Abstract: A method for separating hydrocarbons from a soil, e.g. to separate bitumen from oil sands, involves mixing the soil thoroughly with water and a supply of buoyant beads having surfaces that are of oleophilic material and coated with a surface layer of hydrocarbon solvent. The beads, soil and water are agitated for a period during which hydrocarbons from the soil become adhered to the solvent coated beads. After the mixture has been allowed to settle the beads separate towards the top and are removed and treated with solvent to recover the adhered hydrocarbons therefrom. Suitable solvents are oil refinery products such as naphtha, kerosine, gasoline, varsol, toluene and diesel fuel.

Abstract: A plurality of water- and oil-porous sacks are partially filled with a number of generally toroidal bodies of a polymer material that entraps oil and including mesh fragments scattered throughout the bodies. Each sack is sewn with a perimeter stiffening ring, to retain a flat profile, and has a netting that closes to help inhibit outflow of the oil when the sack is retrieved. When deployed from ship or by air onto a spill, the sacks spread into a pancake shape and the polymer matter forms a single layer that retains the oil. The inventive sacks will float indefinitely without releasing the oil or allowing it to emulsify, so the oil can remain in place until collection efforts are feasible. The sacks can be burned in situ, or standard fishing boats or specialized collection boats can be used to retrieve the sacks, and the collected material can be burned to capture the energy content of the oil or processed to separate the oil from the polymer.

Abstract: A device and method for removing petroleum based contaminants from the runoff water that passes into a storm drain. The device is a filter apparatus that can be added to a storm drain or a storm drain assembly containing a filter apparatus. The filter apparatus consists of a filter cartridge containing oil absorbing material. The filter cartridge is suspended below the grate of the storm drain by flexible suspension elements such as chains. The top of each of the flexible suspension elements terminate at an attachment element that engages the grate of the storm grate. As a result, the filter cartridge is suspended directly from the grate so as to not disturbed and the position of the grate.

Abstract: A method of recovering an oil-based liquid from a body of liquid including a first layer of the oil-based liquid and a second layer of a second liquid having an interface with the first layer. The oil-based liquid being denser than the second liquid and the interface having a variable level in the body. The method includes the steps of suspending a length of oil-based liquid absorbent material from a support above the body, extending the absorbent material down a vertical distance from the support through the second layer into the first layer for absorbing oil-based liquid from the first layer, conveying the absorbent material along a path through the first layer, absorbing the oil-based liquid from the first layer with the absorbent material, and maintaining the path of the absorbent material in the first layer by varying the vertical distance in response to a variation in the level of the interface.

Abstract: A method for the removal of organic compounds from columns of air or water. The method utilizes a solidifying organic polymer-based filtration media and activated carbon placed in separate containers and arranged in an in-line, two phase process to extract organic compounds and metals from feed streams containing emulsified or suspended concentrations of organic contaminants by absorbing and solidifying the organics into an easily retrievable, disposable mass. The treated feed streams exit the process containing acceptable limits of the organic compounds and metals within the fluid columns to permit their free release into the environment.

Abstract: An insert for a storm drain or sanitary sewer inlet such as are found in factory or warehouse floors, parking lots and car washes in which the insert holds one or more bags of filter media. The bags have a very open structure such as coarse weave cotton permitting water entering the drain to pass through each bag and the filter media inside the bag. The entire bag may be conveniently withdrawn from the insert and replaced as the filter media becomes saturated. Preferably, a first bag contains an absorbant cellulose particulate media which absorbs oils and greases and post non-volatile hydrocarbons and a second bag contains specially textured activated carbon which absorbs organically bound heavy metals and volatile hydrocarbons as well other VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Various types of filter media and configurations of these media also allows for the removal of dissolved heavy metals, and even the removal of pathogenic microbes.

