Abstract: A system for the recovery of hydrocarbonaceous material, said hydrocarbonaceous material being in an aggregate mixture in a water slurry, said system comprising: (a) a means for centrifuging to remove liquid material from the slurry so as to obtain a water phase, a hydrocarbon phase and an aggregate solid phase; (b) a mixing vessel and means for delivery to said mixing vessel a measured quantity of said aggregate solids, water and a measure quantity of buoyant beads having a bare oleophilic surface (c) agitation means for agitating said aqueous mixture in said mixing vessel so as to obtain product buoyant beads having hydrocarbonaceous material associated therewith; and (c) recovery means for recovering product buoyant beads.

Abstract: An agricultural water retention system including a subsurface water retention barrier positioned in soil below a root zone of one or more plants; wherein the subsurface water retention barrier consists of a plurality of hydrophobic beads layered in a loosely packed manner; and wherein the subsurface water retention barrier is air permeable. Optionally, there is also included a surface evaporation barrier positioned proximate a surface of the soil, such that the surface evaporation barrier includes at least one layer of hydrophobic beads.

Abstract: An agricultural water retention system including a subsurface water retention barrier positioned in soil below a root zone of one or more plants; wherein the subsurface water retention barrier consists of a plurality of hydrophobic beads layered in a loosely packed manner; and wherein the subsurface water retention barrier is air permeable. Optionally, there is also included a surface evaporation barrier positioned proximate a surface of the soil, such that the surface evaporation barrier includes at least one layer of hydrophobic beads.

Abstract: A method and system for recovering fluid (e.g. liquid) hydrocarbons from both naturally-occurring and man-made mixtures of hydrocarbons and mineral substrates by the exploiting of buoyant beads.

Abstract: A method and system for recovering fluid (e.g. liquid) hydrocarbons from both naturally-occurring and man-made mixtures of hydrocarbons and mineral substrates by the exploiting of buoyant beads.

Abstract: An improved boom for use in containing oil spills and the like on water comprises a flotation tube, an upper chain pocket, a skirt, and a lower chain pocket. The skirt may be made to sink by placing a chain in the lower chain pocket. The spill is contained, and buoyancy provided for the boom, by filling the flotation tube with a particulate liquid sorbent. The tube is fabricated of a mesh material pervious to both the oil and water. The skirt may be fabricated of a material pervious to water, and if so desired, to oil.