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.

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.

Abstract: A method and a device for collection of floating waste (16), including oil and oil-soiled objects, on a water surface (14) by means of a floating collection arrangement (2) containing at least one waste-receiving portion (8) and at least one collection receptacle (4). An inflow, which consists of the waste (16) and a directly underlying water layer (24), is conducted into the collection receptacle (4) via the receiving portion (8) and separates into an upper waste-containing layer (24) and a lower water layer (26) from which water is conducted out of the collection receptacle (4). The subject matter of the invention is that the inflow (16, 20) is conducted over a threshold (6) that is placed deeper than the water surface (14), and which is provided in the waste receiving portion (8). The water layer (20) acts like a lubricating sliding layer preventing sticky waste (16), for example oil, from adhering to the threshold (6).

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: The process and system of the invention converts biomass materials into energy to power a large marine vessel without the problematic environmental releases of either liquids to the sea or greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The biomass is conveyed to an on-board biomass storage facility and converted to synthesis gas in an on-board gasification unit to synthesis gas that is used as fuel for fuel cells to power the marine vessel. A portion of the biomass is sea biomass harvested from the sea and removed from the sea by on-board biomass removal means that strains the biomass from the sea water and flips the biomass into a holding bin before being conveyed to the biomass storage facility. A portion of the synthesis gas is converted to useful products. These products are partially used as fuel for the fuel cells. The remaining products are off-loaded at port facilities where biomass waste materials are loaded on-board and conveyed to the biomass storage to serve as the remaining portion of biomass.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an installation method for a preventive booming for pollution containment in aquatic environments, such as rivers, lakes, lagoons, bays, or ocean, more specifically for the pollution caused by oil spills. It comprises a plurality of containment boom sections that form a preventive booming in a spiral configuration, allowing the transit of supply and service boats. The preventative booming does not impair the ordinary operation of a platform or offshore installation at the same time that it prevents the immediate exit of the supernatant oil.

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: 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: A mobile water-contaminant separation system having a plurality of separate water separation units connected to one another, a conveyor component which captures contaminated water at a first end, conveys the contaminated water to a second end, and deposits the contaminated water in a first of the plurality of water separation units for processing. A pump between succeeding water separation units facilitates the transfer from a prior water separation unit to a succeeding water separation unit for further processing until the contaminated water is completely de-contaminated.

Abstract: An oil and vapor recovery system having a float system for adjusting the height of oil and vapor recovery intakes. The float system is preferably adjustable to allow connection of additional floats to maintain buoyancy and keep the vapor intake above the level of the oil in the holding tank and to maintain the oil intake above the level of the water contained in the holding tank. Vapor is drawn out of the holding tank using a vacuum assisted siphon. Oil can be withdrawn from the holding tank by suction or simply by letting the oil flow into an outlet by gravity.

Abstract: A contaminant recovery apparatus may have a sprayer attached to a front portion of the apparatus and operative to delivery droplets of molten wax to oil spilled in water or on ground. The apparatus may further comprise a take up system which picks up wax after it has solidified and absorbed the oil. The take up system may be attached to the rearward portion of the apparatus. The apparatus may also have a separation system which separates the wax and the oil. The reclaimed wax can be reused to pick up more spilled oil. The reclaimed oil may be refined for fuel.

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 apparatus for continually skimming off a top layer of a body of liquid, comprising: a self adjusting container for collecting a top layer, the container being adapted to seek an effective balanced position dependent on the liquid level for collecting the top layer, and a discharge conduit for discharging the top layer collected by the container, wherein the container is tiltably coupled to a discharge conduit. A feeding inlet is provided through which the top layer is collected. A bearing made of friction reducing material is provided between the container wall and discharge conduit, with a clearance to minimize frictional contact and to allow leakage flow from the body of liquid into the container.

Abstract: A vessel travels over a surface of a body of water or a waterway to collect waste on and/or close to the surface. A retainer that traps and retains the waste is activated by creating a water flow channel that is connected to a water inlet and a water outlet on the vessel. The retainer is on at least one trajectory of said channel. Waste is collected without using a specific pumping or gathering device.

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: An oil and vapor recovery system having a float system for adjusting the height of oil and vapor recovery intakes. The float system is preferably adjustable to allow connection of additional floats to maintain buoyancy and keep the vapor intake above the level of the oil in the holding tank and to maintain the oil intake above the level of the water contained in the holding tank. Vapor is drawn out of the holding tank using a vacuum assisted siphon. Oil can be withdrawn from the holding tank by suction or simply by letting the oil flow into an outlet by gravity.

