Floating Oil Removal Tank Using Wave-Driven Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oil removal methods are ineffective in containing and collecting floating oil that spreads rapidly due to ocean currents, causing significant ecological and economic impacts.
Innovation Solution
An oil removal device utilizing a treatment tank with a floating member and a storage tank, harnessing wave energy to separate oil from seawater, and a control module to signal when a predetermined amount is collected, allowing for efficient collection and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional adsorption and suction methods are used to remove floating oil, then oil can be collected, but the oil has already spread rapidly along with ocean currents before collection, causing extensive ecological damage
Solution Approach 1:
The floating member is pre-positioned on the sea surface to intercept and contain floating oil before it can spread extensively with ocean currents. The treatment tank is预先 deployed to immediately separate and collect oil as it enters, preventing widespread ecological damage before conventional methods are even activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating member acts as an intermediary barrier between the ocean surface and the treatment tank, capturing floating oil before it reaches the main collection system. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact with extensive oil spreads, enabling earlier intervention and reducing overall ecological harm.
2Productivity
If manual monitoring and retrieval of oil collection devices is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but time-consuming manual retrieval delays oil collection and increases environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid level sensor continuously monitors oil accumulation in the treatment tank and provides feedback to the control module. When a predetermined oil level is reached, the system automatically triggers the locating unit and signaling mechanism, eliminating manual monitoring and enabling rapid, automated retrieval to minimize time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-signaling functions through integrated sensors and control modules that automatically detect when oil collection reaches predetermined levels and initiate retrieval sequences without human intervention, thereby reducing operational time and increasing collection speed.
3Device complexity
If the treatment tank structure is simplified without automated systems, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but the ability to respond quickly to oil spills and automate retrieval is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The floating member serves multiple functions: it acts as a barrier to contain oil, a collection chamber for oil-water separation, and a platform for housing the treatment tank. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, maintaining relative simplicity while enabling automated oil collection capabilities through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment tank is nested within or attached to the floating member structure, with the shaft receiving hole and chamber integrated into the floating member's body. This nested arrangement minimizes additional structural complexity while incorporating automated sensing and control systems within the existing floating structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft receiving hole allows axial movement of the shaft, then the floating member can move freely with waves to collect oil, but the structural stability and control of the treatment tank are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft receiving hole is designed to permit controlled axial movement of the shaft in response to wave motion, allowing the floating member to dynamically adapt to ocean conditions and utilize wave energy for oil collection. This dynamic design enables the system to maintain stability while moving with natural wave patterns rather than resisting them.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters in response to wave conditions, allowing the shaft to move axially within defined limits to collect oil during favorable conditions while maintaining structural integrity. The control module can adjust operational parameters based on real-time conditions to balance adaptability with stability.
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
Effectively collects floating oil to prevent its spread, reducing marine ecosystem damage by using wave energy and automated retrieval mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the treatment tank may fully use the energy of the sea waves to separate the oil from the seawater in the treatment tank
Implementation Method 2
The specific gravity of the floating member is smaller than that of the seawater
Implementation Method 3
The liquid level sensor is configured to detect an amount of oil stored in the storage space
Implementation Method 4
the control module sends out a signal including the location coordinate to a manager
Data Source
AI summary
An oil removal device includes a treatment tank and a storage tank. The treatment tank includes a body and a floating member. The body includes a shaft receiving hole receiving a shaft of the floating member and permitting axial movement of the shaft. The treatment tank includes a chamber intercommunicating with the shaft receiving hole. The chamber includes a liquid inlet hole, an oil drain hole, and at least one water drain hole. The storage tank includes a storage space intercommunicating with the oil drain hole of the treatment tank. The storage tank is provided with a control module coupled with a liquid level sensor and a locating unit. The liquid level sensor detects an amount of oil stored in the storage space and to generate an oil quantity information transmitted back to the control module. The locating unit generates a location coordinate sent back to the control module.