Abstract: Removing contaminated water and pollutants from a body of water. Apparatus includes marine particle skimmers that can pull contaminated water through filter units or otherwise direct contaminated water or pollutants to a collection point. Emergency extraction lines can remove contaminated water and pollutants by conducting water to an extraction point. Emergency extraction lines include multiple emergency extraction line components connected to each other. The marine particle skimmers and emergency extraction lines typically float on the surface of the water but can be configured to extract contaminants below the water surface.

Abstract: A device for picking up floating objects on the water, such as hydrocarbons, has an envelope made of a flexible material impervious to water and to the floating objects, having a mouth at the upstream end and a discharge orifice at the downstream end, a folding rigid framework, arranged inside the envelope and attached thereto at the mouth and at the discharge orifice, at least one inflatable tube attached to the envelope and running along the length of the envelope, and a compressed-gas generation device designed to inflate the or each inflatable tube.

Abstract: A ballast water treatment apparatus includes a filter that is cylindrically formed so as to surround an axis, a case that includes an outer cylindrical portion that is disposed so as to surround the filter, a rotation mechanism that rotates the filter around the axis, an untreated water nozzle that ejects untreated water to a filter-surrounding region that is defined by an outer peripheral surface of the filter and the outer cylindrical portion, a cleaning water nozzle that ejects cleaning water toward the outer peripheral surface of the filter, a filtered water channel through which filtered water that has passed through the filter flows from a region inside the filter to outside of the case, and a discharge channel through which discharged water that has not passed through the filter is discharged from the filter-surrounding region to outside of the case.

Abstract: Offshore hydrocarbon (e.g. oil) production units that produce considerable contaminated water (produced water), are able to repeatedly dispose of the produced water so each production unit requires only a moderate-sized tank to hold the produced water, and most of the tank storage capacity of the production unit can store hydrocarbons. A mobile water-treatment plant is provided on a converted tanker that sails from one production unit to another one, transferring produced water from the oil production units and separating out contaminants as by settling, to leave clean water that can be dumped into the sea and contaminants that cannot be dumped into the sea. The mobile plant occasionally sails to an on-shore facility where it is allowed to dump contaminants.

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: Water circulation systems with air stripping arrangements to treat and remove undesirable disinfectant byproducts from potable water in municipal water tanks, ponds, and other bodies of water. The systems include a flotation platform, dish, draft tube, and an impeller to draw water from the depths of the tank up through the draft tube to be discharged outwardly of the dish to create a primary circulation pattern and an induced, inner or secondary circulation pattern. Each system additionally includes an air stripping arrangement positioned adjacent and about the upper portion of the draft tube and adjacent an upper portion of the secondary flow. The air stripping arrangement includes a plurality of submerged sets of air manifolds wherein pressurized air is supplied to the air manifolds and driven out of them in bubbles to create a treatment zone immediately above each set of manifolds.

Abstract: A system for treatment of suspended solids in a liquid medium having a one pond, an apparatus for controlled ventilation and aeration of a liquid medium, the apparatus having a dome supported by a flotation device, a blower, a lower housing supported by the flotation device, the lower housing connected to the dome, an aeration apparatus positioned within the sealed space and partially submerged in the flotation liquid, and having one or more parallel shafts, at least one first disc positioned axially on one of the shafts, at least one second disc positioned axially on another of the shafts, wherein the second disc is interleaved relative to the first disc, and wherein a surface of the first disc rotates in a direction opposite a surface of the second disc relative to each other resulting in a mixing area therebetween, and wherein the apparatus is positioned within the pond.

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 centreline 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 for automated capture and recovery of oil from oil-contaminated water and solids are disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems include the following: a plurality of automated robotic oil recovery units; a plurality of deployable oil collection membranes positioned within each of the units, each of the membranes including an upper half including a material impermeable to both water and crude oil and a lower half including a semi-permeable hydrophilic membrane that is permeable to water but impermeable to crude oil; and a high pressure carbon dioxide oil solids separation unit for separating oil from oil-contaminated solids thereby producing substantially oil-free solids and an oil and carbon dioxide mixture; a solids separation unit for the separating substantially oil-free solids from the oil and carbon dioxide mixture via gravity separation; and an oil separation unit for separating oil from the oil and carbon dioxide mixture using a pressure swing.

Abstract: A separator is disclosed that may be used to separate oil from water in situ in the ocean or other water body. The difference in density between oil and water causes them to separate between two limbs of the apparatus, and to exit from different ports at different heights. The input may contain oil : water in essentially any ratio. The apparatus may be placed within a boat or ship, or it may be mounted on pontoons or other floatation gear and towed behind a boat or ship.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning up spilled oil and other liquids that are relatively less dense than water, that have spilled on the water or are borne on water or an other relatively dense liquid, and for separating oil and other liquids that are relatively less dense than water, from water or an other relatively dense liquids comprising an oil/water separation column having a lower end forming a bottom opening oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the body of water in fluid communication with the water and spilled oil, an air pump in airtight engagement with, and proximate the upper end of the oil/water separation column and adapted to draw water and the spilled oil into the oil/water separation column; and an oil pump in liquid tight engagement with and proximate the upper end of the oil/water separation column and adapted to draw the spilled oil from the oil/water separation column.

