Abstract: A well tool assembly can include a well screen configured to filter fluid flow between an interior and an exterior of a tubular string, and an outflow control section that permits the fluid flow in an outward direction and prevents the fluid flow in an inward direction, the outflow control section including at least two outflow control valves arranged in series. A method can include installing a well tool assembly including a well screen, flowing a fluid from an exterior to an interior of a tubular string through the well screen and an inflow control valve of the well tool assembly, and flowing another fluid from the interior to the exterior of the tubular string through the well screen and at least one outflow control valve of the well tool assembly.

Abstract: A modular support system includes a central core and operation modules arranged radially around the central core. A first operation module is configured to receive water to be treated. A second operation module is disposed under the first operation module and is configured to receive the water and to perform a first type of water treatment. A third operation module is disposed under the second operation module and is configured to receive the water and to perform a second type of water treatment that is different from the first type of water treatment. A fourth operation module is disposed under the third operation module and is configured to receive and store the water for usage.

Abstract: A system for wastewater treatment includes a reactor for nitrification of wastewater in a body of water. The body of water has an influent end and an effluent end. The reactor is positioned at the influent end of the body of water, and has a reactor inlet adapted to receive at least a portion of the wastewater from the effluent end of the body of water or from at or near an outlet of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a computer program product for cleaning and collecting microplastics and modelling workflow for microplastic autonomous filtration. The apparatus may include a cleaning chamber through which water containing the microplastics flows. The apparatus may also include a transducer configured to generate microbubbles of a size that causes the microbubbles to clean microplastics flowing through the cleaning chamber. The apparatus may also include a filter chamber located above the cleaning chamber, where the filter chamber includes a microplastic collection device operable to collect the microplastics.

Abstract: A method, for mitigating an environmental condition, may include assessing a geographic area with which the environmental condition is associated; and creating a plan to mitigate the environmental condition. The plan may identify a bio-crop for mitigating the environmental condition and a bio-product to be produced from the bio-crop. The method may also include planting the bio-crop in soil that is located within the geographical area. The bio-crop may be planted in a manner that enables the environmental condition to be mitigated. The method may further include harvesting the bio-crop based on planting the bio-crop; processing the harvested bio-crop to obtain biomass; producing the bio-product based on the biomass; and outputting the bio-product based on producing the bio-product.

Abstract: An anaerobic digestion device includes a digester body with an opening through which organic waste is received and a digester drum removably inserted into the digester body for receiving the organic waste. The digester drum is movable relative to the digester body to advance a slurry of the organic waste along a length of the digester body. A set of ports spaced along the digester body and arranged to vent biogas from the organic waste contained in the digester drum. A storage vessel is configured to receive and store biogas received from the digester body via the ports, and a heating system configured to heat the digester body. The heating system is fuelled by the biogas vented from the digester body.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon removal apparatus includes a plurality of fibers and a backing substrate. Each of the plurality of fibers includes a proximal end and a distal end. Each proximal end is secured to the backing substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for removing from an aqueous stream impurities such as grit, particulates, floating debris, suspended solids, turbidity, bacteria, fecal coliform, oil, grease, color, and the like, and for treating an unacceptable biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, and/or dissolved oxygen by utilizing a treatment system positioned partially in a channel adapted to a flow of the aqueous stream. The treatment system comprises a containment zone for containing the aqueous stream for treatment by at least one of traveling or stationary screen filtration, aeration, anaerobic and/or aerobic digestion, clarification, media filtration, chemical addition, disinfection, pH adjustment, particulate removal, and/or the like. A partition wall is provided to bypass untreated water such as storm water. After passing untreated waste water through the treatment zone, the treated aqueous stream may be recycled for further use or discharged to its desired destination, such as a lake, river, or ocean.

