Cryogenic Oil Spill Remediation via Viscous Agglomeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methodologies for oil spill cleanup are inadequate due to the immiscibility, viscosity, and toxicity of oil, which make it difficult to handle and remove effectively from aquatic and terrestrial environments, causing significant environmental and ecological damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of condensed phase cryogenic fluids, such as liquefied nitrogen or air, to freeze and solidify oil spills, allowing for their efficient removal and remediation through viscous agglomeration, accretion, and sequestration by lattice uptake, without introducing non-native substances to the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical cleanup methods (skimmers, booms) are used to remove oil spills, then oil removal is attempted, but equipment clogging due to oil thickness and kelp becomes a serious issue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal energy to change the physical parameters of the oil spill, specifically heating it to reduce viscosity and transform it from a thick, handleable state to a more fluid state that can be easily removed by mechanical means without clogging equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary heating and thinning of the oil spill before mechanical removal operations begin, preparing the oil in advance to be more amenable to skimming and mechanical cleanup processes
2Productivity
If dispersants are applied to break up oil spills, then oil dispersion is achieved, but degradation and byproducts from additive dispersants and reactions with oil constituents become a concern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical dispersants with a thermal-mechanical approach, using heat energy and mechanical agitation to achieve oil breakdown and dispersion without introducing harmful chemical additives that create toxic byproducts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful thick and viscous nature of the oil spill into a benefit by using thermal energy to transform it, making the oil more manageable and removable while avoiding the need for harmful chemical dispersants
3Productivity
If conventional cleanup methods are used, then cleanup operations can proceed, but response time is delayed as skimmers cannot be made readily available during the critical first 24 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary thermal treatment of oil spills to be applied immediately upon discovery, transforming the oil in the critical first 24 hours before specialized mechanical equipment can arrive, thus reducing the time loss during the most critical response period
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal energy treatment as an intermediary process that bridges the gap between oil spill occurrence and the arrival of mechanical cleanup equipment, enabling effective preliminary action during the critical response window
4Adaptability or versatility
If oil spills are left to disperse naturally over aqueous surfaces, then the oil spreads over large areas, but this increases the environmental impact and makes cleanup more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary thermal treatment to control and manage the oil spill before it can naturally disperse uncontrollably over large areas, reducing the overall environmental impact and making subsequent cleanup operations more manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the oil spill through thermal treatment, altering its viscosity and flow characteristics to control its spread and reduce environmental damage compared to natural dispersion
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables the effective handling and removal of oil spills by increasing the viscosity and density of oil, allowing it to be treated as a solid, thereby facilitating cleanup and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The use of condensed phase cryogenic fluids, such as liquefied nitrogen or air, to freeze and solidify oil spills
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose(s) of clean-up, retrieval, and/or removal of, e.g., spilled crude oil
Implementation Method 3
allowing for their efficient removal and remediation through viscous agglomeration, accretion, and sequestration by lattice uptake
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.