Abstract An apparatus for separating oil from a water surface by distributing many small buoyant bodies of oil absorbent material upon such surface, continuously lifting such bodies from the surface, treating the bodies to remove the absorbed oil, and again distributing the bodies upon the surface for reuse. The apparatus preferably includes booms for gathering the distributed bodies of absorbent material toward a conveyor which lifts the bodies upwardly. The booms are articulated and include floats so that the booms rise and fall with any wave action of the water, such as would exist in the unprotected waters of the open sea. The apparatus also preferably includes a system for compressing the oil from the bodies, and thereafter dropping the bodies onto the water surface for recycling.
Apparatus according to claim 1 and including boom means inwardly pivotable upon said platform for compact stowage, said boom means having floats adjacent the free extremities thereof for moving said booms in conformity with any wave action of said water surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said boom means define with said platform a convergent area constituting a collection area for said floating bodies.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said boom means comprise a pair of booms extending outwardly from opposite sides of said platform, said distribution means are operative to distribute said floating bodies forwardly of said collection area for floating movement into said collection area.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said material-compressing means include a helical screw conveyor having a progressively decreasing screw pitch whereby said foam bodies are compressible upon passage therethrough.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
134 words
Apparatus for removing oil spills from the surface of a body of water, said apparatus comprising: a floating platform adapted for movement through said body of water; distribution means on said platform operative to broadcast discrete floating bodies of oil absorbent material upon said water surface in the path of movement of said platform relative to said water surface; conveyor means operative to skim said water surface and lift the oil-soaked said floating bodies therefrom; oil-separating means on said floating platform adjacent said conveyor means and operative to receive the lifted said oil-soaked bodies from said conveyor means, and further operative to effect separation of oil therefrom; and recycling means including conduit means for transporting the substantially oil-free said bodies from said oil-separating means to said distribution means for rebroadcasting upon said water surface.