Method for the elimination and possible recovery of the floating polluting substances, mineral oils in particular, from sheets of water and boat fitted to this aim

Claim 1

Boat for removing a floating liquid polluting substance from the surface of a body of liquid, such as from an open body of water exposed to the wind and natural wave motion, comprising a hull forming at least one enclosed chamber protected from the wind and natural wave motion, said hull having vertically spaced openings formed therein communicating between the body of liquid and said chamber, means for closing the openings into said chamber, a skimming means located within said chamber for skimming the liquid polluting substance from the surface of the liquid contained therein and for conveying it from the chamber, said skimming means comprises a float located within said chamber for following the level of the surface of the liquid contained therein, a downwardly converging funnel supported from said float so that its upper end is adjustably positionable closely below the surface of the liquid in said chamber, a flexible pipe connected to the lower end of said funnel, and means for withdrawing the floating liquid polluting substance from the surface of the liquid in said chamber through said flexible pipe.