Abstract: A method and system for efficient oil spill cleanup are disclosed. Inserting magnetic filings in the oil magnetizes the spilled oil. An electromagnetic boom associated with an oil spill cleanup apparatus are used to create a magnetic field proximate to the electromagnetic boom. The magnetic field draws the magnetized oil toward the boom. The magnetic field is periodically switched on and off to create a pumping effect and draws the magnetized oil to a collection apparatus. The electromagnetic boom is directed through the effected environment using a thruster on the distal end of the boom.

Abstract: An oil spill clean-up apparatus and method, and more specifically to a self-contained oil spill clean-up vessel with ice displacement capabilities. One preferred oil spill clean-up system includes a vessel subsystem, an ice displacement subsystem, and an oil spill skimming subsystem. Preferred oil spill clean-up systems may include at least one storage subsystem. Preferred oil spill clean-up systems may include an oil/water separation and removal subsystem.

Abstract: A system comprising a surface vessel floating on a body of water; an oil leak located in the body of water; a remotely operated vehicle located near the oil leak; a connection between the surface vessel and the remotely operated vehicle; wherein the remotely operated vehicle comprises a mixer and a dispersant injector.

Abstract: A self-cleaning screen includes a rotatable drum made of mesh material and an inlet pipe extending through a front end of the drum. A flotation structure supports the drum with the inlet pipe and the lower part of the drum submerged during use. A cleaning spray system located within the drum receives cleaning water through a hollow shaft supporting a rear end of the drum. Spray nozzles located within an upper part of the drum above the water level direct the cleaning water radially outward to dislodge debris from the screen. The front end of the drum includes an annular ring and a rubber seal extending radially inwardly from the annular ring to engage the inlet pipe. A drive belt extends around the annular ring to rotate the drum. A plurality of rollers engage a surface of the annular ring to support the drum for rotation about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: An oil collecting apparatus is provided to recover polluted nature environment and to keep nature environment clean in such a way that oil leaked over river or ocean is effectively collected on the spot, and only the oil is removed by separating water and oil, wherein the volume of the water tank configured to separate water and oil can be reduced in half, so the present invention may be applied to a small size ship, and only the oil leaked over river and ocean may be separated and collected on the spot. A water surface cleaner with an excellent oil connecting capacity may be built using the present invention.

Abstract: Oil boom (1) having an elongated buoyancy body (8) carrying a skirt (9) that is hanging down in the sea as a barrier against water surface pollution. The boom (1) is arranged for being towed by its ends, in a U shape, for collecting pollution, in particular mechanically dispersed oil. The boom is designed in such a way that conditions for concentrating the pollution arise in the inner area of the boom, and in that at least parts of said inner area are provided with a means (6, 10) for coalescence of pollution drops.

Abstract: An aeration and microbial reactor system for use in decontaminating water including a housing adapted to float and/or submerged within the medium such that a top portion thereof remains adjacent a top surface of the contaminated water while the bioreactor containing inoculated carrier media is attached below. Beneficial microbial populations thrive and spread throughout the liquid medium, and consume or fix the contaminant such that the contaminant is removed from the water.

Abstract: An aqueous harvester is disclosed that utilizes a rotating drum having a mesh surface to collect material from a body of water. The drum is operative to rotate, typically as the drum is propelled through water by a watercraft. Material collecting on the mesh surface below the water line is rotated out of the water. The material is removed from the mesh surface by spraying pressurized water through the mesh surface into a catch trough disposed within the drum. The material is then removed from the catch trough for further processing.