Abstract: An underwater filtration operator for floating in a water body and filtering water in the water body, including a housing provided with a plurality of filtration units, each of which has at least one filter medium for filtering water from the water body. A pump housing receives water from the filtration units. A plurality of raw water chambers are disposed between the filtration units and the housing, and are configured to be in water communication with the water body, the filtration units and the pump housing. At least one positively charged bar is disposed in each of the raw water chambers, and is held in position therein by means of a support mechanism that is attached to the housing of the underwater filtration operator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a solar-activated photochemical fluid treatment system, some of which comprise an group of modules coupled together with attachment mechanisms, the group of modules comprising one or more floats. The modules comprise a porous substrate and a semiconductor photocatalyst coupled to the substrate. The group of interconnected modules can be configured to float at or near the surface of a body of fluid such that the fluid and sunlight can be in contact with the photocatalyst. The fluid treatment system can, responsive to solar radiation applied to the photocatalyst and to the fluid, induce photochemical modification of contaminants and living organisms in the fluid. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A boat is provided with a pipe assembly operatively connected to a water pump. The pipe assembly can be raised and lowered between transport and use positions. The pump draws water from the body of water, and the water is discharged through a series of holes in a substantially horizontal pipe adjacent the bottom of the body of water. The impingement of the ejecting water dislodges oil or other substances, which then float to the surface for collection.

Abstract: System and methods for remediating a slurry pond are disclosed herein. A method includes distributing a material over a surface of the slurry pond, wherein the slurry pond includes residues from a plant operation. A method also includes placing a load on the material, wherein the load causes the material to sink below a level of a supernatant but to remain above a layer of sludge in the slurry pond.

Abstract: A floating streambed comprising a circulation pump having an inlet hose or pipe, an inlet hose or pipe depth adjuster, and one or more treatment channels comprised of permeable matrix. The floating streambed floats on a water body. Water enters the inlet hose or pipe from the water body and is pumped by the circulation pump into the treatment channels. The treatment channels are comprised of permeable matrix, and water entering the treatment channels flows both horizontally through the treatment channel and into the water body and also vertically downward through the permeable matrix of the treatment channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to a liquid removal device, and in a second aspect to a method for removing a liquid, such as oil or an algae slurry, from a surface of water. The device comprises a circumferentially extending flexible wall element defining together with a bottom part a suction chamber for receiving the liquid. A floater body is sealingly connected to the flexible wall element at an upper edge of the latter, and is able to effectuate a movement in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of water. The floater body has a circumferentially extending outer member and an inner member. The inner member is adapted to receive a buoyant force exerted by the liquid contained in the suction chamber. The outer member has an upper circumferential edge for receiving the liquid.

Abstract: An oil boom skimmer member for oil spill recovery, in particular for collecting oil from a water surface, comprising a skimmer arrangement integrated into an oil boom member, is described. Also described is an oil recovery system, in particular for collecting oil from a water surface, comprising a plurality of such oil boom skimmer members connected in series to form an oil spill recovery boom apparatus. A guiding boom is connected to each of the outermost oil boom members, and the guiding booms are also connected to a vessel for operating the system. Through the use of trawl technology the skimmer oil boom apparatus can be operated by only one vessel when needed.

Abstract: An oil skimmer includes a frame for attaching a porous collection bag. The frame automatically tilts in response to water flow, relative to the frame, and the frame automatically returns to its original (“neutral”) position when the water flow ceases. In the tilted position, the frame orients a portion of the mouth of the bag below the surface of the water, so the bag collects floating contaminants. However, in the neutral position, the frame orients the mouth of the bag upward and such that the mouth is above the surface of the water to prevent previously captured contaminants from escaping from the bag and floating away. Optionally, the frame may be releasably locked in the neutral position to facilitate bag replacement or when no collection is desired. The skimmer may be mounted between hulls of a catamaran.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of a substance such as a liquid includes a treatment pit (10) which has a plurality of chambers (1 to 8). Walls (24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34) separate the chambers. Apertures (36) are located in non-adjacent walls (24, 28, 32) near the base of the pit (10). Further apertures (38) are located in non-adjacent walls (30, 34, 40), near the top of the pit (10). The liquid is introduced into the first chamber (1), and reagents added to the liquid. The water and reagent mix then flows through apertures (36) in the wall (24) between the first (1) and second (2) chambers into the second (2) chamber. Further reagents may be added in the second (2) chamber. The water and reagent mix then flows through apertures (38) in the wall (26) between the second (2) and third (3) chambers into the third (3) chamber. This process continues until the water reaches the final (8) chamber, from which it is discharged.