Abstract: A method for the use of a porous, preferably dimensionally stable, particulate material in a packed filter bed for separating a disperse liquid phase from a gas and/or separating a disperse liquid phase from a liquid, with the average size of the particles being in the range of from 0.1 to 10 mm and the internal surface area of the material being such that, after it has been filled with the disperse liquid phase to be separated and placed, as a packed bed, at a distance of from R to r from the center in a centrifuge rotating at an angular velocity w, for which it holds that0<w.sup.2 (R.sup.2 -r.sup.2).ltoreq.20 (rad/s).sup.2 m.sup.2,wherein w stands for the angular velocity (in rad/s) and R and r represent the largest and the smallest radius (in m), respectively, of the material in the centrifuge, at least 1% of the liquid will have been separated after 5 minutes, while at least 10% of the liquid will have been separated after 60 minutes is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods of making oil coagulant compositions, the oil coagulants made thereby and processes for using the coagulants to coagulate oil that has been spilled on water. The coagulant is made from a glyceride, such as, for example, the drying oil linseed oil, a polymer, such as, for example, isobutyl methacrylate polymer, and a solvent, such as, for example, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate. The composition of the present invention floats on the water surface and coagulates oil independent of both agitation and temperature, and can be used in both salt and fresh water. After the coagulant has coagulated the spilled oil, the floating coagulated oil can be readily mechanically removed from the water such that at least 99.9% of the oil is removed from the water and only a faint trace of oil remains in the water. An alternate way of using the composition is to impregnate it into a porous substrate, which substrate is then applied to the spilled oil.

Abstract: A method for removing any single component or mixture of fats, oils and greases which have been added to or rendered out of an animal or vegetable product during cooking, thereby leaving the remaining commodity substantially fat-free without removing the water and water soluble flavor and nutrient salts. The product nearly instantaneously absorbs said fats, oils and greases onto a fabric substrate which is hydrophobic or repels water and oleophilic or attracts and absorbs hydrocarbons. The method works effectively on animal and vegetable fats, oils and greases through a temperature range from ambient or room temperature through boiling. The method removes fats, oils and greases from sauces, gravies, soups and any other cooking product regardless of type of cooking or type of fat, oil or grease and has the same removal effectiveness when used in waste treatment processes. The products are safe for use in microwaves.

Abstract: Process for removing unwanted material from wanted material containing water by bringing an isocyanate-containing prepolymer into contact with the materials, allowing the prepolymer to react with the water to form a flexible foam and removing the foam obtained from the wanted material.

Abstract: An improved dispersant formulation for dispersing oil which contains a mixture of a sorbitan monoester of an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid, a polyoxyethylene adduct of a sorbitan monoester of an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid, an alkali metal salt of a dialkyl sulfosuccinate, a polyoxyethylene adduct of a sorbitan triester or a sorbitol hexaester of an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid and a solvent comprising at least one of a propylene glycol ether, ethylene glycol ether, water, alcohol, glycol, and a paraffinic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A method and system for removing miscible organic compounds from contaminated water is disclosed. The system of the present invention comprises a polisher for filtering out trace amounts of suspended solids, a system of columns connected in series and containing an adsorbent to adsorb miscible organic compounds, a source of ozone, and a contact tower for contacting the contaminated water with the ozone such that the ozone decomposes the miscible organic compounds to produce water that is substantially free of miscible organic compounds. The present invention also comprises a method of rejuvenating the adsorbent in individual columns.

Abstract: Apparatus and for the treatment of storm water runoff to remove contaminants that accumulate in the storm water when it flows over paved surfaces in urban areas. The apparatus includes a basket that has an outer surrounding water-permeable wall, and an inner water-permeable wall, spaced from and surrounded by the outer wall. A bed of an absorbent, able to absorb contaminants in the storm water, is disposed in the space between the outer and inner walls, while allowing fluid communication between the walls. An inner drainage space is defined by the inner wall and is in fluid communication with the absorbent. During operation, storm water flows through the outer permeable wall, into the bed where it is treated; and treated water flows from the bed through the inner wall into the inner drainage space. Treated water then flows from the drainage space, in some embodiments under a siphon-effect, into a treated water drainage conduit for disposal.

Abstract: A method for filtering contaminants from a mixture containing an oil-based fluid and a non-oil based fluid is provided. The method includes the steps of providing an oil-based fluid absorbent cloth of man-made fibers, the absorbent cloth having at least a portion thereof that is napped so as to define voids therein; forcing the mixture to flow through the absorbent cloth; trapping, in the absorbent cloth, contaminants from the mixture as the mixture is forced through the absorbent cloth; and absorbing, with the absorbent cloth, the oil-based fluid from the mixture while allowing the non-oil based fluid to flow through the absorbent cloth.

