Abstract: An oil skimmer includes a frame for attaching a porous collection bag. The frame automatically tilts in response to water flow, relative to the frame, and the frame automatically returns to its original (“neutral”) position when the water flow ceases. In the tilted position, the frame orients a portion of the mouth of the bag below the surface of the water, so the bag collects floating contaminants. However, in the neutral position, the frame orients the mouth of the bag upward and such that the mouth is above the surface of the water to prevent previously captured contaminants from escaping from the bag and floating away. Optionally, the frame may be releasably locked in the neutral position to facilitate bag replacement or when no collection is desired. The skimmer may be mounted between hulls of a catamaran.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for separating a first substance from a mixture of the first substance and a liquid. The apparatus comprises inlet means adapted to receive a portion of the mixture into a separator tank; a separator tank for holding a collected portion of the mixture and allowing the first substance to separate from the liquid due to the first substance having a different specific gravity to the liquid; and outlet means adapted to discharge the separated liquid and/or the first substance from the separator tank.

Abstract: A buoyant skimming device includes an enclosure that bounds an interior space that is configured to hold a liquid within the enclosure and to be in fluid communication with means for withdrawing from the interior space the liquid held in the interior space. The enclosure includes a body portion and a weir configured to provide access to the interior space for liquid at the exterior of the enclosure. The weir is mounted with respect to the body portion of the enclosure for pivotal movement inwardly of the body portion of the enclosure into the interior space.

Abstract: An oil skimmer system including a vacuum truck having a pump with a vacuum hose attached at one end to the pump intake port to create a suction at the opposite or intake end of the vacuum hose to which a suction tube is operatively attached at its discharge end, and mounted on an articulating and extendable arm of a backhoe an oil skimmer assembly comprising (a) a skimmer plate having an upper flat surface, (b) a debris guard vertically mounted about the suction tube intake end, (c) the suction tube affixed by one or more struts to extend perpendicularly above the plate upper surface with the suction tube intake end positioned near the plate upper surface, and (d) a connecting adaptor affixed to the suction tube and configured to fixedly attach the oil skimmer assembly to the backhoe arm to enable positioning the oil skimmer assembly into the oil containing surface area of a body of water.

Abstract: A system and a method for collecting oil from the surface of a body of water, which includes a vessel for receiving oil being collected; an articulating arm, having a first end secured to the vessel and a second end extending above the body of water; an oil collection portion, comprising a funnel shaped member suspended from the second end of the articulating arm, the funnel shaped member having a large opening at is lower end, and an angulated wall portion terminating in a small apex at the upper end of the funnel shaped member; a pump secured to and communicating with the apex end of the funnel shaped member, having a float switch to activate the pump; a line extending from the pump to the interior of the vessel, so that when the funnel shaped member is lowered into the water, oil floating on the water will become more concentrated as the oil is moved from the large opening of the funnel to the apex of the funnel, and when the oil contacts the float switch the pump pumps the oil from atop the water to the i

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning up spilled oil and other liquids that are relatively less dense than water, that have spilled on the water or are borne on water or an other relatively dense liquid, and for separating oil and other liquids that are relatively less dense than water, from water or an other relatively dense liquids including an oil/water separation column having a lower end forming a bottom opening oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the body of water in fluid communication with the water and spilled oil, an air pump in airtight engagement with, and proximate the upper end of the oil/water separation column and adapted to draw water and the spilled oil into the oil/water separation column; and an oil pump in liquid tight engagement with and proximate the upper end of the oil/water separation column and adapted to draw the spilled oil from the oil/water separation column.

Abstract: The invention relates to environment protection and can be used for cleaning industrial wastewater, liquidation of oil spills resulted from ecological disasters. The invention provides a reliable device for cleaning water from oil nano- and micro-particles and other impurities. Such device comprises a pump pumping a liquid flow of water with impurities particles. The pump is connected to a water dynamic purification unit (WDPU) with a channel including —a first type section with variable cross-section decreasing downstream, —a minimal passage cross-section, —a second type section with variable cross-section increasing downstream. The first type section includes a zone with a plurality of protrusions and deepenings. One protrusion has a maximal height greater than the heights of other protrusions. Preferable sizes and relations of channel elements are disclosed. The WDPU uses cavitation that allows decomposing oil particles, and reduction of the flow speed for commencement of cavitation and sedimentation time.

