Use of cactus mucilage as a dispersant and absorbant for oil in oil-water mixtures
US9163374B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 28, 2012 |
| Grant date | Oct 20, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC02F2103/007
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Despite advances in off-shore oil exploration and drilling technology, accidental oil spills do occur. Depending on their magnitude and location, irreparable damage may be inflicted on marine and coastal ecosystems. Emulsification of a water/surfactant/oil system results in the production of oil droplets and this depends on the formulation and composition variables, mixing characteristics and system preparation. Thus, research is ongoing on improving methods of cleaning up oil spills. Cactus mucilage was used to disperse and absorb oil from a simulated oil slick in different salt concentrations. Results show correlations between emulsion properties and interfacial characteristics of mucilage as function of aqueous phase salinity. Mucilage powder added to the oil floating on the water dispersed the oil film and absorbed the oil while remaining afloat, facilitates removal of the oil-mucilage aggregate. This invention is a competitive treatment for oil spill remediation with the added advantage of being more environmentally friendly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.