Abstract: A sheet article for solid phase extraction or solid phase reaction comprises at least one sorptive polymer pulp, and optionally at least one of sorptive and reactive particulate. The article can be used in a method of separating an analyte from a fluid comprising the step of passing a fluid comprising an analyte through a sheet article comprising poly(p- or m-phenylenephthalamide) pulp, the pulp optionally having incorporated therein solid phase particulates, the sheet article being capable of isolating the analyte from the fluid.

Abstract: A device is provided in swimming pools, hot tubs, spas or the like for absorbing body and suntan oils, as well as capturing hair, dead insects and other debris commonly found in such systems. The device includes a support member that floats and does not absorb liquids. A plurality of absorbing members are held by the support member. The absorbing members do absorb liquids, such as the suntan and body oils from the water surface. The absorbing members are elongated to provide a substantial surface area for absorption. These elongated members are sufficiently rigid, angled and spaced from each other to facilitate absorption and capturing of debris. Preferably, the device includes a weight member for suitably positioning the device on its own in the water. Preferably also, the support member has a marker to indicate when the device should be cleaned or replaced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing unwanted substances from media such as water and soil. Various industrial waste water streams can be treated simply and effectively to remove therefrom such unwanted substances as petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, phenolics, salt, ethylene glycol, and strontium, and sea water can be similarly treated to remove salt as well as petroleum hydrocarbons therefrom. Waste water or sea water is contacted with zeolite in the presence of a surfactant, and optionally hydrophobic cellulose, to effect removal of the unwanted substances therefrom; and soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons, salt or agricultural chemicals can be rejuvenated by mixing the soil with zeolite and a surfactant followed by washing. The apparatus and method provides simultaneous removal of a wide variety of unwanted substances from a feed stream passed therethrough, in contrast to prior art procedures effective to remove only one such substance per treatment.

Abstract: A system for removing free-oils, particulate matter and dissolved heavy metals from an aqueous surfactant solution employed in the degreasing and cleaning of parts in a parts washer. The system includes a primary filter assembly containing an oil absorbent, a particulate matter filter and a filter element having metal particles bound together in a porous metal sponge-like structure. The system can also include a secondary filter assembly capable of removing residual free, dissolved and emulsified oils, particulate matter and dissolved heavy metals from the filtrate produced by passage of the contaminated aqueous surfactant solution through the primary filter assembly.

Abstract: An improved dispersant formulation for dispersing oil which contains a mixture of a sorbitan monoester of an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid, a polyoxyethylene adduct of a sorbitan monoester of an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid, a water-dispersible salt of a dialkyl sulfosuccinate, a polyoxyethylene adduct of a sorbitan triester or a sorbitol hexaester of an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid and a glycol ether which has a maximum water solubility of 25 ml/100 ml as solvent.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus and filtering method for removing free-oils, particulate matter and dissolved heavy metals from a machine coolant by withdrawing a portion of the machine coolant from a machine coolant reservoir through a skimmer assembly and thereafter passing the machine coolant through a filter assembly containing an oil absorbent, a particulate matter filter and a filter element having metal particles bound together in a porous metal sponge-like structure.

Abstract: A device to capture, contain and collect hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline and diesel before they can be spilled or leaked from the ventilation valve or fuel intake port of the fuel tank of a vessel and on to the surface of the water during fueling operations at marine fueling facilities. The device is formed as a low-profile box with a floor section and upright wall sections having stratified layers of a textile material and a solidifying polymer enclosed within a outer envelope of textile material. A seamed area at the center of the device with slits in the textile material allows the device to circumscribe the annular conduit of a device passing through the seamed area.

Abstract: An oil holding tank has an open upper end and a vertical container containing pillows when immersed in oil will rapidly adsorb oil and exhibit a composite density denser than oil and less dense than water. A horizontal member is disposed between the lower open end of the container and the upper end of the tank and having open and closed positions. The member is opened when the tank is ruptured to permit the pillows to be discharged by gravity into the tank. A first mechanism is placed in active position to apply a downward force to the uppermost layer of pillows in the container when the member is open to augment the force of gravity and is placed in inactive position and applies no downward augmenting force when the member is closed. The top level of oil in the tank prior to rupture is subjected to a combined pressure of air, vapors and inert gas which exceeds that of ambient air. An additional mechanism reducing the combined pressure after rupture to a value approximately equal to ambient air.

Abstract: Human hair is present within a porous casing. Oil floating on water enters the porous casing whereupon the oil is absorbed by the human hair. Flotational material is mixed with the human hair or attached to the casing to cause the device to float.