Abstract: An oil extracting apparatus includes a rigid oil adhering ring having a horizontally disposed ring axis and an oil adhering surface surrounding the ring axis, a driving device coupled to the oil adhering ring for driving rotation of the oil adhering ring about the ring axis, an oil scraping unit, and an oil collecting unit. At least a portion of the oil adhering ring below the ring axis is adapted to be immersed in a water body. Rotation of the oil adhering ring results in separation of the oil from the water body and in adhering of the oil on the oil adhering ring to form an oil film on the oil adhering surface of the oil adhering ring. The oil scraping unit scrapes the oil film from the oil adhering surface of the oil adhering ring. The oil collecting unit collects the oil scraped by the oil scraping unit.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for increasing the recovery efficiency of spilled oil or any other viscous fluid. The surface of a rotatable oleophilic fluid recovery unit in an adhesion (oelophilic) skimmer or other recovery apparatus is patterned with a plurality of grooves configured for formation of menisci and pooling of fluid in the grooves when the surface contacts a viscous fluid. When the surface of the fluid recovery unit rotates out of (e.g., is withdrawn from) the body of viscous fluid, an amount of the viscous fluid adheres to the patterned surface. A scraper is provided having a surface geometry that matches the surface geometry of the fluid recovery unit and allows the viscous fluid to be scraped off the surface of the fluid recovery unit and transferred to a collector. Accordingly, both fluid separation and fluid recovery are made possible.

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 present invention provides a method for removing an oil contaminant from a surface of an aqueous solution, comprising manually controlling a surface skimmer from a remote location to remove a layer or a batch of an oil contaminant from an oil-aqueous solution mixture by the skimmer, where the aqueous solution is contaminated by the oil as a result of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a system for carrying out the method, which comprises a surface skimmer, a collection means which is preferably a separator, a conduit connecting the skimmer to the collection means in an airtight fashion, and means for creating negative pressure in the skimmer, where the skimmer is capable of manual control from a remote location; in further embodiments, the system further comprises an air filtering means.

Abstract: A separator to separate oil and debris from an aqueous fluid includes a container with a cover, the top portion of which includes a control panel access door. The separator draws an aqueous fluid with one or a plurality of skimmers that float on the aqueous fluid inside one or a plurality of corresponding reservoirs. When the separator is operating, the surface portion of the aqueous fluid is drawn into each corresponding skimmer hose and transferred to the separator by a pickup hose. The separator separates oil, debris and any sludge that may be in the aqueous fluid to provide a substantially filtered aqueous fluid. The substantially filtered aqueous fluid is then returned to the reservoirs through an exit hose.

Abstract: A skimmer system composed of a base and a slidable float assembly. The base has a base chamber defined by a sidewall, an endwall, and a conduit having an intake communicating with the base chamber. The float assembly has a float chamber defined by an outer float wall, an inner float wall and a top plate. The conduit passes through the inner float wall, wherein a flow channel is disposed therebetween. Preferably the inner float wall carries a flow governor, and the upper end of the inner float wall serves as a weir. An air pocket in the float chamber imparts buoyancy to the float assembly such that the weir skims a top layer of a liquid in which the skimmer system is immersed. A separator may then be used to separate the liquid from material floating on the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active barrier (1) and a method for its use. The active barrier (1) is used to contain and to collect polluting material floating over bodies of water, such as river, lakes, lagoons, bays or open oceans. More specifically, the active barrier is used in a situation in that pollution is caused by a liquid lighter than the water and immiscible with it, such as oil. The invention comprises a plurality of floating containment modules (3) which are interlinked to form the active barrier (1). When the latter is used in the open ocean it is required to use two supporting units (2), e.g. two vessels, to surround the mass of floating polluting material. Each containment module (3) is provided with collecting tubes (33), into which impeller modules (411) displace in a predetermined direction. The impeller modules (411) may be continuous or spaced apart.

Abstract: A skimmer used to remove both heavy and light oil from a body of water or for the removal of either light or heavy oil and a method of operation of the skimmer. The heavier oil is removed from a first location on a rotating member and the lighter oil is removed from a second location on the rotating member. The oil removed at both locations is collected at a single location and a pump removes the oil from the skimmer.

Abstract: A device for cleaning up oil spills attachable to a ship for cleaning up crude, has a pair of arms coupleable to a side of a hull of the ship at a water line level, each of the arms having a casing with a substantial semi-circular configuration, and an open top, and a front edge extending into a baffle positioned downwards and forwards to facilitate access to floating crude into the casing, a containment partition projecting upwardly forwardly with a sufficient height to prevent the crude from rising above each of the arms, a screw housed in the casing and with its movement causing the crude to move, a collection tank arranged on an end of each of the arms and into which the crude is caused to move by the screw, the collection tank being connectable to the hull of the ship from where the crude is aspirated toward an inside of the ship.