Abstract: An oil skimming water vessel having a hull and deck forming one or more interior compartments, wherein the hull comprising a bow or forward section, a mid-section, a stern or aft section, and an oil skimmer assembly. The oil skimmer assembly having first and second separated side walls (SKEG) extending vertically down from the rake bottom shell, a skimmer bottom plate extending between and affixed at the lower end sections of each of the side walls (SKEG) wherein the skimmer bottom plate having at least one discharge opening in its leading edge section, and a weir plate assembly. The weir plate with the side walls, the skimmer bottom plate, and the rake bottom shell forming an entrance to receive skimmed oil-containing water and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the weir plate to collect the skimmed oil-containing water passing over the top edge of the weir plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for collecting material from a water system, especially from the surface or close to the surface of a water system. The method comprises: maneuvering an apparatus with a cargo space in a water system; conducting water, present in the surface and close to the surface of the water system, and material therein to be collected, in response to the vessel's advancing speed through a collect opening, located in a fore section of the apparatus in its traveling direction, into the cargo space; conducting water from the cargo space back into the water system through an exhaust opening in the cargo space's bottom.

Abstract: A three-hulled oil combatting vessel (500) has a separating structure (100), which pushes ice blocks (J1), which move between the middle hull (SH1) and side hulls (SH2, SH3) from the prow to the stern, underneath the water surface (WL1). The separating structure (100) may be a grate in the longitudinal direction of the vessel (500). The density of the oil (B4) or oil refining product to be collected is smaller than that of the water, so the oil (B3), which has been separated from the ice blocks (J1) that were pushed down, tends to rise through the separating structure (100) to the water surface. The separating structure (100) separates the oil (B3) from the ice blocks (J1) for easier collection into a container. The separated (B4) oil can thus be collected from the relatively ice-free water surface (WL1) with an oil collecting device (200), which may have a brush skimmer.

Abstract: A ship comprises a bilge water sump collecting bilge water and contaminants. A first contaminant separation device is provided comprising a conveyor arrangement with an endless belt comprising adsorbing/absorbing material. The conveyor arrangement has a first portion submergible into the bilge water and contaminants in the bilge water sump, and a second portion being spaced from the first portion and provided with means for releasing adsorbed/absorbed contaminants from the conveyor belt and means for collecting the contaminants released. The conveyor arrangement is further provided with means for driving the endless belt along a moving path defined by guiding means.

Abstract: An oil skimming water vessel having a hull and deck forming one or more interior compartments, wherein the hull comprising a bow or forward section, a mid-section, a stern or aft section, and an oil skimmer assembly, and wherein either or both of the bow or aft section constructed having a rake bottom shell. The oil skimmer assembly having first and second separated side walls (SKEG) extending vertically down from the rake bottom shell, a skimmer bottom plate extending between and affixed at the lower end sections of each of the side walls (SKEG) wherein the skimmer bottom plate having at least one discharge opening in its leading edge section, and a weir plate assembly. The rake bottom shell having at least one standpipe opening to which a standpipe attaches and extends vertically to a corresponding vessel deck opening.

Abstract: A system for consolidating and removing contaminate such as paint sludge or oils from a fluid mixture. A contaminate tank receives a supply of the fluid mixture containing contaminate from a source such as a manufacturing line where overspray of paints or cleaning solutions containing washed away oils are collected. A free floating weir floats on the surface of the contaminate tank and mechanically separates and removes contaminate from a surface of the contaminate tank and concentrates the contaminate in a consolidation tank. In the consolidation tanks the contaminate is further separated and collected for disposal.

