Abstract: A water remediation device is disclosed, including a water-permeable outer fabric defining a cavity therein, a buoyant core disposed within the cavity, and a mass of water remediation media including biochar disposed between the buoyant core and the water-permeable outer fabric. The remediation media is configured to reduce a quantity of a polyfluoroalkyl substance present in a sample of contaminated water when the remediation device is placed in the sample of contaminated water. The device may be formed into an elongated boom that is configured to float on or partially-submerge in water. Alternatively, the device may be formed of a pad or blanket that may be entirely submerged in water during use.

Abstract: A water treatment system comprises a container, a closure system, at least one loop structure, and remediation media. The container defines a container chamber, a container opening, and at least one container edge. The container opening allows access to the container chamber. The closure system is arranged to allow the container opening to be selectively opened and closed. At least one loop structure is secured to the at least one container edge. The remediation media is disposed within the container chamber. The container is formed of material that allows water to pass from an exterior of the container to the container chamber and thereby come into contact with the remediation media within the container chamber.

Abstract: A submersible sieve apparatus provided with an exoskeletal frame enveloping a filter element and a detached post-filter backing; positioned to strain a lotic stream of entrained sediment prior to or upon being deposited. The frame can positioned and manipulated for greater efficiency. The filter and backing will take the shape of the frame and the backing may or may not be attached.

Abstract: A filter structure (100) for separating water from a fluid, the filter (100) comprising an absorbent filter membrane (2) constituted by a non-woven textile (20), wherein the non-woven textile (20) is constituted by a bearing lattice (21) and by a super-absorbent material (22), which expands when it absorbs water, fixed to the bearing lattice (21), wherein the super-absorbent material (22) is present in a smaller quantity than 70% in dry weight with respect to a dry weight of the non-woven textile (20).

Abstract: An algae skimmer and debris removal system includes a water filter boat, a water and algae intake disposed on the water filter boat, a water filter disposed on the water filter boat downstream of the intake, a cleaned water outlet disposed on the water filter boat downstream of the filter and a debris collector disposed on the water filter boat for removing solid debris from the water. A debris compactor boat is detachably connected to the water filter boat and a compactor is disposed on the compactor boat for receiving the solid debris from the collector and for compacting the solid debris.

Abstract: Two segments according to the invention, which form a brush structure created by brush fibres and plastic rings, are joined together by bolts or screws and sleeves with a water-permeable discoid hub, in such a way that a separate brush structure can be joined to the segments by stud bolts or similar, to the metal ring of which a plastic ring, equipped with brush fibres, is attached for the collection of very heavy oils. For the cleaning of the brush fibres of the segment and the good recovery of the oil being collected, there is a curved metal sheet, preferably on supports, as a continuation of the cleaner, and which forms a casing-like space, preventing the oil flowing off the brushes from returning to the water circulation and improving the collection capacity. The device is suitable, for instance, for the collection of all grades of oil, with continuously changing properties.

Abstract: An odor adsorbent material, an odor detection kit, and a method for using the same for rapidly identifying a facility where binding of an odor component had occurred among facilities used in a distribution route of a commodity. The odor detection kit includes at least two pieces of an odor adsorbent material, a package section that includes at least two storage sections and is configured to store the odor adsorbent material, and a sheet section. The odor detection kit is installed in a facility. At least one of the pieces of the odor adsorbent material is exposed to open space in the facility, recovered therefrom, and sealed and stored. At the time of testing, occurrence of odor emission in the facility is determined by comparing odor components adsorbed by each of the pieces of the odor adsorbent material.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing water contaminants, in which when water contaminants, such as oil, green algae and red algae, are generated on the water surface, the apparatus sucks in the water contaminants, passes the sucked in water contaminants through an absorbent paper in order that the water contaminants are absorbed by the absorbent paper, and makes the absorbent paper roll periodically or continuously, thereby maintaining the absorbability of the absorbent paper contaminated by the water contaminants. The apparatus includes a suction pipe for sucking in the water contaminants from an inlet; a suction pump connected to the suction pipe for sucking in the water contaminants from the inlet to the outlet side of the suction pipe; and an absorbent paper installed at the periphery of the inlet of the suction pipe, wherein the absorbent paper is installed to be movable in the inlet and absorb the water contaminants.