Abstract: Relatively thin flexible sheets of oleophilic, hydrophobic substrates, such as polyethylene film, are used as the basis for sorbent media in novel methods for defending against oil spills. Exhibiting the combination of a high storage density and a high affinity for oil, substrates according to the invention are intended for deployment on sensitive areas of open water or shoreline as a first line of defence against approaching oil slicks, or for early assistance in the containment of oil near the source of a spill. Efficiency and economy in specific applications is achieved on the principle that oil pick-up per unit mass of film-form substrates is increased by decreasing the substrate thickness. The substrate is deployed from a compact supply, in a pre-deployment condition of high storage density onto the area to be protected, in the course of which it is converted to a post-deployment, in-use condition of bulk capacity for oil.

Abstract: A module for removing polluting agents from the surface of the sea consists of absorbent polyolefinic fibres enclosed inside a permeable sheath having a short-length bundle configuration with a star-like or lenticular cross-section. After absorbing oily substances, the cross-section of the module becomes polygonal or circular.

Abstract: This invention comprises an apparatus or mechanism and a method of using it to recover petroleum from a floating slick or spill by means of absorbing the petroleum in powder particles principally comprising a reaction product of polyurethane, a catalyst, and a strong cationic polymer comprising an agent which produces a foam product that has a strong affinity for combining physically with petroleum resembling a magnetic attraction between the same. The reaction product is formed into desired sizes of elongated block-like shapes which are fed to a shredding assembly of saw blades that reduce the solid shapes into irregularly-shaped powder particles that are capable of being used in at least two ways to attract and adsorb petroleum by bonding. One way is to employ a porous boom of substantial diameter and length that is used to at least partially enclose a predetermined area of the slick or spill, the particle content of the boom absorbing adjacent petroleum.

Abstract: An open celled plastic foam treated with a polymer which is adsorbed in the surface of the foam and causes the polymer adsorbed foam to become an oil wick and to be impervious to water. The polymer adsorbed foam when the cells of the foam are saturated with oil exhibiting a density heavier than oil and lighter than water.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric cylinder adapted for insertion within a canister of screened casing pipe that is placed in underground monitor wells to collect and contain spilled or leaked hydrocarbons such as gasoline or diesel by absorbing same upon contact. The absorbed substance is solidified within the cylinder as a rubber-like mass. The consolidated mass is contained within the screened canister, will float indefinitely and is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. The cylinder will not leech solidified hydrocarbons when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.

Abstract: A structure for selectively absorbing an oily contaminant from an aqueous environment comprising a plurality of sheets of nonwoven oleophilic fibers arranged in superposition to form a generally rectangular parallelpiped shape, the configuration may be maintained in shape and has a major surface formed by sheet edges so that when contacting an oily containment, the contaminant is selectively absorbed into the structure through wicking action. These structures may be combined to form booms or the like and stacked in a particular configuration for easy storage, transportation and deployment.

Abstract: A pad for absorbing oily pollutants from water is releasably attached in a catch basin for floating on the surface of the water in the basin. When the pad is saturated with oily pollutants, it is removed and replaced by a new pad. A plurality of catch basins is connected in series and a pollutant-absorbing pad is releasably secured in each of the catch basins.

Abstract: Process for the removal of organic pollutants prevalent on a liquid or solid surface by sprinkling a polymer chosen from polybicyclo(2.2.1.) heptene-2 and polymethyl-5-bicyclo(2.2.1) heptene-2. The polymer is first agglomerated using a plasticizing agent. The process is used for the decontamination of water ways.

Abstract: Composition for the absorption of pollutants, comprising at least a norbornene polymer for 100 parts by weight of norbornene polymer: said composition comprising 5 to 250 parts by weight of at least one hydrosoluble oil aqueous emulsion breaking agent. Application: for a process of absorption of hydrosoluble oil contained in a cutting fluid.

Abstract: The sorbent of the present invention is useful in adsorbing petroleum-based products such as oil and gasoline, particularly from the surface of water. This sorbent, which is comprised of about 5 wt. % to about 70 wt. % cured, cross-linked resin and about 30 wt. % to about 95 wt. % fibers, selectively adsorbs the petroleum-based product due to its hydrophobicity.