Abstract: Skimmers, barges and related methods recover heavy oil or bitumen from contaminated water environments such as tailings ponds. The skimmer has an articulated mesh-like conveyor driven around a drum by a drive sprocket. A pusher mechanism discharges bitumen or heavy oil from cavities in the conveyor. In one embodiment, the skimmer includes an automatic depth control system. In other embodiments, knife-edged shear plates remove heavy oil or bitumen adhering to the conveyor and drum. A barge may incorporate multiple parallel skimmers. The barge may include a bitumen-transfer pump having an annular fluid-injection flange that generates an annulus of lubricating fluid inside a discharge hose. A method of skimming heavy oil or bitumen involves using a skimmer that automatically adjusts its elevation or depth based on a control signal generated by a depth sensor. Another method recovers and transfers bitumen by lubricating the discharge hose using the annular fluid-injection flange.

Abstract: Skimmers, barges and related methods recover heavy oil or bitumen from contaminated water environments such as tailings ponds. The skimmer has an articulated mesh-like conveyor driven around a drum by a drive sprocket. A pusher mechanism discharges bitumen or heavy oil from cavities in the conveyor. In one embodiment, the skimmer includes an automatic depth control system. In other embodiments, knife-edged shear plates remove heavy oil or bitumen adhering to the conveyor and drum. A barge may incorporate multiple parallel skimmers. The barge may include a bitumen-transfer pump having an annular fluid-injection flange that generates an annulus of lubricating fluid inside a discharge hose. A method of skimming heavy oil or bitumen involves using a skimmer that automatically adjusts its elevation or depth based on a control signal generated by a depth sensor. Another method recovers and transfers bitumen by lubricating the discharge hose using the annular fluid-injection flange.

Abstract: A system for separating liquids of different densities employs a collector shell (17) made up of smooth lines and curvatures. A fairing creates and controls the flow of the liquids (for example water and oil) by gathering, capturing and isolating one liquid beneath the surface of the other liquid (24). The trapped and water pressurized oil is extracted and transferred to a storage container (21). One embodiment, the collector shell (17) is a simple design yet complex in achieving a workable shape that can accomplish all of the above using a small number of moving parts all of which, with the possible exception of the collector shell (17) and the elevator screw (12) are off the shelf items. The collector shell (17) inherently suppresses turbulence. The accumulation of oil captured in the collector bowl (17d) remains in a state of semi-suspension in both rough and normal surface conditions. The only movement of the oil is in a vertical direction when the elevator screw (12) is in motion.

Abstract: Removing contaminated water and pollutants from a body of water. Apparatus includes marine particle skimmers that can pull contaminated water through filter units or otherwise direct contaminated water or pollutants to a collection point. Emergency extraction lines can remove contaminated water and pollutants by conducting water to an extraction point. Emergency extraction lines include multiple emergency extraction line components connected to each other. The marine particle skimmers and emergency extraction lines typically float on the surface of the water but can be configured to extract contaminants below the water surface.

Abstract: A system for separating liquids of different densities employs a collector shell (17) made up of smooth lines and curvatures. A fairing creates and controls the flow of the liquids (for example water and oil) by gathering, capturing and isolating one liquid beneath the surface of the other liquid (24). The trapped and water pressurized oil is extracted and transferred to a storage container (21) One embodiment, the collector shell (17) is a simple design yet complex in achieving a workable shape that can accomplish all of the above using a small number of moving parts all of which, with the possible exception of the collector shell (17) and the elevator screw (12) are off the shelf items. The collector shell (17) inherently suppresses turbulence. The accumulation of oil captured in the collector bowl (17d) remains in a state of semi-suspension in both rough and normal surface conditions. The only movement of the oil is in a vertical direction when the elevator screw (12) is in motion.