Abstract: An oil collecting apparatus is provided to recover polluted nature environment and to keep nature environment clean in such a way that oil leaked over river or ocean is effectively collected on the spot, and only the oil is removed by separating water and oil, wherein the volume of the water tank configured to separate water and oil can be reduced in half, so the present invention may be applied to a small size ship, and only the oil leaked over river and ocean may be separated and collected on the spot. A water surface cleaner with an excellent oil connecting capacity may be built using the present invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of acidic surface water that has an initial pH and that contains one or more dissolved metals, the method including: (a) extracting a continuous stream of acidic surface water from an acidic surface water supply; (b) mixing a powdered neutralizing agent, having a particle size in the range of 8 micron to 500 micron, in the stream of acidic surface water to produce an alkaline slurry; and (c) dispersing the alkaline slurry for a dosing period over at least a portion of the acidic surface water supply to treat the acidic surface water supply; whereby the treatment of the acidic surface water supply will result in the pH of the acidic surface water supply increasing from its initial pH, and at least a portion of the one or more dissolved metals precipitating out of the acidic surface water supply to form a supernatant and a metal-rich precipitate.

Abstract: The oil recovery system is used to remove oil from water. The system includes rollers rotatably supported on a frame, one of the rollers having drive sprockets. A belt extends between the first and second rollers and a roller press squeezes the belt to thereby remove oil from the belt. The belt has a first layer of oleophilic material, a second layer of oleophilic material and a third central reinforcing scrim layer between the first and second layer. Chains extend along the side edges of the belt, and are driven by the sprockets. The chains are connected to the side edges by a plurality of flanges that are integral the chains, reinforcing cords extending along the side edges, reinforcing strips wrapped around the reinforcing cords and extending along the side edges, and a plurality of pins that extend through the flanges, the strip and the three layers.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).

Abstract: A seismic-resistant fluid reservoir cover includes a plurality of panels and a network of flexible membranes coupled to adjacent panels. The flexible membranes are made of a potable water approved material, and the panels and the membranes create a fluid tight seal. Each panel in the reservoir cover is able to move along three directional axes independently of the adjacent panels while maintaining the fluid tight seal, at least in part because of the flexibility or the slack in the flexible membrane. A support member, such as a backer rod, may also be positioned in the spaces between the panels.

Abstract: A lagoon batch wastewater treatment system for a wastewater treatment lagoon wherein a containment tank expands and contracts during a sewage treatment process reducing erosion of the berm or bank of the lagoon.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for picking up particles from the surface of a water system, in particular particles of dirt, with a float (1), in which a particle separation chamber (8) is formed, into which particle-containing water can flow via an inflow opening (7), and out of which water at least partially freed from the particles can flow via an outflow opening (9), wherein the inflow opening (7) is provided with an inflow flap means and the outflow opening (9) is provided with an outflow flap means for opening and closing of the opening (9).

Abstract: An apparatus for removing floating waterbourne debris. The apparatus includes a capture section comprising a carrier and a motive member mounted on the carrier, with the motive member adapted to contact and direct floating debris rearwardly. The apparatus further includes a collection and pumping section positioned rearward of the capture section for collecting and removing debris directed from the capture section. The collection and pumping section includes a hopper having opposed first and second ends, the first end thereof positioned adjacent the motive member and comprising an opening adapted to receive debris directed by the motive member, and the second end presenting a port for passing debris therethrough, and a pump mounted to the hopper adjacent the port and in fluid communication with the hopper for transporting the debris received from the hopper to a remote location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for capturing and removing oil from a body of water with equipment using rod and film technology, which includes a streamlined oil tank that moves in the water and collects surface oil from an attached skimmer, arrays of inverted funnels lowered into the water to concentrate oil for removal, and containment tents to capture leaking fuel or cargo oil from a sunken ship or any underwater oil leak and channel it into a partially submerged rod and film storage tank at the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil combating boom (1), which comprises an elongated boom part, which at its first end is connectable to an oil combating vessel (10). At least one pontoon member (5) and a number of turnable transfer members (6) equipped with rotating blade members (9) have been arranged in connection with the elongated boom part. The invention further relates to a method for collecting oil from a polluted shore area, in which method an oil combating vessel is steered to the vicinity of the shore, the oil combating boom (1) is arranged to extend onto the polluted shore area, oil is transferred from the shore area into the water and steered in the water towards the final collecting space (11) by rotating the blade members (9) of the transfer members (6).