Abstract: Method for removing hydrocarbon products from the surface of an aqueous medium, in particular from the surface of water masses, such as sea, rivers, lakes, ponds, basins, and so forth, which consists in bringing said hydrocarbon products into contact with an elastomeric material in subdivided form, essentially constituted by an ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer, optionally containing a diene as a termonomer. The elastomeric material absorbs the hydrocarbons, with a jelly mass being formed which is homogeneous and not very sticky, and floats on water surface and can be easily collected by means of conventional mechanical means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for oil cleanup or protection includes meltblowing equipment mounted on a vessel or vehicle for the generation and deposition of an oil absorbent web at the site of the spill.

Abstract: A method for separating oleaginous material from an aqueous medium is provided. An oil-containing aqueous medium is contacted with an oil-sorbing matrix prepared by subjecting a feedstock to conditions which alter its physical and chemical structure to provide a hydrophobic oil hog. The feedstock includes a hydrophobic matrix having oleaginous-imbibition capability in an oil-hog-altered physical state.

Abstract: A system for controllable delivery of a suitable particulate material in dry form from a vehicle for treating waterborne spilled oil. A dispensing module of the system includes base means for defining a base, air compressor means, tank means for holding the particulate material, a feed conduit connected for pressurization by the air compressor means and having an outlet, a downwardly directed nozzle fluid connected to the outlet and supported from the base, means for feeding the particulate material from the tank means into the feed conduit whereby a stream of the material, mixed with air, is directed at high velocity from the outlet, and means for carrying the base by an airborne vehicle with the nozzle elevated above the surface level, the stream impacting and penetrating the oil. The module can be suspended below a helicopter by means of a stabilizer unit. Alternatively, the module can be suspended in registration with landing gear members of the helicopter.

Abstract: Solid adsorbents for soaking up or binding adsorbates from the group comprising mineral oils, ester oils, liquid hydrocarbons and other liquid inert organic compounds or mixtures thereof which comprise, as adsorptive components, a finely disperse to granular polyvinyl acetal insoluble in water and in the adsorbates, preferably polyvinyl butyral.Use of the adsorbents for soaking up or adsorptive binding and, as appropriate, for subsequent disposal or reprocessing of products, which may acutely pollute the environment, from the group comprising crude oil, tar oil, lubricating oil, lubricating grease, mineral oil, petroleum, hydraulic oil, paraffin oil, spindle oil, light and heavy fuel oil, diesel oil, kerosene, gasoline, benzene, liquid organic pesticides or pesticide solutions, vegetable oils and fats, animal oils and fats and, if appropriate, aqueous emulsions or suspensions of the said products.

Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbon is absorbed from a liquid hydrocarbon-contaminated substrate by a chemical absorbent composition of the formula A.sub.m B.sub.n C.sub.p, wherein A.sub.m is an acid leached bentonite, B.sub.n is a modified aminoplast resin, and C.sub.p is a solid hydrophobic material, and wherein at least one of m and n is a positive numerical value. Oil, crude oil, fuel oil, diesel fuel, bunker oil, gasoline, liquid hydrocarbons and synthetic oils may be cleaned up.

Abstract: A five stage treatment system for treating oily wastewater to fit it for discharge to surface waters comprising a coalescer for separating free oil, an ultrafiltration unit for separating emulsified oil, an activated carbon filter for separating residual light organic compounds, a cation exchanger for removing heavy metal ions, a pH adjusting unit for adjusting the treated water to substantially neutral pH prior to discharge, and a controller for regulating the operation of the system. An optional gravity separation stage and/or a clarifier stage may also be included, if desired. Flow of permeate from the ultrafiltration stage is monitored and control valves admitting feed solution to the ultrafiltration unit or discharging retentate from the ultrafiltration unit are adjusted in response to the measured values to maintain a desired rate of permeate flow.

Abstract: A method of recovering oil-based fluid and an article for use in the method disclosed, the method includes the steps of applying fibers or a cloth with a napped surface that absorb the oil-based fluid to the oil-based fluid on a surface. The fiber or cloth is capable of absorbing at least about 5 times its own weight in oil-based fluid and temporarily holding absorbed oil-based fluid therein until the absorbed oil-based fluid is recovered. The fiber or cloth is maintained in contact with the oil-based fluid until oil-based fluid is absorbed. Then, the fiber or cloth having absorbed oil-based fluid is retrieved from the surface. The oil-based fluid can be recovered from the fiber or cloth and put to a beneficial use. The fiber or cloth can be reused repeatedly. The article contains the fiber or cloth, can optionally contain a flotation material and can optionally have a container that holds the fiber or cloth.