Abstract: A grease skimming and removal apparatus for use with grease trap settling tank apparatus provides a vertically elongated, vertically extending tower housing on the top wall of a grease trap tank and provides a power driven, vertically elongated, vertically extending rotating skimmer belt loop arranged to skim and transport grease and oils from wastewater contained in the grease trap tank to a vertically-elevated position above the top wall of the settling tank for gravity discharged therefrom and into a collection vessel releasably secured to the tower housing above the top wall of the grease trap tank.

Abstract: A fluid filter, which is adapted for separating a less dense fluid floating on a high dense fluid, includes at least a fluid filtering arrangement including a floating wing adapted for floating on the less dense fluid and at least a fluid outlet formed on the floating wing, and a container body, which is extended from the floating wing, having a fluid collecting cavity communicating with the fluid outlet, wherein the fluid outlet is formed at a position above the fluid collecting cavity. Therefore, when a downward force is applied on the floating wing until the fluid outlet is slightly positioned below a surface level of the less dense fluid, the less dense fluid is allowed to flow into the fluid collecting cavity through the fluid outlet by gravity.

Abstract: An oil collecting apparatus (1) and a method for collecting oil or the like comprises a frame (5) designed to form a restricted space with the surface of water or ice (VL), and a discharge opening (8) for discharging water and oil from side restricted space. For efficient recovery of oil, the apparatus comprises elements (7,10) for lowering the air pressure in the restricted space, such that the water level rises higher inside the frame (5) than outside it, and a disintegrator (10) arranged rotatably in the frame (5), the rotational movement of the disintegrator emulsifying the oil mixed with the water and breaking possible pieces of ice (13) in the restricted space, such that the water-oil mixture can be removed from the restricted space via the discharge opening (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for taking up particles, in particular particles of oil, algae or dirt, from a water surface (2). A hull structure (1) is moved over the water surface (2). In this case, a flow (6) of water laden with particles is produced in the region of a bottom surface (7) of the hull structure (1). The flow (6) is broken away or interrupted along a vortexing edge (13) in the region of the bottom hull-structure surface (7), with the result that a vortex flow (14) is produced for at least some of the particle-laden water. The vortex flow (14) passes into a vortex flow space (15). With the aid of localizing means, the vortex flow (14) is localized in a separation section (23) of the vortex flow space (15), with the result that particles of the particle-laden water which are picked up by the vortex flow (14) can be separated from the separation section (23).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing an oil contaminant from the surface of an aqueous solution, comprising manually controlling a surface skimmer from a remote location to remove a layer or a batch of an oil contaminant from an oil-aqueous solution mixture by the skimmer, where the aqueous solution is contaminated by the oil as a result of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a system for carrying out the method, which comprises a surface skimmer, a collection means which is preferably a separator, a conduit connecting the skimmer to the collection means in an airtight fashion, and means for creating negative pressure in the skimmer, where the skimmer is capable of manual control from a remote location.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for collecting oil from water in open water and/or winter conditions, whereby a vessel's hull and oil collecting equipment are utilized as an oil collector. According to the invention, the oil collecting equipment is attached to the vessel's hull and it is equipped with an auxiliary device, which comprises at least two auxiliary means which are interconnected so that they are movable with respect to each other. The auxiliary means can be utilized in various ways in different conditions.

Abstract: A boom (1A) is described, especially for containing oil spills and/or other similar pollution at sea, in rivers or on water surfaces, comprising an elongate body consisting of an element having positive buoyancy relative to the surrounding medium, so that a freeboard (5) is provided, and a hanging skirt (6), which boom (1A) is of the type that is usually lowed behind towing vessels or is moored (2) so that the boom (1A) basically forms a U-shape having side arms (4) that define a front opening (10) between them, which arms extend from a rear area or apex (7) when the towing vessels or mooring (2) pulls at the free ends of the arms of the boom (1A) in order to tow the boom (1A), and wherein the skirt (6) is provided with a draught that varies from a minimum size or depth in the area at the boom apex (7) to a maximum size or depth at the free towing ends (15) of the side arms (4) of the boom (1A).