Abstract: A containment boom system for remediating an oil spill in a body of water includes a base support structure and a containment boom. An elongated rod has a proximal end and a spaced apart distal end. The proximal end is hingedly attached to the base support structure and extends laterally therefrom. A buoy is coupled to the distal end of the elongated rod. The buoy has sufficient buoyancy so as to remain floating on the liquid body while supporting the elongated rod. A reclamation loop is disposed in the water, a first portion of which is disposed in the oil spill and a second portion is disposed the water on the opposite side of the containment boom from the oil spill. The reclamation loop is continuously driven through a reclamation station, which removes oil therefrom.

Abstract: A method for removing oil from a body of water including providing a matrix having a longitudinally-directed column defined by oil-absorbing and/or oil-adsorbing blankets each affixed independently of each other to a connecting strip that extends along the length of the column; deploying the matrix to a body of water to bring the column into contact with the body of water; inducing tension in the connecting strip to move blankets of the column in unison relative to the body of water; collecting oil with the first and second blankets; and removing the blankets and at least a portion of the oil collected thereby. Also, an oil spill removal system including such a matrix and in which, during matrix movement in the longitudinal direction, drag on a following blanket of a matrix column is carried by the connecting strip rather than by a preceding blanket of that column.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously removing an oily pollutant from polluted water includes an absorbent unit and a suctioning unit. The absorbent unit is made of a hydrophobic and oleophilic porous material and is able to absorb and to separate the oily pollutant from water when the absorbent unit is placed in the polluted water. The suctioning unit is coupled to the absorbent unit and is operable for providing a suctioning force to the absorbent unit so as to continuously remove the oily pollutant absorbed by the absorbent unit. A method for continuously removing the oily pollutant from the polluted water is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil collector including a brush (3), provided with substantially straight bristles (1) and a horizontal shaft (2), and a cleaning structure in the upper part of the brush for cleaning the brush from oil. According to the invention, the bristles (1) of the brush (3) are substantially parallel to the horizontal shaft (2).

Abstract: A method of deploying a containment boom is provided whereby an elongated material, such as a sheet, yarn, or yarn bundle, is formed into a roll and the material is pulled from the interior of the roll to create a helical structure. A pull rope is threaded through the interior of the roll and is deployed along with the material, such that the material is wrapped around the pull rope. The pull rope prevents the boom from stretching and distorting the helical structure formed by the material, as well as preventing the material from self-wringing. Multiple rolls of material may be provided in a single boom package arranged in coaxial alignment. When the materials are connected in parallel, they are integrated into a single boom having concentrically wrapped materials, thereby providing for greater stability and functionality.

Abstract: A feather oil absorbent boom structure comprising an inner core and an outer ring winding outside the inner core; the inner core is a cloth bag, and the cloth bag is filled with feather oil absorbent material; the cloth bag is made of spunbonded-melt blown-spunbonded polyporpylene non-woven cloth; the outer ring is a plate-shaped oil absorbent felt formed through thermal fusion of feathers and bicomponent fibers of polypropylene/polyethylene having a low melting point; the weight ratio of the feathers to the bicomponent fibers is 70-85:15-30. The feather oil absorbent boom is capable of providing reliable buoyancy, and slowing down the reduction of the strength of the inner core. Further disclosed is a preparation method for the feather oil absorbent boom structure.

Abstract: The invention provides methods that use particles comprising a polymer to absorb and recover oil. The methods can be used for oil spill cleanup, oil recovery, extraction of oil from an oil-water emulsion, etc. In some embodiments, the particles are distributed to an oil spill site or another environment where oil needs to be separated. The particles may be retrieved after they have absorbed oil from the oil spill site. The oil may then be retrieved from the particles by compressing the particles or via other suitable oil removal methods.

Abstract: An oil-water separating device and a floating oil collecting system including an oil gathering chamber enclosed by a wall, where at least a part of the surface of the wall is covered with a porous, oleophilic and hydrophobic layer which allows penetration of water and oil, the device further including a fixed layer covering on the surface of the porous, oleophilic and hydrophobic layer for limiting the flowing of the porous, oleophilic and hydrophobic layer, which allows the penetration of water and oil, where the pore diameter of said porous, oleophilic and hydrophobic layer is 300-850 ?m, and the porosity is 10-40%.

