, the detachable fixing component includes a mounting frame, a mesh bag or slot, and an external protective mesh cover. The mounting frame, mesh bag or slot is installed in the waterline area of ​​the solid float 1 via buckles, slides, Velcro, zippers, bolts, or quick-release pins. The external protective mesh cover is located outside the mounting frame, mesh bag or slot, and the mesh aperture of the external protective mesh cover is smaller than the overall size of the oil-absorbing material in the oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer 3. The protective mesh cover can reduce the risk of the oil-absorbing material breaking, falling off, or undergoing local deformation under wave impact, while allowing oil to enter the porous oil-absorbing layer through the mesh. After the oil-absorbing material is saturated, the detachable fixing component is removed from the oil containment device, and the oil is recovered by mechanical squeezing, centrifugation, or negative pressure suction. The oil-absorbing material is then replaced or reused, and the oil containment device continues to maintain its barrier function during the replacement process.

[0056] In some embodiments, the hydrophilic-oleophobic functional layer 5 is composed of silica micro-nano particles and a thermoplastic polyurethane elastic matrix. The silica micro-nano particles are used to improve the surface hydrophilicity and roughness of the hydrophilic-oleophobic functional layer, while the thermoplastic polyurethane elastic matrix is ​​used to improve the bonding strength between the hydrophilic-oleophobic functional layer and the flexible skirt 4. The hydrophilic-oleophobic functional layer can be formed on the underwater surface of the flexible skirt by spraying, dip coating, scraping, or hot pressing. A flexible protective net can be set on the surface to reduce wear of the functional layer caused by collisions with floating objects and friction from silt.

[0057] Once the device is submerged in water, the surface of the hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer 5 preferentially adsorbs water and forms a stable hydration layer. When oil droplets or films approach this surface, the hydration layer acts as a barrier, reducing the adhesion and spread of oil on the underwater skirt surface, causing more oil to accumulate in the hydrophilic and oleophobic porous oil-absorbing layer 3 region near the water surface. The thermoplastic polyurethane elastic matrix allows the functional layer to bend with the skirt without easily cracking or detaching over a large area.

[0058] In some embodiments, the flexible skirt 4 is made of thermoplastic polyurethane-coated polyester fabric, thermoplastic polyurethane-coated nylon fabric, neoprene composite fabric, or polyvinyl chloride-coated fabric, possessing properties of oil resistance, hydrolysis resistance, and seawater corrosion resistance. The underwater depth of the flexible skirt is 300–1500 mm. Shallower skirts can be used in relatively calm waters such as nearshore areas, harbor basins, or inland rivers, while the skirt depth and bottom counterweight can be appropriately increased in sea areas with larger waves and surface current velocities. The lower part of the flexible skirt can be provided with local pleats, corrugations, or flexible hinged sections, allowing the skirt to deform gradually under lateral impact, avoiding excessive bending of the entire skirt in a single location.

[0059] In some embodiments, a flexible transition band is provided at the connection point between the rigid load-bearing frame 6 and the flexible skirt 4. The stiffness of the flexible transition band is between that of the rigid load-bearing frame and the flexible skirt. Because the stiffness of the flexible transition band gradually transitions, the abrupt change in stiffness at the connection point of the two materials is mitigated, thereby reducing the risk of skirt tearing and stress concentration at the connection point. The rigid load-bearing frame can be made of 5083 aluminum alloy or 6061 aluminum alloy, or it can be made of stainless steel or glass fiber reinforced composite material, preferably an aluminum alloy resistant to seawater corrosion, and its surface is anodized or coated with an anti-corrosion coating.

[0060] In the bottom counterweight system 8, the weight of the end counterweights is 2 to 10 times that of a single central counterweight, ensuring that the stability at both ends of the oil boom unit is stronger than that in the middle. The counterweights are connected by flexible load-bearing ropes, ensuring that the detachment of a single counterweight does not affect the remaining counterweight components. The counterweights can be made of stainless steel, galvanized steel, or high-density concrete, with an external rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane protective layer to reduce damage caused by collisions with the ship's hull, shoreline, or subsea facilities.

[0061] In some embodiments, connecting components are provided at the ends of adjacent oil boom units, which simultaneously connect the solid float 1, the rigid load-bearing frames 6 on both sides, and the bottom load-bearing rope. Because the connecting components transmit the tension between adjacent units through the upper float, the side frames, and the bottom load-bearing rope, the tension is not concentrated on the flexible skirt 4, reducing the risk of tearing at the connection point. The edges of the flexible skirts of adjacent oil boom units are provided with overlapping joints or flexible sealing plates, which adhere to each other under the action of water flow, reducing the amount of oil film passing through the connection gaps. The connecting components can be plug-in connectors, sliding rail connectors, pin connectors, or locking connectors. Towing rings, anchoring rings, or ship connection rings can also be provided at both ends of the oil boom to allow for towing by workboats, anchoring, or deployment in straight, arc, U-shaped, or closed ring shapes.

