A laboratory screening study on the use of solidifiers as a response tool to remove crude oil slicks on seawater

Parametric study to determine the effect of temperature on oil solidifier performance and the development of a new empirical correlation for predicting effectiveness

“…Preliminary studies revealed that contact time beyond 30 min and oil volume did not significantly affect performance and were thus fixed at constant values for testing purposes (Rosales et al, 2010). All remaining variables (surface area, salinity, mixing energy, and application rate) were evaluated at multiple levels to determine their effect on oil solidification, and optimal removal rates were obtained in a 400 ml beaker shaken at 60 rpm using Milli-Q water.…”

Cellulosic Substrates for Removal of Pollutants from Aqueous Systems: A Review. 3. Spilled Oil and Emulsified Organic Liquids

“…Soldifiers are intended to change liquid oil to a solid compound that can be collected from the water surface with nets or mechanical means (Fuller 1971;Rosales et al 2010;Fingas 2011a;Fingas and Fieldhouse 2011). They are sometimes referred to as gelling agents or collecting agents.…”

Application of Mineral Sorbents for Removal of Petroleum Substances: A Review

“…The effectiveness of solidification depends on the ambient temperature, the type and chemical composition of the oil (solidifier can bind only one type of petroleum substance) which may limit their application. Furthermore, it is recommended to use large amounts of the material (16%-200% by weight) in relation to the weight of oil spill [23]. Few recent studies in this area indicate that solidification is possible only to local impurities of small range.…”