Abstract: A Hydroseed substrate for mixing with other ingredients such as water, seeds, fertilizer, wetting agents and dye, to produce Hydroseeding slurry is disclosed. The substrate includes cellulose materials (e.g. cardboard, paper) and an absorbent. The absorbent is a superabsorbent polymer such as linear polyacrylamide (—CH2CHCONH2—) or copolymers of acrylamide (C3H5NO) polymers. The superabsorbent polymer improves moisture retention, improves viscosity, reduces friction, and improves coverage of the hydroseed mixture and germination of the seed.

Abstract: A cleaning structure for floating oil and substance on water surface provided by the present invention comprises at least one cleaning ball and a threading rope. The cleaning ball comprises a plurality of yarns arranged in parallel, and a tie is used for bundling the yarns at the middle section to form a ball structure. A fixing ring is threaded with the tie, and the threading rope is threaded through the fixing ring of each of the cleaning balls. The tie of each of the cleaning balls can be threaded with the threading rope in equal intervals beforehand, and the cleaning balls formed by bundling the side by side arranged yarns with the ties are arranged on the threading rope in equal intervals to form the cleaning structure.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for removing a target oil from an aqueous fluid stream using a capture medium. In embodiments, the capture medium can comprise an anchor substrate and a modifier technology supported on the anchor substrate, where the modifier technology complexes with the oil to form a removable complex.

Abstract: A method for preparing durable feather oil absorbent felt comprising the following steps: water repelling treatment; rolling and pressing by a roller, and drying and baking operation Also provided is a method for preparing a durable oil absorbent boom comprising: (a) using polyester spun-bonded nonwoven cloth, polyester/polyethylene bi-component spun-bonded nonwoven cloth or vinylon fiber and acrylic ester chemically bonded nonwoven cloth as a raw material to make a cloth bag through ultrasonic bonding or thread sewing; the density of the nonwoven cloth ranges from 10 g/m2 to 25 g/m2; (b) filling feather oil absorbent felt into the cloth bag, and sealing the two ends of the bag. Also provided is a durable feather oil absorbent boom structure comprising: a cloth bag and feather oil absorbent felt filled into the cloth bag, and the cloth bag is sealed at its two ends.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for skimming oil and other liquid hydrocarbons and contaminates floating at the surface of a body of water or other suspending liquid. A rigid skimming surface such as a drum or disc is floatably supported on pontoons. The skimming surface is rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the water surface. The skimming surface is covered with removably attached sorbent material which improves the efficiency of the oil recovery operation and which, when worn or soggy, can be removed and discarded without discarding the skimming surface.

Abstract: Method for the removal of organic components from a mixture of organic components and water, characterized in that it comprises the steps of guiding the mixture through at least one vessel (3) in which has been provided an amount of organoclay (17) in at least one removable casing (18) which is permeable to liquids and gasses but not to organoclay particles, or on a supporting structure (28) from where the organoclay particles cannot come off, such that the amount of organoclay particles is at any time part of a removable entity; and of producing a flow through the aforesaid mixture in this vessel (3) by guiding a flow of gas bubbles through this mixture.

Abstract: Two embodiments (FIGS. 1 through 6) of a system design and methods of the apparatus utilizing the properties of Bermuda Straw, rectangular bales, encased in biodegradable burlap fabric to render an environmentally friendly oil containment vehicle/product to block, deter, arrest, capture, filter, absorb and detoxify contaminants, such as oil from drilling spills, and/or leaks from pipe lines and other sources to prevent intrusion into and on the shorelines of coastal areas oceans, lakes, rivers, waterways and beaches. The second preferred embodiment (FIGS. 6A through 11B) incorporates the inclusion of filter rack frames to the basic design and methods of the first preferred embodiment that enhances the process of oil containment and prevention of intrusion with oil blanket filters. A third preferred embodiment: (FIGS. 7A through 11A) incorporates the use of (1?) Cork Board and (FIGS.

Abstract: An absorbent pad for absorption and containment of oil based products. The absorbent pad includes a plurality of absorbent modules contained within a hydrophobic, porous and flexible top and base material, each absorbent module having a hydrophobic, oil absorbent material sealed therein, each of the plurality of absorbent modules being spaced from adjacent absorbent modules by a gap to allow the absorbent modules to flex and twist with respect to each other as well as permitting oil-based products to flow up through the gap between adjacent absorbent modules.