[0062] The working process of the device in this application is as follows:

[0063] First, multiple oil boom units are connected sequentially according to the oil spill area, so that the solid float 1, rigid load-bearing frame 6, flexible skirt 4 and bottom load-bearing component form a continuous containment structure.

[0064] Secondly, the oil spill containment device is towed to the downwind or downstream position of the oil spill area by a work vessel and deployed in a straight line, arc, or U-shape according to the direction of oil film diffusion. The solid float 1 floats on the water surface by its own buoyancy, and the bottom counterweight system 8 causes the flexible skirt 4 to unfold downward.

[0065] Furthermore, by adjusting the buoyancy of the float, the weight of the oil-absorbing module, or the bottom counterweight, the wettability transition boundary between the oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer 3 and the hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer 5 is positioned near the static water surface, preferably within 50 mm above and below the transition boundary.

[0066] Upon reaching the oil containment device, the wave first contacts the energy-dissipating structural unit 2 on the outer surface of the solid float 1. The wave is divided into several local water flows by the energy-dissipating structural unit, forming local vortices between adjacent energy-dissipating structural units, and some of the wave energy is dissipated. The remaining underwater flow continues to act on the wave-facing surface of the flexible skirt 4, where the flow direction is further changed by the skirt energy-dissipating structural unit 7, and energy is dissipated through elastic deformation. The middle of the flexible skirt undergoes moderate bending to absorb some of the impact energy, while the rigid load-bearing frames 6 on both sides limit the overall overturning and excessive deformation of the skirt.

[0067] The floating oil film, blocked by the flexible skirt 4, gathers on the upstream side of the oil containment device. As the oil film approaches the waterline, it comes into contact with the oleophilic-hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer 3, and the oil enters the oil-absorbing material through capillary action, surface adsorption, and pore filling. The hydration layer on the surface of the hydrophilic-oleophobic functional layer 5 acts as a barrier, inhibiting the oil from spreading and migrating downwards along the skirt. The wettability transition boundary between the oleophilic-hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer and the hydrophilic-oleophobic functional layer impedes the oil-water-solid three-phase contact line, limiting the vertical migration of the oil film contact line and causing the oil to concentrate mainly near the waterline.

[0068] Once the oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer 3 reaches the predetermined saturation level, the detachable fixing component is removed from the oil containment device. The oil-absorbing material is then subjected to oil recovery treatment, and a new oil-absorbing module is replaced. Throughout the replacement process, the solid float 1, the flexible skirt 4, and the bottom counterweight system 8 remain submerged in water, ensuring that the basic barrier function of the oil containment device is uninterrupted.

[0069] It is understood that the floating energy-dissipating structural unit 2 is not limited to wedge-shaped protrusions or wedge-shaped slots; any discontinuous surface structure capable of segmenting the incoming flow and forming local vortex zones between adjacent energy-dissipating structural units is applicable. The oil-absorbing material of the oleophilic-hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer 3 is not limited to graphene aerogel; materials with oleophilic-hydrophobic porous structures, such as carbonized sponge, modified polyurethane porous materials, polypropylene oil-absorbing fibers, or hydrophobic modified melamine sponge, can achieve the same selective oil absorption mechanism. The hydrophilic-oleophobic functional layer 5 is not limited to a composite system of silica micro-nano particles and thermoplastic polyurethane elastic matrix; other hydrophilic coating systems capable of forming a stable hydration layer underwater and reducing oil adhesion can also be used. The rigid load-bearing skeleton 6 is not limited to aluminum alloy; stainless steel or glass fiber reinforced composite materials can also achieve the structural function of lateral rigid support and bearing the main tensile loads. Where there is no conflict, the technical features of the foregoing embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0070] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A biomimetic-based oil-absorbing solid float-type oil containment device, characterized in that, The oil containment device includes one or more oil boom units, each of the oil boom units comprising: A solid float (1) is disposed on the upper part of the oil boom unit; A flexible skirt (4) is attached below the solid float (1) and extends underwater; The floating body energy-consuming structure unit (2) and the skirt energy-consuming structure unit (7) are arranged at intervals and configured to divide the waves or water flow and form a local vortex zone between adjacent energy-consuming structure units. An oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer (3) is set near the static working waterline of the oil containment device and installed in the waterline area of ​​the solid float. A hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer (5) is disposed on the underwater surface of the flexible skirt, and a wettability transition boundary is formed between the hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer (5) and the hydrophilic and oleophobic porous oil-absorbing layer (3). The rigid load-bearing frame (6) is only set on the left and right sides of the flexible skirt (4). The upper end of the rigid load-bearing frame (6) is connected to the solid float (1), and the lower end is connected to the bottom load-bearing cable or the end counterweight. The flexible skirt does not have continuous rigid support in the middle. And a bottom counterweight system (8), including end counterweights disposed at both ends of the oil boom unit and connected to the rigid load-bearing frame, and a number of middle counterweights disposed at intervals along the bottom edge of the flexible skirt.