Abstract: A water purification apparatus comprising an injection moulded floating non-toxic, biodegradable, and recyclable polymer planar structures that are easily stackable, shippable, and connectable to as many companion units as the user desires; such apparatus further comprising many receiving structures made to accommodate plants without inhibiting them so that the user may create a film of plants over a toxic body of liquid for bioremediation purposes.

Abstract: A floating salt farm in which its purpose is to produce crystallized salt and bittern at offshore locations through the evaporation process using extracted seawater. The floating salt farm components can be consisted of a seawater tank, an evaporator tank, a heating tank, a deposit tank, a storage tank, and photovoltaic panels, which these components are installed onto the buoyant foundation. The evaporator tank component can consist of an evaporator plate and an evaporator bin. The evaporator plate, which captures the produced crystallized salt during the evaporation process, has a sieve surface. The contents inside the evaporator bin can affect the properties of the produced crystallized salt and bittern, such as their mineral compositions, during the evaporation process. The seawater can be extracted from desired water depths and/or in the proximity of volcanic sites, in which the seawater can have affected mineral compositions due to volcanic activity.

Abstract: An oil spill containment and clean-up apparatus uses an absorbent containment barrier for stopping the spread of the spill and for absorbing the spill for disposal as the barrier is collapsed around the spill. A skimmer boat is also employed, with adjustable skimmer positions to reduce the amount of water collected with the spill in order to maximize efficiency. Oil collection pans can be mounted on cranes for remote collection.

Abstract: A method for removal of a hydrocarbon substance floating on a body of water, in particular petroleum and/or its derivatives, characterized in that it envisages the use of greasy animal wool, with a fibre having a diameter greater than 25 ?m, to absorb said substance.

Abstract: A deep ocean desalination system that uses hydrostatic pressure to reverse osmosis the seawater. The membrane structure is deployed to a predetermined ocean depth and includes a submersible pump system.

Abstract: A device for collecting and separating liquids, preferably liquefied gas such as LNG, the device having a first container having a bottom wall with a first tubular discharge pipe passing therethrough and opening out into a first storage tank; a second container contained inside said first container, comprising a bottom wall above the level of said first discharge pipe(s), and a top side wall including at least one drain orifice in its base communicating with a lateral passage, and a bottom side wall extending to below the level of the top end of the first discharge pipe, and a said lateral passage between the side walls of the two containers; and a liquid collector duct opening out into the second container, and a second discharge pipe extending from above second container and opening out into a second LNG storage tank.

Abstract: The oil recovery boom of the present invention is designed to collect great amounts of oil if used in conjunction with many other booms. The oil recovery boom includes a set of eductors, and removes the adjacent oil for extraction from the sea. A high pressure pump placed at one end of the boom takes water from the sea and pumps it through a flexible manifold. The manifold in turn provides water pressure to each eductor and, the oil carried with the water is then pumped into a barge or containment with overflow sections, which will then separate the oil from the water for later processing. Embodiments of the present invention adopts an array of eductors which can be positioned either in series or in parallel. The oil recovery boom of the present invention provides for the immediate and large-scale removal of oil from the sea.

Abstract: A floatable-material harvester is disclosed, including a vacuum source, transport hose, and a floatable-material receiver. In one embodiment, the transport hose has at least one air inductor/intake along its length, which allows air to enter the transport hose to accelerate its contents, by negative pressure air induction. In another embodiment, a transport hose has at least one floatable-material thruster along its length, comprised of at least one nozzle, which provides pressurized fluid (e.g., air or water) in the direction of the flow of the harvested floatable material by positive pressure induction. A method is disclosed whereby the floatable material harvester is used to harvest an absorbent material (e.g., wood chips, straw, perlite, zeolite, polypropylene mesh, titanate nanofibres) that has absorbed a pollutant (e.g., oil, solvent, radioactive isotopes) from a beach or in water.

