A Distributed Reusable-Sorbent Oil Recovery System

Abstract

This paper describes the design, fabrication and test of a prototype system for the recovery of spilled oil from the surface of river, estuarine and harbor waters. The system uses an open cell polyurethane foam, in the form of small cubes, to absorb the floating oil. The system is highly mobile and is capable of being transported in two pickup trucks. The sorbent is distributed onto the oil slick by means of a pneumatic broadcaster. An inclined, open wire-mesh belt conveyor is used to remove the saturated sorbent from the water. The recovered oil and water are removed from the sorbent by squeezing in a converging belt press, or regenerator. After regeneration, the foam is reapplied to the oil slick. The foam is capable of being reused for more than 100 cycles. Tests of the system, using both diesel fuel and lubricating oil, were conducted at the Environmental Protection Agency's OHMSETT test tank. The sweep speeds ranged up to five knots in both calm water and in waves. System throughput efficiencies ranged from 45% to nearly 100%. Oil collection rates of up to 2,300 gal/hour were achieved. The oil content of the recovered liquid varied from 38% to 79%.

Assessment of synfuel spill cleanup options

“…Sorption skimmers ( Figure 19) are used to collect oil spills on water. Typically, the sorbent material is an oleophilic material, which preferentially absorbs oil over water (Shaw and Dorrler 1977). The sorbed materials are then removed by scrapers or squeeze rollers, collected, and pumped to storage facilities.…”