Abstract: The performance of mechanical skimmers for the removal of oil from water is enhanced through use of an oil-avid contacting member consisting of a non-woven mat of oleophilic fibers; the fiber surfaces having a film coating of a non-crosslinked rubber. A drum-type skimmer having the drum surfaces covered with such an oil-avid mat may be operated at very high rim speeds to obtain high rates of oil recovery with little water contamination. A process for coating the fiber surfaces with a rubber film is also disclosed.

Abstract: Oil spills on natural bodies of water are treated with amine-substituted water swelling clays. The organoclays are added to oil spills in an amount which herds oil into islands of oil separated by surfaces of water containing no oil. The clays can also be added to oil spills in an amount which produces quasisolid, buoyant organoclay/oil flocculate clumps which float in the water and which are amenable to collection from the surface of the water.

Abstract: A method for removing oil from the surface of a body of water using a layered sheet comprised of natural fabric fibers to absorb oil between the layers in the sheet, the natural fabric fibers in the sheet not requiring or undergoing treatment by or with synthetic chemical compositions during formation of the layered sheet. The layered sheet absorbs at least seven times its weight in oil without submerging in water. The layered sheet is placed on the floating oil which is absorbed by the sheet. The sheet is later removed from the water surface and compressed to squeeze oil from between the layers of the sheet.

Abstract: A method of recovering oil floating on a water surface which has been contaminated with the oil by distributing upon the contaminated surface discrete particles of a hydrophobic macroporous highly crosslinked polymer. The particles are allowed to adsorb and to become laden with the oil. The oil laden particles are recovered from the water surface, and the oil from the oil laden particles is removed by applying compressive forces to the oil laden particles. Particles which are substantially free of the oil are recirculated and re-distributed upon the contaminated surface, and this sequence of steps is repeated until substantially all of the oil has been recovered.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treatment of an oil slick resulting from an oil spill on a body of water. The oil slick is treated with a mixture of a granular elastomeric gum comprising a block copolymer of ethylene/butylene and styrene and an oleochemical synthetic wax, the latter being used in amounts of from 1 to 33 weight percent of the mixture. The adsorbent mixture has a low density, typically from 14 to about 15 pounds per cubic foot and will absorb oil and form a dry solid which has a non-tacky and non-oily surface. The adsorbent mixture is broadcast on the surface of an oil slick in proportions from about 0.2 to about 1 part per weight part of oil. The wave action on the body of water is generally sufficiently turbulent to admix the absorbent with the oil of the oil slick, resulting in the formation of floating solids which are dry to the touch and which have a non-oily, non-tacky surface. These solids can be readily recovered from the water or from a shoreline after they have washed ashore.

Abstract: Decontaminating article comprising a preagglomerated, powdered polymer of bicyclo[2.2.1]-2-heptene or its methyl derivative in at least one fine-mesh textile bag. The bag is at least partially filled with the polymer. The decontaminating article can be used to absorb a liquid contaminating product, in particular petroleum hydrocarbon.

Abstract: An oil degradation compound, comprising a mixture of a carrier, namely flour, a first oil-reactive agent, namely dry powdered mustard, and a second wetting agent, the carrier and first agent being each in a concentration which may vary from 1 to 99% by weight relative to the total amount of carrier and first agent. The wetting agent is in a small amount just sufficient to produce a paste when admixed with the first agent and carrier. The paste is destined to be spread onto an oil spill on a land surface, wherein the oil is to be absorbed by the paste and broken down into a crumbly powder, which can then be easily collected.

Abstract: A method for absorbing oils and petroleum based products, having a buoyant, anti-static foam pad impregnated with a hydrophobic amorphous silicate.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for removing oil from water surfaces. The composition comprises a fine grained particulate material, such as expanded perlite or vermiculite, or sand, coated with an oleophilic/hydrophobic layer comprising sulfur, a metallic sulfate, an alkali metal nitrate, and burned hydrocarbon oil. The invention is particularly applicable to the treatment of oil spills on the surfaces of open bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers and oceans. The invention also relates to methods for preparing the oil removal composition, and for stripping and recycling the compositions after use.