Abstract: A cleaning structure for floating oil and substance on water surface provided by the present invention comprises at least one cleaning ball and a threading rope. The cleaning ball comprises a plurality of yarns arranged in parallel, and a tie is used for bundling the yarns at the middle section to form a ball structure. A fixing ring is threaded with the tie, and the threading rope is threaded through the fixing ring of each of the cleaning balls. The tie of each of the cleaning balls can be threaded with the threading rope in equal intervals beforehand, and the cleaning balls formed by bundling the side by side arranged yarns with the ties are arranged on the threading rope in equal intervals to form the cleaning structure.

Abstract: An apparatus to convey and seal a material recovery and separation container (MRSC) that is water and air permeable for in-place material recovery and separation of a primary product of clean water and clean air and a secondary product of floating contaminants such as an oil spill or other pollution from a composite mixture of products at the surface of water or at depths (oil plume). The apparatus has a horizontal platform base for support and to provide a lay-down area, provide an operator support area, and provide a structure for connecting to a local containment boom and standoff. One embodiment is a hook and rail conveying system brings the MRSC to the composite mixture, through the composite mixture for collection, to a container closing area and to a lay-down area. The MRSC is closed after filling.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon removal apparatus includes a plurality of fibers and a backing substrate. Each of the plurality of fibers includes a proximal end and a distal end. Each proximal end is secured to the backing substrate.

Abstract: A subsurface hydrocarbon capture apparatus having a filtration member connected to a mouth frame, wherein the filtration member is composed of a material that is hydrophobic and lipophilic, the apparatus having buoyancy and weight members to maintain the apparatus in a subsurface disposition when pulled by a boat.

Abstract: A floatable modular device for absorbing oil from a surface, includes a generally disk-shaped floatable cage tapering towards the periphery of the cage in a peripheral region thereof; and a water-repellent strip-shaped oil absorbent accommodated in the cage, wherein the cage further includes at least one connector element configured for joining plural ones of the modular devices together, to form an articulate oil absorber in which the individual cages are oriented in parallel to one another. A method of manufacturing the device includes providing a first, grid-like sheet made of plastics, positioning a water-repellent strip-shaped oil absorbent on the first grid-like sheet, positioning a second sheet on the oil absorbent, and welding the first and second sheets together at their peripheries, with the oil absorbent in between, wherein peripheral regions of the first and second sheets are bent towards one another.

Abstract: A method for preparing an oil extractor is provided. The method includes dissolving 0.1˜30% by weight of a potassium sulfate, 0.1˜30% by weight of a potassium persulfate, and 0.1˜30% by weight of a manganese sulfate in a solvent to form a solution; heating the solution to synthesize a compound by a microwave; cooling a temperature of the compound to a room temperature; and removing the solvent from the compound. An extractor prepared from the method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing the harm done by pollution to marshlands and beaches due to hydrocarbon discharges in nearby waters is disclosed. A barrier boom apparatus is assembled by connecting together multiple individual modules, each consisting of at least one bale of Bermuda straw that is wrapped in burlap material with one end open and with excess burlap material extending away from the straw bale. The closed end of a second module is inserted into the open end of the first module's burlap bag and the modules are then held together by straps. The subsequent extended boom can be assembled without gaps between the straw bales while shaping it to conform to the contours of the land areas to be protected, and then secured on location by attachment to fence posts. The Bermuda straw bales contain oil eating microbes to detoxify the hydrocarbon pollutants.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oil-water separating device and a floating oil collecting system. The device comprises an oil gathering chamber (2) enclosed by a wall (1). At least a part of the surface of the wall (1) is covered with a porous, oleophilic and hydrophobic layer (3), which allows penetration of water and oil. The device further comprises a fixed layer (4) covering on the surface of the porous, oleophilic and hydrophobic layer (3) for limiting the flowing of the porous, oleophilic and hydrophobic layer (3), which allows the penetration of water and oil. The pore diameter of said porous, oleophilic and hydrophobic layer (3) is 300-850 ?m, and the porosity is 10-40%.

Abstract: The dock vessel has the tow compartment for placement of tug-boats, and technological compartment. The technological compartment is made as a hangar at the bottom of which a central channel is located, along its upper boundaries, the rack-ledges with symmetrical location to the right and left, toward the hull, are placed on which the technological equipment for the water-oil emulsion treatment is placed. Between the dock-vessel hull walls and side walls of the central channel, the containers for collection of the emulsified oil are placed. The central channel of the technological compartment is equipped with, at least, two bulkheads in which, the hermetically pluggable openings located at different levels are made. The floating boom is made as the sectional net sleeve filled with elastic porous adsorbent and provided with positive buoyancy in the top edge of doubled net forming the net sleeve and negative buoyancy at its lower edge.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing ecologically harmful substances in the nature of hydrocarbons from the surface of a body of water or from the ground adjacent a landfill or waste dump or from a shoreline of a body of water into which residual waste fluids from an adjacent ground leakage is passed. The system and method including a plurality of modular traps. The traps having a side, end, top and bottom panels constructed of a material that allows fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A mat for cleaning a liquid spill on a surface has a flexible, liquid-permeable outer shell having a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral edge. The top and bottom sides are mutually fastened at a fastening area so that an interior space is segregated into a plurality of compartments, each compartment retaining an absorbent material therein. The absorbent material is preferably a powdered polyurethane foam material. In one embodiment, the absorbent material within each compartment is contained within a rectangular substantially flat inner section having a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral edge, such that the mat is foldable between such inner sections but not easily folded across each inner section.

Abstract: An adjustable and removable skimming assembly is provided for attaching to the bow of a watercraft. When mounted, the skimming assembly presents vertically orientated starboard, port and bow cages that house oil absorbent padding. The cages with the positioned pads are largely porous so that at slow watercraft velocities, the water flows through the pads but the oil is retained within the pads across a substantially horizontal plane. As the pads become oil saturated along this common plane, the vertical cages are adjusted to expose a section of the pad that is not saturated. This process is repeated until the entire pad surface is saturated. The resistance force created by the water against the starboard and port cages during movement is countered by a plurality of tethering cables extending from the structural members attached to the bow of the watercraft to the outer edges of the cages.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for skimming oil and other liquid hydrocarbons and contaminates floating at the surface of a body of water or other suspending liquid. A rigid skimming surface such as a drum or disc is floatably supported on pontoons. The skimming surface is rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the water surface. The skimming surface is covered with removably attached sorbent material which improves the efficiency of the oil recovery operation and which, when worn or soggy, can be removed and discarded without discarding the skimming surface.

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: The present document describes an oil absorbent fiber comprising fragments of typha plant inflorescence, absorption apparatus comprising the oil absorbent fibers, as well as method of using the absorbent and/or the apparatus for absorbing oil.

Abstract: An aqua-robotic pollutant removing device includes a buoyant body, an electromechanical housing coupled to the buoyant body, and a pollutant absorbing belt coupled to the electromechanical housing and extending outward from the buoyant body. The electromechanical housing is constructed and arranged to rotate the pollutant absorbing belt.

Abstract: An adjustable and removable skimming assembly is provided for attaching to the bow of a watercraft. When mounted, the skimming assembly presents vertically orientated starboard, port and bow cages that house oil absorbent padding. The cages with the positioned pads are largely porous so that at slow watercraft velocities, the water flows through the pads but the oil is retained within the pads across a substantially horizontal plane. As the pads become oil saturated along this common plane, the vertical cages are adjusted to expose a section of the pad that is not saturated. This process is repeated until the entire pad surface is saturated. The resistance force created by the water against the starboard and port cages during movement is countered by a plurality of tethering cables extending from the structural members attached to the bow of the watercraft to the outer edges of the cages.

Abstract: A method of preparing oil-absorbing fibers by: a) fully dissolving a dispersant and a deionized water in a reaction vessel, adding a methacrylate monomer and an initiator to a reactor and stirring to form a homogenous solution, transferring the homogenous solution into the reaction vessel, charging nitrogen gas, stirring, raising temperature to 70-80° C., allowing to react for 2-6 hours, raising temperature to 90-100° C., allowing to react for 2-4 hours, collecting a resultant product, washing, drying, and obtaining a white resin; b) drying the white resin, mixing with a swelling agent, and sealing the mixture at room temperature for 48-96 hours to yield a homogenous gel; c) grinding the gel completely, spinning by a plunger spinner, and coagulating with a coagulation bath to yield an as-spun oil-absorbing fiber; and d) drawing the as-spun oil-absorbing fiber with a draw ratio of 2-6 to yield oil-absorbing fibers.

Abstract: An External Filtering and Absorbing Device for Use in a Local Containment Area contains filter material with a mesh size not less than 50 microns for removing contaminants from ballast or bilge water from a ship or effluent from a storm drain. Examples of contaminants removed are aquatic nonindigenous species such as Fish, Zebra and Quagga Mussels, Asiatic Clam, Aquatic Weeds, Green Crabs, or other suspended particle contaminants. Filtering is accomplished above the ambient water allowing easy visual verification and visual gratification of the efficacy of the filter unlike closed on-board systems. Water and oil permeate the filter and flow into a local containment area where oil is absorbed by absorbent pads held in pockets. The filter is easily removed and can be sent to authorities to demonstrate compliance with environmental standards. Water sampling containers or instruments used with the assembly allow for further compliance monitoring.

Abstract: The present embodiments disclose apparatuses and methods for extracting oil and other hydrocarbons from bodies of water (and, in some embodiments, from solid ground), using, for example, polyester (typically polyethylene terephthalate fibers coated in latex) and/or nylon tire reinforcement cords contained within water-permeable containment devices.

Abstract: Quilted absorbent pad panel of cluster or ball fiber that contains: Polyester ball or cluster (spherical) fiber; Cotton/Polyester Water and Oil Permeable Fabrics; and attachment means. The fiber is laid out in a “wave”. Next, the “wave” of ball or cluster fiber must be placed and retained between two layers of cotton/polyester water/oil permeable fabric. To retain the fiber between the two layers of cotton/polyester water/oil permeable fabric a unique quilt is created. Unique quilting creates defined closed compartments in which the fiber and cotton polyester fabrics are affixed. Absorbent pad panels are used to absorb and remove oil from the surface of water. Siliconized polyester ball fibers are locked into the sewn compartments of the absorbent pad panels and passively draw the oil from the surface of the water and at the same time repel water so only oil is absorbed in an uncontaminated state.

Abstract: Strong fabrics with an affinity for oil can be deployed from boats and other sea vessels to absorb oil that has been spilled into oceans, gulfs, rivers, or other bodies of water. For example, strong nylon spunbonded fabrics can be used to soak up oil from bodies of water. The fabrics can also be used in concert with other methods, such as with containment booms.

Abstract: A floatable skimmer apparatus is movably attached in a storm water filter box with a pair of tracks attached in the housing chamber of the filter box. A floatable skimmer has a skimmer panel having floatation members attached to the inlet side of the storm water filter box for raising and lowering the skimmer panel responsive to the rise and fall of storm water in the housing chamber. Storm water is forced under the bottom of the floatable skimmer panel while blocking floatable debris from entering the housing chamber outlet. A floatable hydrocarbon absorbing boom is attached to the skimmer panel and floated independent thereof.

Abstract: Hydrogen generator coupled to or integrated with a fuel cell for portable power applications. Hydrogen is produced via thermocatalytic decomposition (cracking, pyrolysis) of hydrocarbon fuels in oxidant-free environment. The apparatus can utilize a variety of hydrocarbon fuels, including natural gas, propane, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, crude oil (including sulfurous fuels). The hydrogen-rich gas produced is free of carbon oxides or other reactive impurities, so it could be directly fed to any type of a fuel cell. The catalysts for hydrogen production in the apparatus are carbon-based or metal-based materials and doped, if necessary, with a sulfur-capturing agent. Additionally disclosed are two novel processes for the production of two types of carbon filaments, and a novel filamentous carbon product.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (20), a system and a method for collecting material from a water system, and the use of the apparatus (20) as an oil-combating device or rescue device. The apparatus (20) can be arranged to float and be moveable on the water surface (1). The apparatus comprises a cargo space (2) for storing the collected material, a collecting platform (12) connected to the cargo space, over which platform the water of the water system and/or material to be collected from it is arranged to pass before passing into the cargo space, water exhaustion means (5) for removing water from the cargo space, means (11) for adjusting the height of the collecting platform as desired in relation to the level of the water surface of the water system, at least one ballast tank (3) to control the draught of the cargo space as desired and/or means (7) for controlling the effect of the water exhaustion means.

Abstract: A fluid pollution prevention system is provided for preventing the discharge of petrochemicals from a bilge of a marine vessel. The system may include either or both a locator and an absorber for isolating and/or absorbing hazardous waste from a fluid in the bilge. In one embodiment, the locator is a continuous sidewall or barrier that defines a vertically enclosed fluid volume that is isolated from petrochemicals floating on the surface of fluid in a bilge. The absorber forms a closed geometric shape having an interior area that is disposable about the sidewall and movable along the sidewall as a function of fluid height. The absorber functions to absorb petrochemicals from the fluid and isolate an inlet of the bilge pump from receipt of the same. The absorber may be opened and closed to facilitate placement about the sidewall or other objects.