Methods for ameliorating hydrocarbon spills in marine and inland waters
US6143172A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2998
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A plurality of water- and oil-porous sacks are partially filled with a number of generally toroidal bodies of a polymer material that entraps oil and including mesh fragments scattered throughout the bodies. Each sack is sewn with a perimeter stiffening ring, to retain a flat profile, and has a netting that closes to help inhibit outflow of the oil when the sack is retrieved. When deployed from ship or by air onto a spill, the sacks spread into a pancake shape and the polymer matter forms a single layer that retains the oil. The inventive sacks will float indefinitely without releasing the oil or allowing it to emulsify, so the oil can remain in place until collection efforts are feasible. The sacks can be burned in situ, or standard fishing boats or specialized collection boats can be used to retrieve the sacks, and the collected material can be burned to capture the energy content of the oil or processed to separate the oil from the polymer. The inventive sacks can be used in conjunction with other, known containment or retrieval equipment, such as booms or skimmers. The system is specifically designed for rapid deployment and efficiency in rough water.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.