Abstract: A vertical flexible oil flow director hose is used to recover, to guide, and to filter the spilled oil from its source beneath the sea floor to the surface of water and to accumulate the floating oil therein for being ready to be pumped into an oil tanker. The said hose extends in the sea all the way from the sea floor to the surface of water by connecting its lower end to a circular sinking weight block and its upper end to a hollow doughnut-shaped floating device. The said hose includes two main portions abutting each other, the lower portion is for guiding and displacing water out through the gaps or meshes. The upper portion is for continued guiding and accumulating the oil in its upper section. A gas-tight dome cap having an opening at its bottom may be used to cap the upper opening of the oil accumulator well in the floating object, for holding the gas as necessary. A gas-compressor and gas tank or tanks will be equipped on the oil tanker ready to take and to store the gas.

Abstract: A method of removing oil from the surface of a body of water is provided. The method comprising collecting oil on the surface using a plurality of floating booms moved by a vessel floating on the surface, skimming oil collected by the booms using a moving continuous belt carried by the vessel and removing from the belt oil which has been skimmed from the surface.

Abstract: An oil skimmer includes a frame for attaching a porous collection bag. The frame automatically tilts in response to water flow, relative to the frame, and the frame automatically returns to its original (“neutral”) position when the water flow ceases. In the tilted position, the frame orients a portion of the mouth of the bag below the surface of the water, so the bag collects floating contaminants. However, in the neutral position, the frame orients the mouth of the bag upward and such that the mouth is above the surface of the water to prevent previously captured contaminants from escaping from the bag and floating away. Optionally, the frame may be releasably locked in the neutral position to facilitate bag replacement or when no collection is desired. The skimmer may be mounted between hulls of a catamaran.

Abstract: The oil spill recovery vessel is configured particularly for operations in relatively shallow water. The vessel is of catamaran configuration, with a large number of slowly rotating discs installed on a lateral rotary axle at the bow of the vessel. A wiper bears against each of the two surfaces of each disc, with oil residue running along the wipers being collected in a holding tank or tanks on the vessel. The oil may be pumped to other storage vessels or containers. The lateral axle on which the discs are installed is free to rise upward in the event that the discs contact a solid object or a shallow bottom. Thus, the discs are of relatively large diameter to provide relatively greater surface area across the surface of the water than is the case with vessels operating with smaller diameter discs.

Abstract: An oil skimmer conveyor includes an inclined frame attached to a boat or other structure. Upper and lower rollers are connected to the frame, and a continuous belt is supported by the rollers. The lower roller extends into the water, and is at least partially submerged in water. The belt is more permeable to water than to oil, and rotates about the rollers. Water passes through the belt, and oil is carried out of the water by the belt and collected in the boat.

Abstract: An oil skimming water vessel having a hull and deck forming one or more interior compartments, wherein the hull comprising a bow or forward section, a mid-section, a stern or aft section, and an oil skimmer assembly, and wherein either or both of the bow or aft section constructed having a rake bottom shell. The oil skimmer assembly having first and second separated side walls (SKEG) extending vertically down from the rake bottom shell, a skimmer bottom plate extending between and affixed at the lower end sections of each of the side walls (SKEG) wherein the skimmer bottom plate having at least one discharge opening in its leading edge section, and a weir plate assembly. The rake bottom shell having at least one standpipe opening to which a standpipe attaches and extends vertically to a corresponding vessel deck opening.

Abstract: This is a net 405 and net frame 401 system which can be used to skim for oil, whereas the Netting 405 is designed specifically for a Net Frame 401. When skimming or trolling out beside a vessel or boat 300, the Netting or Net Bags 405 are made of a porous material and or weaving so to allow the water to pass through, but the oil. Because the oil cannot pass through, it is therefore is collected or trapped in the netting. The Net Frames 401 can resemble a simple crab traps and the Net Bags 405 can be attached in a similar way as a kitchen pale or like a trash bag in a trash can. Once the net bags 405 become filled with skimmed oil, they can be taken off, cinched or secured, and the thrown away or hauled off (etc.) while another fresh bag is put on or replaced. The old bags are towed to a dumping location where they are: disposed, cleaned and reused, burned, etc.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus (100), for removing buoyant pollutants from a polluted coolant, includes a collecting device (10) and a removing device (20). The collecting device includes a pollutant collecting structure (11) and a bi-directional pump (12). The pollutant collecting structure includes a hollow tub (112) and a collecting module (113) slidable relative to the hollow tub. The bi-directional pump communicates with the hollow tub and the removing device. The removing device includes a filter (21) and a pollutant removing structure (22) disposed on the filter. The filter includes a filtrating unit (211). The filtrating unit is partitioned into a first cavity (2132) and a second cavity (2133) by a partition sheet (213). The partitioning board defines a communicating gap (2131) for the first cavity and the second cavity to communicate with each other. The pollutant removing structure includes a removing member (221) for removing the buoyant pollutants out of the filter.

