Microwave-enhanced process to treat marine emulsion wastes
US8314157B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC02F2103/32
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Improved method, apparatus and system for treating bilge water and other marine emulsion wastes comprising water and hydrocarbon, and possibly solids in some cases. Microwave Separation Technology (MST) is used to treat a broad class of emulsion wastes associated with, generated by, or carried at sea on, ships or other marine entities (such as drilling platforms, oil spill clean-up systems, etc.). The hydrocarbon component from a marine emulsion waste comprising water and hydrocarbon, and possibly solids in some cases, is concentrated (e.g., the emulsion's water content is reduced) so that the volume of waste material that requires off-loading or out-hauling (or both) is reduced over conventional methods of separating emulsion wastes for disposal. In view of the reductions achieved in process volumes, significant cost savings may be realized. Better compliance with environmental laws and standards may also be realized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.