Method and apparatus employing oleophilic brushes for oil spill clean-up
US4575426A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 19, 1984 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S210/924
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus for removing oil from the surface of a body of water, subtidal seafloor, a riverbed, a shoreline or a beach are disclosed. The method employs a sweeping action of oleophilic bristles comprising at least one brush to remove oil from such a surface and a suction means to remove oil from the bristles. The apparatus comprises one or more oleophilic bristled brushes connected to a support means. The brushes are positioned so that they have a lower portion in contact with the oil and an upper portion above the oil. A motor means moves the brushes so that the oil is drawn into the brushes. A suction means, such as an air conveyor system, removes the oil from the brushes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.