Abstract: An oil spill recovery vessel (10) is provided that comprises a catamaran bow section (12) with twin hulls between which an oil skimmer unit (11) is arranged for displacement between a lowered, operating, position in oil-polluted water and a raised, non-operational, position clear of the water. Aft of the catamaran bow section (12) is a trimaran main section (13) made up of a central hull interposed between two outer hulls formed by aft continuations of the twin hulls of the catamaran bow section (12); the three hulls of the trimaran main section have conjoined upper portions. A propulsion unit (53) is operative to move the vessel (10) forward at slow speed for skimming operations, and, with the skimmer unit (11) in its raised position, at a fast speed in which the vessel planes on its trimaran main section (13).

Abstract: A method and system for efficient oil spill cleanup are disclosed. Inserting magnetic filings in the oil magnetizes the spilled oil. An electromagnetic boom associated with an oil spill cleanup apparatus are used to create a magnetic field proximate to the electromagnetic boom. The magnetic field draws the magnetized oil toward the boom. The magnetic field is periodically switched on and off to create a pumping effect and draws the magnetized oil to a collection apparatus. The electromagnetic boom is directed through the effected environment using a thruster on the distal end of the boom.

Abstract: A suction float (1) for removing liquid and/or foam-like contaminants (22) from surfaces (21) of liquids (2), wherein the contaminants are drawn off downwards from the upper surface (111) of the float via a suction pipe section (12). For this purpose the float (1) has a first duct (13) extending from the upper surface (111) to the underside (112) for the suction pipe section to pass through and a second duct (14) from the underside (112) to the upper surface (111) of the float, wherein after passing through the first duct (13) the suction pipe section (12) is guided along the underside (112) of the float (11) and is designed to penetrate into the second duct (14), wherein the float (11) is movable along the suction pipe section (12). The invention further relates to a collecting device having a suction float (1) and to a collection vessel.

Abstract: A potable water producing system for disposition at a body of salt water and a method of producing potable water is provided. The system includes a wave energy conversion system (AWECS) and a portable filtration-anchor system. The AWECS is in the form of a floating articulated barge housing a desalination system including a reverse osmosis membrane. The filtration-anchor system is submerged in the body of salt water and includes a sand filter to filter the adjacent salt water and to provide the filtered salt water to the desalination system on the articulated barge. The action of the waves on the articulated barge provides energy to pump the filtered salt water from the sand filter to the reverse osmosis member to produce potable water. Moreover, the action of the waves on the articulated barge effects the shaking of the reverse osmosis filter, thereby rendering it self-cleaning.

Abstract: An oil collecting apparatus and a corresponding method for collecting oil from the surface of water, the oil collecting apparatus includes a set of oil booms (3) coupled to form a long line of oil booms. The line of oil booms includes, at a distance from each other, a number of anchorage points (4) for anchoring the oil boom (3) onto the sea bed and, in addition, between the anchorage points and in conjunction with the oil boom there is an oil collecting station (5) for collecting the oil directed by the booms from the surface of water.

Abstract: A float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir is disclosed. The device comprises a float arranged for rising and falling with the level of liquid in the tank and a liquid pick-up duct, which comprises a flexible tube having its free end coupled to the float. The float is arranged for vertical movement within a filter or other member, which encloses the float and the flexible tube. The filter or other member is elongate and tubular in construction and comprises an open lower end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purification of bilge and sludge water on a ship, especially at sea, using excess heat from the ship's engine(s) to a level of oil contamination of less than 15 ppm. The invention also relates to a plant for carrying out the method, and a vessel including such plant, as well as the use of the method and plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for picking up particles from the surface of a water system, in particular oil, algae or dirt particles, comprising a particle separation space, which is connected to an inflow opening through which water that contains particles can enter the particle separation space, a particle-collecting space into which particles that have been separated from the water that contains particles reach from the particle separation space via a separation mechanism and an adjustment mechanism, which is configured to regulate a filling level of the water that contains particles in the particle separation space. In addition, the invention relates to a method for picking up particles, in particular oil, algae or dirt particles, from the surface of a water system.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating floating wetlands and improving water quality is provided. The apparatus includes a lower retainer; an upper retainer; a floatable waste material disposed between the lower retainer and the upper retainer; and an organic material planted between the lower retainer and the upper retainer; wherein the organic material is configured to denitrify the water source. A method of making a floating wetland device is also provided.

