Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for cleansing oil-contaminated particulate materials. The invention is particularly applicable to the treatment of oil well drill sites and to methods and means for continuously cleansing drill cuttings found in used drilling muds. An initial step involves the use of an inclined tub equipped with an inclined spiral conveyor for continuous stripping of the oil and other contaminants from the drill cuttings, and a second step involves the use of a similar inclined tub and inclined spiral conveyor for continuous hot rinse water treatment of the stripped cuttings. An optional ambient or cold water final rinsing step is also disclosed.

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.