Abstract: A longitudinal oil, debris and water receiving main compartment has a forward inlet associated with a float operated skimmer. The vessel has buoyancy compartments that control operation of the vessel either at a deep draft skimming level or a shallow draft skimming level. These controllable buoyancy compartments also include controls for stabilizing the vehicle in the water. The vessel has a forward boom that adjusts to either the deep draft or shallow skimming modes. The vessels also has a collecting bail for debris and removal thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing oil and the like from the surface of water. A vessel has a sump in which a pump is provided for removing the oil and water mixture. The sump has a front inlet associated with a float and a connecting flexible apron directing the oil and water mixture from the float to the sump. The apron allows the float to move vertically and to pivot longitudinally and laterally such that the float can maintain a uniform feeding position independent of the main vessel. The float is disposed in a front opening of the vessel for compactness, and for directing oil into the inlet means.

Abstract: Decantation tanks receive an oil-water mixture from a holding tank. These decantation tanks are set at varying elevations and are arranged to operate in series to drain off oil that has separated out. These tanks may have heat producing elements associated therewith to increase the efficiency of oil separation, and chemicals may be employed in these tanks also to increase such efficiency if necessary. Separator tanks are also provided in the system and receive oil-water mixture from the bottom of the decantation tanks for further separation of oil from the water. These separator tanks have a skimming apparatus therein and also have a pair of baffles under which the water must travel to accomplish further separation of the oil. The separator tanks have a cross partition, and water in a main portion of the tank flows over such partition to a rear compartment from where it is directed to an open top inspection tank and filtered. The pH of the effluent may be altered at this point if necessary.