Abstract: An oil spill recovery vessel (10) equipped with a skimmer unit (11) moves forward through an oil spill (6) at a normal skimming speed with its skimming unit operating to recover oil, and simultaneously transfers recovered oil through an oil transfer hose (17) to a bladder (19) being towed by the vessel using a towing cable (14). The oil transfer hose (17) and towing cable (14) attach to the vessel in substantially the same location situated approximately on the fore-aft centerline of the vessel and at least one third of the vessel's length from the stern or more forwardly an oil transfer bollard (15) of the vessel. In one embodiment the oil transfer hose (17) and towing cable (14) attach to an oil transfer bollard unit (15) comprising a towing post and an oil transfer pipe. The oil transfer bollard (15) can also be used to transfer oil from a towed unit to the vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remediating an initially liquid-like slurry pond include distributing one or more floating wicks into the slurry pond, wherein the slurry pond includes a slurry with a supernatant level above the slurry. A method also includes placing a load on the slurry, wherein the load causes an effective stress on the slurry and aids in dewatering the slurry.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for capturing and removing oil from a body of water with equipment using rod and film technology, which includes a streamlined oil tank that moves in the water and collects surface oil from an attached skimmer, arrays of inverted funnels lowered into the water to concentrate oil for removal, and containment tents to capture leaking fuel or cargo oil from a sunken ship or any underwater oil leak and channel it into a partially submerged rod and film storage tank at the surface.

Abstract: An oil skimmer and vacuum recovery apparatus providing a method for removing the contaminating oil floating on the surface of a water body is disclosed. The apparatus may be mounted on an oil recovery vessel and includes a vacuum head mounted to a vacuum system. The vacuum head is configured at a desired proximity above a horizontally disposed separation plate that is adjustably positionable to be placed between the water surface and a contaminating layer of floating oil. The vacuum system includes a vacuum pump and motor and an associated vacuum tank configured to a fluids collection chamber that is in communication with a fluids vacuum line attached to the vacuum head. A vacuum force is directed by the vacuum head to the layer of floating oil above the separation plate whereby and the oil layer is skimmed from over the separation plate and drawn through the vacuum head the fluids vacuum line to the fluids collection chamber where it is collected for disposal.

Abstract: A self-cleaning screen includes a rotatable drum made of mesh material and an inlet pipe extending through a front end of the drum. A flotation structure supports the drum with the inlet pipe and the lower part of the drum submerged during use. A cleaning spray system located within the drum receives cleaning water through a hollow shaft supporting a rear end of the drum. Spray nozzles located within an upper part of the drum above the water level direct the cleaning water radially outward to dislodge debris from the screen. The front end of the drum includes an annular ring and a rubber seal extending radially inwardly from the annular ring to engage the inlet pipe. A drive belt extends around the annular ring to rotate the drum. A plurality of rollers engage an outer surface of the annular ring to support the drum for rotation about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A floating cell with a floating macrophyte filter that can be installed in a chamber containing a volume of fluid to be filtered. The cell has: a layer with a floating macrophyte filter between a perimeter and a centre of the island; supporting means with peripheral structural means for defining a periphery; internal structural means for defining a framework; a central node; peripheral connecting means; internal connecting means; central flotation means and peripheral flotation means.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a spill collection system comprising a boom for surrounding a spill area and a method for using the boom. In addition, the invention includes several embodiments of extractors for removing fluid from a material such as the boom.