2. The oil-absorbing solid float type oil containment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The floating body energy-consuming structure unit (2) and the skirt energy-consuming structure unit (7) are wedge-shaped energy-consuming units. The wedge-shaped energy-consuming unit includes outwardly protruding wedge-shaped protrusions, inwardly recessed wedge-shaped grooves, or a form in which protrusions and grooves are arranged alternately. The tip or opening direction of the wedge-shaped energy-consuming unit faces the incoming flow direction.

3. The oil-absorbing solid float type oil containment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy-consuming structure unit (2) of the floating body is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the solid float, or arranged around the outer periphery of the solid float.

4. The oil-absorbing solid float type oil containment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stiffness of the skirt energy-dissipating structural unit (7) is lower than that of the floating body energy-dissipating structural unit (2). The skirt energy-dissipating structural unit is made of elastic material and is configured to undergo elastic deformation and recover under wave action.

5. The oil-absorbing solid float type oil containment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oil-absorbing material of the oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer (3) is selected from at least one of graphene aerogel, carbonized sponge, modified polyurethane porous material, polypropylene oil-absorbing fiber or hydrophobic modified melamine sponge.

6. The oil-absorbing solid float type oil containment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detachable fixing component includes a mounting frame, a mesh bag or a slot, and an external protective mesh cover. The mounting frame, mesh bag or slot is installed in the waterline area of ​​the solid float by means of buckles, slides, Velcro, zippers, bolts or quick-release pins. The external protective mesh cover is set outside the mounting frame, mesh bag or slot. The mesh cover aperture of the external protective mesh cover is smaller than the overall size of the oil-absorbing material of the oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer (3).

7. The oil-absorbing solid float type oil containment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer (5) is composed of silica micro-nano particles and thermoplastic polyurethane elastic matrix. The silica micro-nano particles are used to improve the surface hydrophilicity and roughness of the hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer, and the thermoplastic polyurethane elastic matrix is ​​used to improve the bonding strength between the hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer and the flexible skirt (4).

8. The oil-absorbing solid float type oil containment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A flexible transition band is provided at the connection position between the rigid load-bearing frame (6) and the flexible skirt (4), and the stiffness of the flexible transition band is between that of the rigid load-bearing frame and the flexible skirt; the solid float (1) is provided with several independent sealed buoyancy cavities.

9. The oil-absorbing solid float type oil containment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ends of adjacent oil boom units are provided with connecting components, which simultaneously connect the solid float, the rigid load-bearing frame (6) on both sides and the bottom load-bearing rope; the edges of the flexible skirt (4) of adjacent oil boom units are provided with overlapping joints or flexible sealing sheets.

10. A method for using a biomimetic-based oil-absorbing solid float-type oil containment device, characterized in that, The oil-absorbing solid float type oil containment device is the oil-absorbing solid float type oil containment device as described in claim 1, and the method of use includes the following steps: (1) Connect multiple oil boom units to form a continuous containment structure consisting of solid floats (1), rigid load-bearing frame (6), flexible skirt (4) and bottom load-bearing components; (2) The oil containment device is placed in the oil spill area. The solid float floats on the water surface by buoyancy. The bottom counterweight system (8) causes the flexible skirt to unfold downward. (3) Adjust the buoyancy of the float, the weight of the oil-absorbing module or the bottom counterweight so that the wettability transition boundary between the oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer (3) and the hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer (5) is located near the static water surface; (4) When waves act on the oil containment device, the floating body energy dissipation structure unit (2) dissipates the waves, the skirt energy dissipation structure unit (7) further dissipates the underwater flow, and the flexible skirt undergoes moderate bending in the middle to buffer the impact load. (5) After the floating oil film is blocked by the flexible skirt, it gathers on the upstream side of the oil containment device. The oil film comes into contact with the oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer and is absorbed. The hydrophilic and oleophobic functional layer inhibits the oil from migrating downward along the flexible skirt. (6) After the oleophilic and hydrophobic porous oil-absorbing layer reaches the predetermined saturation level, the detachable fixing component is removed from the oil containment device, the oil-absorbing material is recycled and replaced, and the oil containment device continues to maintain its barrier function during the replacement process.

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