Abstract: An oil skimmer for removing oil floating on surfaces of bodies of water. The oil skimmer includes a support frame, respective drive pulley and guide pulleys rotatably mounted to the support frame on respective shafts, and a drive train which rotatively drives the drive pulley and guide pulleys. A skimmer hose in the form of a loop to which oil adhere floats on the body of water and is driven by the drive pulley through the guide pulley onto and off the surface of the body of water carrying adhered oil. A skimmer hose scraper disposed between the drive and guide pulleys removes the oil from the skimmer hose into a collection receptacle. The drive and guide pulleys comprise replaceable, quick changing inner and outer pulley halves that sandwich respective central hubs therebetween to space the pulley halves to fit skimmer hoses of different cross-sectional sizes. The central hubs with attached drive and guide pulley halves are affixed to the drive shafts using a quick release nut which threads to the shafts.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for separating a surface layer of a liquid by a container submerged in the liquid. The container includes a bottom, a wall member, connected to the bottom and having a variable length, and a separating member, which is connected to the wall member and communicates with a space in the container via an opening. An overflow portion of the separating member is located below a free liquid surface of the surface layer and permits the flowing of liquid. A discharge conduit extends from the space for liquid discharge. A floating member, connected to the separating member, floats on the liquid outside the container and exerts a lifting force upon the separating member in a direction prolonging the wall member. A submerging member is connected to the separating member and located below the over flow portion.

Abstract: A device for recovering oil from an oil-slick on a stretch of water is supported on the water by at least one first floating body and is provided with an inlet that is open facing the oil-slick and that flows into a channel with side walls. The channel is provided with at least one separating body that extends between the side walls in such a manner that an upper drain zone is formed above the separating body and a separate lower drain zone is formed below the separating body. The front edge of the separating body facing the oil-slick is substantially disposed on the level of the water/oil interface and the oil can be discharged from the upper drain zone. The device makes use of the natural interface between the oil-slick and the subjacent water.

Abstract: An apparatus or system for containing oil and the like floating on the surface of a body of water, comprising a relatively elongate channel defined by two side-defining faces that diverge from one another from a narrow inner end to a wider opening, the channel being movable such as by towing with the aid of one or more vessels, which apparatus is made of non-rigid materials. The apparatus comprises a tapered channel portion between the two side-defining faces, a wedge-shaped structure and a collecting means or separator, wherein the tapered channel portion, the wedge-shaped structure and the separator are arranged one after the other as interconnected or integrated units, thereby forming a continuous “hull” having freeboard, and longitudinal towing devices are provided that are fastened to said units, the said towing devices and thus the towing forces intersecting in an area at the rear end of said wedge-shaped structure seen in the towing direction.

Abstract: A fluid filter, which is adapted for separating a less dense fluid floating on a high dense fluid, includes at least a fluid filtering arrangement including a floating wing adapted for floating on the less dense fluid and at least a fluid outlet formed on the floating wing, and a container body, which is extended from the floating wing, having a fluid collecting cavity communicating with the fluid outlet, wherein the fluid outlet is formed at a position above the fluid collecting cavity. Therefore, when a downward force is applied on the floating wing until the fluid outlet is slightly positioned below the surface level of the less dense fluid, the less dense fluid is allowed to flow into the fluid collecting cavity through the fluid outlet by gravity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing an oil contaminant from a surface of an aqueous solution, comprising manually controlling a surface skimmer from a remote location to remove a layer or a batch of an oil contaminant from an oil-aqueous solution mixture by the skimmer, where the aqueous solution is contaminated by the oil as a result of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a system for carrying out the method, which comprises a surface skimmer, a collection means which is preferably a separator, a conduit connecting the skimmer to the collection means in an airtight fashion, and means for creating negative pressure in the skimmer, where the skimmer is capable of manual control from a remote location; in further embodiments, the system further comprises an air filtering means.

Abstract: A system for skimming oil and other pollutants from the surface of a body of water. Each skimmer has a frame supporting and housing pumps, sensors, computers, and piping for separating the pollutant from the water and moving it to a collection and storage barge for further processing. The skimming operation is controlled by varying the approach angle of a skimmer toeboard, and the depth of the front end of the skimmer in the water. Hydraulic cylinders are used to pivotally position the toeboard. Air bags are used to control the depth of the skimmer in the water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing an oil contaminant from the surface of an aqueous solution, comprising manually controlling a surface skimmer from a remote location to remove a layer or a batch of an oil contaminant from an oil-aqueous solution mixture by the skimmer, where the aqueous solution is contaminated by the oil as a result of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a system for carrying out the method, which comprises a surface skimmer, a collection means which is preferably a separator, a conduit connecting the skimmer to the collection means in an airtight fashion, and means for creating negative pressure in the skimmer, where the skimmer is capable of manual control from a remote location.