Abstract: This is a oil skimming barge 107 with the optional front end 111 and intake area 110 at the stern 203 of the barge skimmer 107, whereby oil 101 is funnel into the intake area 110, then suctioned to collection tanks 120 where the oil separates from the water using basically gravity with the help of equipment than can be added, and then the water 102 is pumped or drained overboard while a higher concentration of oil 101 remains or gets pumped into the main collection tanks.

Abstract: A skimmer system for removing a substantially liquid substance such as oil floating on the surface of a body of water has a reservoir body defining an collected fluid reservoir and having a primary weir edge. A weir tube extends upwardly within the reservoir and provides a secondary weir edge being of less height than the primary weir edge and defines a vortex chamber. A plurality of buoyancy members support the reservoir body in relation to the surface of the body of water and are adjustable relative to the reservoir body by power operated or mechanical devices for selective positioning of said primary weir edge relative to the water surface. A pump having a suction inlet is in communication with the vortex chamber and has a discharge outlet conducting recovered oil to a collection barge. A power source such as a hydraulic fluid supply is connected in driving relation with the pump.

Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source including a primary separation tank including a first hydrocarbon removing device to remove hydrocarbons from a slurry of water and solids. Further, the system including a transfer device between the primary separation tank and a secondary separation tank, wherein the transfer device is configured to transfer solids from the slurry to the secondary separation tank. Further still, the system including a second hydrocarbon removal device, a fine particle separation device to remove remaining solids in the secondary separation tank, and a product collection tank to receive hydrocarbons removed from the primary and secondary separation tanks.

Abstract: An oil recovery vessel utilizing a hybrid hull wherein the bow portion is a catamaran style hull having an oil collection assembly intermediate the port and starboard hull portions of the bow. The oil recovery vessel further includes an oil collection assembly proximate the bow of the vessel. The oil collection assembly is formed with three walls and a floor and is operable to be moved in an upwards-downwards direction so that the floor may be positioned beneath the waterline of the vessel. The oil collection assembly further includes two rotating drums having perpendicular members protruding therefrom that are above ramp members. The ramp members are connected to transfer assembly containers having therein a transfer blade that is helical in shape. The transfer blade moves the oil into a collection chamber that the transfer blade is hermetically sealed therewith. Pipes connect the transfer assembly containers to separation tanks that separate the oil and water mixture received.

Abstract: A method and device for removing floated matter such as sludge located near the surface of a fluid body is contemplated that employs pneumatic force to remove the floated matter. The contemplated device employs pneumatic force for lifting and blowing the floated matter into an inlet channel. The device is configured to provide uniform airflow across the inlet channel. The inlet channel of the device may also include an adjustable section, or a fixed section and an airflow damper, which allows air flow along the channel to be controlled in a periodic fashion. There are also portable devices for removing such floated matter from the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: An oil collecting apparatus and a corresponding method for collecting oil from the surface of water, the oil collecting apparatus includes a set of oil booms (3) coupled to form a long line of oil booms. The line of oil booms includes, at a distance from each other, a number of anchorage points (4) for anchoring the oil boom (3) onto the sea bed and, in addition, between the anchorage points and in conjunction with the oil boom there is an oil collecting station (5) for collecting the oil directed by the booms from the surface of water.

