Apparatus for removing oil from water
Abstract
Abstract Cleaning up hydrocarbon oil spills on a water surface which involves projecting open cellular particles of a highly oleophilic plastic foam such as polystyrene having a solvent affinity for petroleum substantially equivalent to that of polystyrene foam, to preferentially effect absorption of the oil and the agglomeration of the particles into lumps, mechanically recovering the lumps by screening and thereafter completely burning the oil saturated lumps to finally disposed thereof. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes a heated foaming vessel supplied with foamable plastic particles and means for projecting the particles, after they have been foamed or expanded, upon oil floating on a water surface. These means include a barrel to which the foamed particles are conveyed as well as propulsive means which disintegrate the foamed particles into relatively small particulates, which are then cast onto the oil. Preferably the oil is surrounded by the foamed particles. The apparatus can be mounted on a barge or other vessel.
Inventors
- 👤 H Hess
- 👤 E Cole
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-04-01 | 1977-10-01 | 1978-04-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-04-01 | 1981-10-01 | 1982-04-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-04-01 | 1985-10-01 | 1986-04-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |