Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a separation method capable of efficiently separating a light liquid and a heavy liquid from a mixed liquid containing the light liquid, the heavy liquid, and an emulsion liquid of the light liquid and the heavy liquid, such as an emulsion-layer extraction liquid in a vicinity of an interface in an extraction column. The present invention relates to a separation method for continuously separating a light liquid and a heavy liquid having a specific gravity larger than that of the light liquid from a mixed liquid containing the light liquid, the heavy liquid, and an emulsion liquid of the light liquid and the heavy liquid by introducing the mixed liquid into a separation tank, in which a specific separation layer is used for the separation tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of enhanced treatment of spilled oil on water, land, and biological organism, which is able to clean the spilled oil efficiently, environmental-friendly and in a short time. The method comprises: contacting an oil spill area shrinking agent with spilled oil on an oil-spilled contaminated region or objects; wherein the oil spill area shrinking agent comprises a sulfosuccinate and a stabilizer without oil dissolving organic solvent, oil emulsifier, and organic fluorine or silicone surfactant. The method according to the present invention can be used to clean the land and water polluted by an oil spill and remove the oil spill from polluted biological organisms. It can also be used to recover spilled oil as resource and to reduce resulted environmental pollution.

Abstract: Highly porous, lightweight, and sustainable organosilane-coated organic aerogels with ultra-low densities and excellent material properties and methods for preparing them are provided. The aerogels are modified to have a superhydrophobic and superoleophilic surface, thus leading to an extremely high affinity for oils and/or organic solvents.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing a composition comprising an estolide base oil and an immiscible component. In certain embodiments, the process comprises separating an estolide base oil from immiscible components such as water. In certain embodiments, the method comprises one or more of gravity separating, coalescing, and accumulating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adsorbing and/or absorbing oil, by bringing oil into contact with a polyurethane sponge with excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: A light weight oriented net or netting assembly is provided for oil capture and containment. The netting assembly is made by biaxially stretching or orienting starting materials to form a pattern of oriented strands and integral junctions that, while being light in weight, is also strong enough to be used to capture and remove oil from contaminated water without an outer stabilizing jacket. The assembly is preferably made from oriented polypropylene netting that is folded, gathered, bunched and/or otherwise layered upon itself on the order of 16-64 times and then crimped in one or more locations to secure the netting layers in a bow tie or tubular configuration that forms net cavities and an open cell structure to capture and contain oil that has been dispersed in water. Oil in the netting assembly can then be removed, such as by pressing or other removal process, after which the netting assembly may be reused.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water, which is used in a system requiring a pump to lift low lying hydrocarbon contaminated liquids from said pump through a filtration system which lifts and completely filters all debris and hydrocarbons from said liquid.

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: 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: The invention relates to a class of novel surfactants that have utility in the recovery and/or extraction of oil.

Abstract: An oil absorbing article which includes an oil absorbent material which is stable against melting at a temperature of at least about 100° F. in an aqueous environment; a receptacle for holding the oil absorbent material having a porous material which is stable against melting at a temperature of at least about 100° F. in an aqueous environment and which permits the passage of water and oil components through the receptacle; and a flexible handle attached to the receptacle for hanging the oil absorbent article in the aqueous environment. Also, a method for using the oil absorbing article by placing the article in an aqueous environment having a temperature of at least about 100° F. and which is contaminated with oil components for a period of time sufficient to remove at least a portion of the oil components.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of removing oil from an aqueous surface, comprising: surrounding an oil spot on the aqueous surface with an oil-absorbing material; and introducing a solution comprising a surfactant to the oil spot. Also disclosed are the above methods where the oil is not mechanically directed towards the oil-absorbing material, or where the oil-absorbing material is not mechanically directed towards the oil. Also disclosed are the above methods further comprising introducing a solution comprising a protein/surfactant complex to the oil spot, where the protein/surfactant complex comprises a protein component obtained from the fermentation of yeast, comprising a mixture of multiple intracellular proteins, at least a portion of the mixture including yeast polypeptides obtained from fermenting yeast and yeast stress proteins resulting from subjecting a mixture obtained from the yeast fermentation to stress.

Abstract: In a water environment in conjunction with one or more types of oil, a method of in-situ burning including placing a fire resistant sorbent material in contact with the oil and allowing the oil to wick into the sorbent material. The method further includes burning the oil using the sorbent material as a wick.

Abstract: A method of removal of oil slicks or spills floating on the surfaces of bodies of water is disclosed in which, unlike the traditional methods, a floatable or a non-floatable oil-absorbing substance is pumped into the water under the oil-spill layer. The pumped substance will reach and lie under the oil-spill layer and cannot be blown away by wind or other causes during or after dispersion of the substance. After application of the substance, the oil layer may be naturally or mechanically agitated to facilitate formation of a removable mixture of oil and the substance. In various embodiments, after the removal of the oil-substance mixture, the oil may be separated from the mixture and be reused.

Abstract: A light weight oriented net or netting assembly is provided for oil capture and containment. The netting assembly is made by biaxially stretching or orienting starting materials to form a pattern of oriented strands and integral junctions that, while being light in weight, is also strong enough to be used to capture and remove oil from contaminated water without an outer stabilizing jacket. The assembly is preferably made from oriented polypropylene netting that is folded, gathered, bunched and/or otherwise layered upon itself on the order of 16-64 times and then crimped in one or more locations to secure the netting layers in a bow tie or tubular configuration that forms net cavities and an open cell structure to capture and contain oil that has been dispersed in water. Oil in the netting assembly can then be removed, such as by pressing or other removal process, after which the netting assembly may be reused.

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: Systems and methods for treating a stream comprising a hydrocarbon liquid and an aqueous-based liquid are provided. The systems and methods may utilize a media composite comprising a mixture of a cellulose-based material and a polymer. In certain systems and methods, the media composite is capable of being backwashed. The stream comprising the hydrocarbon liquid and aqueous-based liquid may be separated by contacting the stream with the media composite. In certain system and methods, the stream comprising the hydrocarbon liquid and aqueous-based liquid may be coalesced by contacting the stream with the media composite.

Abstract: The present invention provides useful biodegradable and environmentally friendly cost effective methods for oil recovery and reclamation from oil spills and chemical spills. More particularly, methods to recover and reclaim hydrocarbons or hydrophobic substances in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for preparing and using an absorbent material for apolar compounds or mixtures of apolar compounds, such as organic solvents, mineral oil and derivatives thereof, lubricant oils, edible oils, inter alia. The absorbent material is composed of an fabric matrix of high porosity, low density and high mechanical resistance. This matrix is rendered water-proof, thus acquiring the property of absorbing apolar compounds or mixtures of apolar compounds.

Abstract: A method and absorbent material for cleaning up contaminants, such as a petroleum-based product, with little to no water absorption. The absorbent material may include sheets, disks, or spheres of polymer-based plastic material of one to two inches thick that is manufactured and pre-conditioned to enhance absorption characteristics. The absorbent material may include smaller sieve sizes ranging from 16 to 100 that facilitate absorption and collection of a petroleum-based contaminant. Alternatively or additionally, the absorbent material may include larger sieve sizes ranging from 4 to 10 that facilitate transfer of the petroleum-based contaminant to the surface of the absorbent material. The absorbent material may be deployed at sea for a matter of minutes, and after absorbing a portion of the petroleum-based contaminant, then recovered by a recovery vessel, such as via netting, scooping, and/or vacuuming means.

Abstract: Sorbent polymers which are selective to taking up hydrocarbons are provided for separating hydrocarbons from fluids and taking up hydrocarbons from off of and intermixed with solid materials. The hydrocarbons may at least partially be expressed out of and recovered from the polymer by squeezing. The polymers may be re-used for picking up additional hydrocarbons. Methods for producing and using the polymers are also provided.

Abstract: An oil adsorbent is configured so as to include: at least one particle of an inorganic particle and a metallic particle, at least one particle constituting a core; and a polymer covering the core, wherein the polymer is a copolymer made of at least one substance selected from the group of molecular structure A consisting of styrene, butadiene, isoprene, ethylene and propylene and at least one substance selected from the group of molecular structure B consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylonitrile, vinylpyridine, vinyl alcohol, maleic anhydride and maleic acid.

Abstract: A method of enhancing flux of tailings settling pond water from an oil sands process through a membrane separation system and purifying the water comprising is disclosed. The process comprises the following steps: (a) treating the water with an effective amount of one or more water-soluble cationic polymers, amphoteric polymers, zwitterionic polymers, or a combination thereof; (b) passing the treated water through a membrane separation system; and (c) optionally, passing the permeate from step (b) through an additional membrane separation system.

Abstract: A valuable resource recovery system includes an engineered powder supply unit that supplies an engineered powder into drainage water (the engineered powder can adsorb a valuable resource and can be desorbed from the engineered powder), an agitation unit that agitates the drainage water supplied with the engineered powder, an engineered powder separation unit that separates the engineered powder from the drainage water agitated by the agitation unit, an engineered powder collection unit that collects the engineered powder separated by the engineered powder separation unit, and a desorption-recycle unit that desorbs the valuable resource from the engineered powder collected by the engineered powder collection unit to recycle the engineered powder and the valuable resource. According to the system, the valuable resource can be desorbed from the engineered powder and then recycled.

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: Disclosed herein are surface-modified membranes and other surface-modified substrates exhibiting switchable oleophobicity and oleophilicity in aqueous media. These membranes and substrates may be used for variety of applications, including controllable oil/water separation processes, oil spill cleanup, and oil/water purification. Also provided are the making and processing of such surface-modified membranes and other surface-modified substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing the amount of organic components in water, wherein a surface-reacted naturalcalcium carbonate and a hydrophobic adsorbent, selected from the group consisting of talc, hydrophobized calcium carbonate, hydrophobized bentonite, hydrophobized kaolinite, hydrophobized glass, or any mixture thereof, are brought into contact with the water to be purified, the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate being the reaction product of a naturalcalcium carbonate with an acid and carbon dioxide, which is formed in situ by the acid treatment and/or supplied externally, and the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate being prepared as an aqueous suspension having a pH of greater than 6.0, measured at 20° C.

Abstract: Oil in an oil spill is collected by laying an elongate generally flat mat onto and around the spill where the mat is formed from strips of material arranged side by side and connected at spaced positions longitudinally to define a honeycomb structure with top and bottom surfaces of the mat defined by edges of the strips. The mat is unrolled from a supply and laid onto the surface of a body of water in which the spill has occurred so that open empty tubular cells stand upwardly from the surface allowing the oil to be absorbed into the cells. The oil can be squeezed out by pressing the strips together to close the cells.

Abstract: A grease containment apparatus arranged to receive grease discharged by a fan-type rooftop grease exhauster includes multiple sumps and at least one trough disposed between the sumps. An apparatus may be disposed along two, three, or four sides of a rooftop grease exhauster, including corner sumps assemblies and/or end sump assemblies, preferably including associated rain shields, and optionally including one or more end caps. Components may be fabricated of UV-resistant polymeric materials such as ABS. Use of grease absorbent media may be avoided. A drain conduit may receive water from a sump, with at least a portion of the drain conduit being disposed at a level above a bottom edge of the sump.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water, which may be used in drainage openings in parking lots and containment areas for large sources of hydrocarbons to remove hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon contaminated water. The apparatus has a filtration compartment which filters out debris which may clog the treatment compartment. A pre-filtration and means for melting snow may be incorporated. The treatment compartment contains a hydrocarbon absorption media which absorbs any hydrocarbons present in the water rendering such water substantially hydrocarbon-free for discharge directly into a stream or groundwater. If a hydrocarbon spill occurs, the hydrocarbon absorption media forms a plug which seals off the flow of contaminated water. A hydrocarbon solubilizing material capable of effectively removing sheen in a first pass may be disposed as a top layer over the hydrocarbon absorption media.

Abstract: A method for membrane fluid filtration and remediation is described herein. The method can include flowing a slurry into a scalping shaker and separating a first particulate from the slurry, forming a first effluent. Free oil can be removed from the first effluent using a first weir, forming a cleaned effluent that can be discharged using a second weir. The cleaned effluent can flow through an absorbent material disposed over a circulation tank for removing more free oil from the cleaned effluent, forming a circulation effluent. A sludge can settle from the circulation effluent within the circulation tank, forming a cleaned circulation stream. The cleaned circulation stream can flow through an ultra-filtration membrane which can separate the cleaned circulation stream, forming a clean permeate and a dirty concentrate. The dirty concentrate can flow back to the circulation tank for further processing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to handling of organic contaminants in aqueous streams. The methods and apparatus enable removing the contaminants, such as naphthenic acids, from the aqueous streams and then converting the contaminants into hydrocarbons. The removing and converting of the organic contaminates results in treated discharge and generation of the hydrocarbons, which add to amount of hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water is disclosed herein. The present invention may be used in drainage openings, particularly in parking lots and containment areas for large sources of hydrocarbons such as oil tanks or electrical transformers, to remove hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon contaminated water. The apparatus has a filtration compartment which filters out debris and sediment which may clog the treatment compartment. A pre-filter attachable to the apparatus may be used to further aid in filtering out sediment. A means for melting snow and ice may be incorporated within the filtration compartment such that liquid flow is not hindered during extreme weather conditions. The treatment compartment contains a hydrocarbon absorption media which absorbs any hydrocarbons present in the water rendering such water substantially hydrocarbon-free for discharge directly into a stream or groundwater.

Abstract: Lipophilic, oil-absorbing and oil-adsorbing polymeric compositions are used to capture oily substances and hydrophobic materials from the surface of various aqueous media. The resultant compound floats in water, can be easily removed therefrom and can be processed in conventional refinery processes to recover the oil and the remaining components.

Abstract: A method and absorbent material for cleaning up contaminants, such as a petroleum-based product, with little to no water absorption. The absorbent material may include sheets, disks, or spheres of polymer-based plastic material of one to two inches thick that is manufactured and pre-conditioned to enhance absorption characteristics. The absorbent material may include smaller sieve sizes ranging from 16 to 100 that facilitate absorption and collection of a petroleum-based contaminant. Alternatively or additionally, the absorbent material may include larger sieve sizes ranging from 4 to 10 that facilitate transfer of the petroleum-based contaminant to the surface of the absorbent material. The absorbent material may be deployed at sea for a matter of minutes, and after absorbing a portion of the petroleum-based contaminant, then recovered by a recovery vessel, such as via netting, scooping, and/or vacuuming means.

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: The present invention relates to a method for adsorbing and/or absorbing oil, by bringing oil into contact with a polyurethane sponge with excellent mechanical properties.

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 dry product that permanently removes oil and oil stains from liquid or dry surfaces and is environmentally safe. The dry product is formed by mixing efficacious proportions of untreated amorphous silica with a dry, inert organic, inorganic or synthetic carrier, or combinations of said carriers. Suitable inert carriers include, but are not limited to, (a) inert inorganic carriers including, but not limited to, clays, perlite, vermiculite, crushed glass, volcanic ash and sand; (b) inert organic carriers, including, but not limited to, peat moss, straw, hay, sawdust, ground corncobs, flours, and coconut coir, and (c) inert synthetic carriers, including, but not limited to, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene. The dry product can be applied directly to oil stains either on a hard surface, such as concrete or asphalt, or to oil spills on water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing oil from water or a solid surface. This involves contacting the water or the solid surface with a substance in the form of a sheet and having a high humate level under conditions effective for the substance to absorb oil from the water or the solid surface. The substance, having absorbed oil, is then recovered from the water or solid surface. In an alternative embodiment this method can be carried out where the substance is manure which may or may not be in the form of a sheet.

Abstract: Method for treatment of oil on a solid or liquid surface to facilitate subsequent removal of the oil from the surface. A fat-soluble metal containing substance comprising an organic anion and a metallic cation is added to the oil. The metal containing substance may be prepared by allowing a metal salt to react with an acidic organic compound in a process in which a suitable oxidation agent ensures that all the metal in the end product is present at its highest stable oxidation state while at least one volatile compound is formed during the preparation. A polymeric material with a high specific surface area may optionally be added or a prepolymer for allowing subsequent formation of such a polymeric material.

Abstract: An oil adsorbent includes a plurality of particles, each being constituted from at least one of an inorganic particle and an organic particle as a core and a polymer covering the core. The plurality of particles are aggregated to form an aggregate so that a porosity of the aggregate is 70% or more.

Abstract: An adsorbent includes: at least one of an inorganic particle and a metallic particle as a core; at least two kinds of polymers, which cover a surface of the core, with respective different surface tensions; and a convex-concave surface structure formed due to a difference in surface tension between the at least two kinds of polymers.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the treatment of contaminated fluid is provided. The apparatus includes a body portion, made from a mixture of a waste adsorbent material and a binder material, for use in the removal of contaminants. The adsorbent material may be a nanosorbent material manufactured from self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports (SAMMS). The binder material, on the other hand, may include any thermoplastic material capable of binding the adsorbent material together to subsequently provide a composite material that can be shaped into a block. A method for treatment of contaminated fluid is also provided.

Abstract: An adsorbent for organic compounds consisting of filler granules, which contain 20 to 99.9 wt. % of fillers and a binder. The adsorbent is produced by mixing at least one binder with at least one filler and performing granulation in a mixing or granulation apparatus. The adsorbent may be used for adsorbing and/or absorbing organic and/or inorganic substances from a liquid or gaseous phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the treatment of waste water, particularly for the treatment and/or reduction of floating pollutants in storm water waste streams. The apparatus of the invention achieves a high containment level of floating pollutants compared to conventional oil/gas traps available for catch basin use. In a preferred embodiment, the device of the invention is a catch basin trap that arrests the flow of pollutants, particularly floating pollutants. The trap is designed and installed in such a manner that a sealed system is created, ensuring that all fluid flow (e.g., storm water discharge) must pass through the trap and cannot bypass the trap due to unreliable trap attachment mechanisms or unsealed joints. Containment of floating pollutants is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adsorbent comprising calcined coke with a BET surface area of 20 m2/g or less which is obtained by calcining a particular carbonaceous material at 1000 to 1500° C. and which is preferably obtained by calcining coal coke, petroleum coke or charcoal coke at 1000 to 1500° C. The adsorbent of the present invention exhibits adequate adsorbent ability with respect to an oil component in oil-containing wastewater even when the oil-containing wastewater is an emulsion or contains a low concentration of the oil component, and also stably maintains the adsorbent ability over a long period of time.

Abstract: A composition of matter wherein the composition comprises a siliceous substrate having silanols on the surface and a polymer selected from the group consisting essentially of a water soluble polymer, a water soluble copolymer, an alcohol soluble polymer, an alcohol soluble copolymer, and combinations of such polymers, wherein the polymer is chemically bonded to the siliceous substrate by a silane linking material having the general formula O3/2SiQY that is derived from an alkoxy-functional silane having the general formula (RO)3SiQX and processes for preparing the crosslinked polymer that is chemically bonded to the surface of the siliceous substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using recycled rubber including recycled rubber from tires to absorb hydrocarbons. The method is particularly applicable to absorbing waste or contaminating hydrocarbons from solid surfaces or particles where hydrocarbons may have been spilt or otherwise have contaminated the surfaces. The methods may also be used for removing spilt hydrocarbons from a liquid such as crude oil spills at sea.

Abstract: An adsorbent for organic compounds consisting of filler granules, which contain 20 to 99.9 wt. % of fillers and a binder. The adsorbent is produced by mixing at least one binder with at least one filler and performing granulation in a mixing or granulation apparatus. The adsorbent may be used for adsorbing and/or absorbing organic and/or inorganic substances from a liquid or gaseous phase.