Abstract: Skimmers, barges and related methods recover heavy oil or bitumen from contaminated water environments such as tailings ponds. The skimmer has an articulated mesh-like conveyor driven around a drum by a drive sprocket. A pusher mechanism discharges bitumen or heavy oil from cavities in the conveyor. In one embodiment, the skimmer includes an automatic depth control system. In other embodiments, knife-edged shear plates remove heavy oil or bitumen adhering to the conveyor and drum. A barge may incorporate multiple parallel skimmers. The barge may include a bitumen-transfer pump having an annular fluid-injection flange that generates an annulus of lubricating fluid inside a discharge hose. A method of skimming heavy oil or bitumen involves using a skimmer that automatically adjusts its elevation or depth based on a control signal generated by a depth sensor. Another method recovers and transfers bitumen by lubricating the discharge hose using the annular fluid-injection flange.

Abstract: A skimming system for removing a floating layer from a water surface. The skimming system includes at least one guide element that is movable relative to the floating layer, which guide element includes at least one unit that catches the floating layer. The at least one removal unit includes at least one collecting container that is detachably attached to the guide element. The collecting container is furthermore vertically adjustable, so that it is not only easy to detach and exchange the collecting container but that it is moreover possible to position the floating layer removal means at a desired depth in or below the floating layer. In this way an optimum removal of the floating layer can be realized. The inlet of the collecting container is present at a location where the extent to which water is mixed with the floating layer is minimal.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus (10), for removing buoyant pollutants having oil and debris atop a body of coolant, includes a pollutant collecting device (11), a pump (12) and a controlling module (13). The pollutant collecting device includes a hollow tub (12) and a collecting module (113). The collecting module is partially received in the hollow tub and is slidable relative to the hollow tub. The pump communicates with the hollow tub. The controlling module is configured for controlling the pump to draw coolant, oil or a mixture of coolant and buoyant pollutants into the hollow tub or out of the hollow tub.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning oil spills from the surface of a body of water involves deploying a plurality of remotely guided self-propelled floating liquid hydrocarbons collection and separation apparatus, floating liquid hydrocarbons retention booms and floating liquid hydrocarbons storage devices, moving the liquid hydrocarbons boom to contain the liquid hydrocarbons, moving the liquid hydrocarbons collection and separation apparatus by remote guidance into the contained liquid hydrocarbons and operating the apparatus to separate the liquid hydrocarbons from the water, and pumping the separated liquid hydrocarbons into the floating liquid hydrocarbons storage devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for skimming the top surface of a pool of fluid with a constant flow rate regardless of level changes of the fluid. A storage tank and a suction port are positioned at opposite ends of a conduit that connects the tank and the port. The conduit pivots about a pivot point such that the storage tank elevation follows the fluid level, which allows the suction port to be positioned at the surface of the fluid. In various embodiments, the pivot for the conduit is attached to a pump resting on the bottom of the tank, is formed by a pair of floats, is a pivot mechanism attached to a wall penetration of a tank, or is a flexible hose that allows the conduit to move.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel for collecting petroleum products, in which an Archimedean screw (4) is used to collect spills, which vessel comprises a T-shaped hull with a central longitudinal narrow body (1) and a front transverse segment (3), said hull having no keel and being provided with a planar base, thereby conferring minimum draft thereon, of the order of 50 cm. The containers, which are independent of the hull (1), are mounted to either side of same and the relative height thereof can be varied in relation to the hull depending on the load level. In addition, each container can be removed in order to be emptied. Consequently the vessel can operate at beaches, ports, rias or any other low-draft areas.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning up spilled oil and other liquids that are relatively less dense than water, that have spilled on the water or are borne on water or an other relatively dense liquid, and for separating oil and other liquids that are relatively less dense than water, from water or an other relatively dense liquids comprising an oil/water separation column having a lower end forming a bottom opening oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the body of water in fluid communication with the water and spilled oil, an air pump in airtight engagement with, and proximate the upper end of the oil/water separation column and adapted to draw water and the spilled oil into the oil/water separation column; and an oil pump in liquid tight engagement with and proximate the upper end of the oil/water separation column and adapted to draw the spilled oil from the oil/water separation column.