Abstract: An oil skimmer for removing oil floating on surfaces of bodies of water. The oil skimmer includes a support frame, respective drive pulley and guide pulleys rotatably mounted to the support frame on respective shafts, and a drive train which rotatively drives the drive pulley and guide pulleys. A skimmer hose in the form of a loop to which oil adhere floats on the body of water and is driven by the drive pulley through the guide pulley onto and off the surface of the body of water carrying adhered oil. A skimmer hose scraper disposed between the drive and guide pulleys removes the oil from the skimmer hose into a collection receptacle. The drive and guide pulleys comprise replaceable, quick changing inner and outer pulley halves that sandwich respective central hubs therebetween to space the pulley halves to fit skimmer hoses of different cross-sectional sizes. The central hubs with attached drive and guide pulley halves are affixed to the drive shafts using a quick release nut which threads to the shafts.

Abstract: A material recovery system having a float that has a specific gravity less than material not being removed but greater than material being removed, allowing the float to remain at the interface of the materials. A tube is attached to the float so it only penetrates material being removed. An outlet end portion of the tube is attached to an inlet of a pump. When the pump is actuated the material being removed is extracted through the tube, leaving other materials behind. A windmill may be used to power the remediation system. Also disclosed is a sliding stroke reducer to adjust windmill stroke length.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing an oil contaminant from a surface of an aqueous solution, comprising manually controlling a surface skimmer from a remote location to remove a layer or a batch of an oil contaminant from an oil-aqueous solution mixture by the skimmer, where the aqueous solution is contaminated by the oil as a result of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a system for carrying out the method, which comprises a surface skimmer, a collection means which is preferably a separator, a conduit connecting the skimmer to the collection means in an airtight fashion, and means for creating negative pressure in the skimmer, where the skimmer is capable of manual control from a remote location; in further embodiments, the system further comprises an air filtering means.

Abstract: A skimmer apparatus for collecting material, particularly oil, floating on the surface of a body of water, comprises collecting vessel with a collection compartment. The collection compartment includes an upper subcompartment delimited laterally by an inner wall having a skimming weir forming an inlet to the collection compartment and a lower subcompartment which is delimited laterally by an outer wall and communicates with a bottom outlet. Connected with the collection compartment is means for discharging water therefrom through the bottom outlet. The inner wall and the outer wall delimit a separation compartment for the floating material. This compartment is in open communication with the upper subcompartment of the collection compartment. A valve is provided at the top of the separation compartment and when in an open position connects the separation compartment with the upper subcompartment of the collection compartment.

Abstract: A device for recovering oil from an oil-slick on a stretch of water is supported on the water by at least one first floating body and is provided with an inlet that is open facing the oil-slick and that flows into a channel with side walls. The channel is provided with at least one separating body that extends between the side walls in such a manner that an upper drain zone is formed above the separating body and a separate lower drain zone is formed below the separating body. The front edge of the separating body facing the oil-slick is substantially disposed on the level of the water/oil interface and the oil can be discharged from the upper drain zone. The device makes use of the natural interface between the oil-slick and the subjacent water.

Abstract: A vertical membrane storage system including a flexible membrane housing having an upper enclosed portion capable of storing a fluid and a lower open portion for receiving the fluid is disclosed. The storage system also includes a flotation tube disposed above and connected to the upper enclosed portion, and an anchor having receiving means for receiving a fluid disposed concentrically therein, whereby the anchor is connected to and encloses the lower open portion of the flexible membrane. The vertical membrane storage system can be used for storing a variety of fluids including, but not limited to, overflow sewage, oil-contaminated water, and the like.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovery of the product forming a slick floating on the surface of the water such as an oil slick. The apparatus comprises a recovery head formed by an enclosure having in the upper part an inlet for the product to be recovered and in the lower part an outlet for the recovered product, as well as a vortex generator which creates in the enclosure a dynamic vortex which descends in the enclosure as far s its outlet; a flotation means which supports the enclosure so as to keep its inlet at the level of the slick to be recovered; and a pipe connecting the outlet of the enclosure to a tank.

Abstract: A collection device (10) or a recovery device (13) made up of several interconnected collection devices is usable in a method for collecting a floating liquid, e.g., oil, from the surface of a body of a first liquid, e.g., water. Recovery device (13) includes one or more collection devices (110, 210, 310, 410), each of which includes a flotation member (112, 212, 312, 412) having a first regulator frame (114, 214, 314, 414) connected to a receiving tray (118, 218, 318, 418) having a suction port (120, 220, 320, 420). The respective suction ports of the receiving trays are connected to one or more pumps (22, 22′, 24, 24′) which transport the collected floating liquid from the receiving trays to a collection conduit (34). A liquid separator (36) may be connected to the collection conduit (34) for receiving the collected liquids and separating them. The pumps may be operated by movement of the body of liquid on which the device (13) floats, such as the natural wave action of a body of water.