Abstract: A floating oil skimmer and gravitational separator system, consisting of a vessel adapted to be submerged in a body of water. Oil/water are drawn through the floating skimmer head by a water pump, pumping water through the skimmer head as water is pumped out of the vessel from the bottom of the vessel. The improved skimmer head design improves control of the skimmer head buoyancy and stability, thereby more consistently bringing oil/water into the vessel. An improved means of coalescence and collection of oil into the top of the inside of the vessel is also disclosed, where the oil once collected is then pumped out of the vessel for storage and the water is returned to the water body. Methods of manufacturing the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: During collection of pollutants having a density lower than that of water and carried by a surface layer of a body of water, water of the surface layer is caused to flow into and through a collection vessel having a separation compartment with a top wall, pollutants entrained by the inflowing surface layer water are allowed to collect gravimetrically as a supernatant layer carried beneath the top wall of the separation compartment on water in the separation compartment, and changes of the weight of the collection vessel in the body of water are monitored. Intake and discharge phases may be initiated and terminated to in response to the said weight reaching predetermined values.

Abstract: A system for consolidating and removing contaminate such as paint sludge or oils from a fluid mixture. A contaminate tank receives a supply of the fluid mixture containing contaminate from a source such as a manufacturing line where overspray of paints or cleaning solutions containing washed away oils are collected. A free floating weir floats on the surface of the contaminate tank and mechanically separates and removes contaminate from a surface of the contaminate tank and concentrates the contaminate in a consolidation tank. In the consolidation tanks the contaminate is further separated and collected for disposal.

Abstract: A system for consolidating and removing contaminate such as paint sludge or oils from a fluid mixture. A contaminate tank receives a supply of the fluid mixture containing contaminate from a source such as a manufacturing line where overspray of paints or cleaning solutions containing washed away oils are collected. A free floating weir floats on the surface of the contaminate tank and mechanically separates and removes contaminate from a surface of the contaminate tank and concentrates the contaminate in a consolidation tank. In the consolidation tanks the contaminate is further separated and collected for disposal.

Abstract: A system for washing contaminated sand comprises a plurality of reactors arranged in a sequence from a first to a last reactor. The first reactor is configured to receive contaminated sand. Each reactor comprises a funnel portion in a lower section thereof for accumulating a sand layer and a sand conveying device for removing sand through an aperture defined near a bottom of the funnel portion. Each reactor except the first reactor receives sand removed from a previous reactor. The system also comprises a steam supply system for providing each reactor with steam for washing the sand, a water supply system for providing the last reactor with clean water for rinsing the sand, and a fluid outlet associated with each reactor for removing fluid and providing the fluid to a separator for separating the fluid into first and second portions respectively containing relatively low and high proportions of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source including a primary separation tank including a first hydrocarbon removing device to remove hydrocarbons from a slurry of water and solids. Further, the system including a transfer device between the primary separation tank and a secondary separation tank, wherein the transfer device is configured to transfer solids from the slurry to the secondary separation tank. Further still, the system including a second hydrocarbon removal device, a fine particle separation device to remove remaining solids in the secondary separation tank, and a product collection tank to receive hydrocarbons removed from the primary and secondary separation tanks.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: A passive hydrocarbon containment system for containing hydrocarbons in a fluid comprises a subsea separator dome, an oil pathway in fluid communication with a hydrocarbon collector disposed within the collection dome, and a gas outlet pipe having a discharge height dimensioned and adapted in relation to the height of the oil pathway sufficient to keep a portion of the oil pathway submerged into a fluid such as seawater present in the collection dome interior void. The hydrocarbon containment system can be moored subsea and used to collect oil and gas coming out of the ocean floor. One advantage of the hydrocarbon containment system is that there are no moving parts. A further advantage is that the hydrocarbon containment system requires limited maintenance to pump out the collected oil as needed.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.