Abstract: Removing contaminated water and pollutants from a body of water. Apparatus includes marine particle skimmers that can pull contaminated water through filter units or otherwise direct contaminated water or pollutants to a collection point. Emergency extraction lines can remove contaminated water and pollutants by conducting water to an extraction point. Emergency extraction lines include multiple emergency extraction line components connected to each other. The marine particle skimmers and emergency extraction lines typically float on the surface of the water but can be configured to extract contaminants below the water surface.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to products and processes, and more specifically, to systems and method for recovering oil from water. In one embodiment, a towed net system is provided which has the ability to collect free floating oil to one or more end points from which either/both hydrodynamics and/or one or more powered pumps are used to deliver channeled and collected oil to one or more receiving vessels. In some embodiments, two wing nets are provided, either/each towed by one or more vessels, connected to one or more end receptacle nets. From the one or more end receptacles, the channeled and collected oil is delivered to one or more receiving containers also connected to the one or more end receptacles. The system can be scaled based on the horsepower of the two or more towing vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for collecting oil/mineral oil leaking from the seabed. More specifically, the device according to the present invention consists in a flexible funnel for guiding and collecting oil/mineral oil leaking from the seabed. In addition, the present invention relates to an oil storage device which consists, more specifically, of an oil storage device that floats on water and can be inflated, receiving a continuous oil flow and allowing oil, water and volatile and explosive gases from an oil well to be separated inside the device.

Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.

Abstract: Apparatus to treat pollution in rivers, streams, lakes, bays, ports and all bodies of water, employing as methodology wetland plants or macrophytes growing atop a wire or rigid frame basket filled with polygons or other irregular shaped objects of various configurations. The root system of the macrophytes are merged with and grow down amid the substrate composed of small polygons, other irregular shaped hollow, plastic, ceramic objects or other materials. The substrate provides nutrients, oxygen and sanctuary to bacteria, thereby reducing and eliminating pollutants in all bodies of water.

Abstract: A floating streambed comprising a circulation pump having an inlet hose or pipe, an inlet hose or pipe depth adjuster, and one or more treatment channels comprised of permeable matrix. The floating streambed floats on a water body. Water enters the inlet hose or pipe from the water body and is pumped by the circulation pump into the treatment channels. The treatment channels are comprised of permeable matrix, and water entering the treatment channels flows both horizontally through the treatment channel and into the water body and also vertically downward through the permeable matrix of the treatment channels.

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: A three-hulled oil combatting vessel (500) has a separating structure (100), which pushes ice blocks (J1), which move between the middle hull (SH1) and side hulls (SH2, SH3) from the prow to the stern, underneath the water surface (WL1). The separating structure (100) may be a grate in the longitudinal direction of the vessel (500). The density of the oil (B4) or oil refining product to be collected is smaller than that of the water, so the oil (B3), which has been separated from the ice blocks (J1) that were pushed down, tends to rise through the separating structure (100) to the water surface. The separating structure (100) separates the oil (B3) from the ice blocks (J1) for easier collection into a container. The separated (B4) oil can thus be collected from the relatively ice-free water surface (WL1) with an oil collecting device (200), which may have a brush skimmer.

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: An oil containment recovery dome including an upper containment portion and at least one bladder. The upper containment portion has an enclosure defined therein that is adapted to receive equipment used in conjunction with a well and to retain therein oil or gas that escapes from the well. The at least one bladder is attached to the upper containment portion.

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 boompart. 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 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 submersible, circulation system for small and shallow bodies of water such as a small pond. The system includes a driving unit with a tubular shell member and a base member and has a submersed motor and pump supported therein. The shell member extends along and about a vertical axis and has upper and lower openings with the base member spaced below and extending across the lower opening to create inlets therebetween. The pump draws water horizontally through the inlets into the unit where a relatively small first portion of the incoming water enters the pump and is driven downwardly and out upwardly directed discharge nozzles. The discharged flow passes through the remaining portion of the incoming flow to induce the larger, remaining portion to move upwardly with it toward the pond surface in a non-turbulent manner to raise the pond surface into a slightly convex mound.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a first fluid channel that can circulate contaminated water in the water body, a first inlet that draws the contaminated water into the first fluid channel, and an outlet that allows the contaminated water to exit the first fluid channel. A second fluid channel installed with a filter therein can filter contaminated water in the water body to produce a filtered water flow. A fluid transport apparatus can draw the contaminated water through the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel. A flow control system allows water to flow in a predetermined angular range while blocking at least a portion of the remaining angular range in at least one of the first inlet and the outlet to achieve mixing coverage with different aspect ratio. The position of the outlet can be adjusted to optimize the flow rate and pattern.

Abstract: Removing contaminated water and pollutants from a body of water. Apparatus includes marine particle skimmers that can pull contaminated water through filter units or otherwise direct contaminated water or pollutants to a collection point. Emergency extraction lines can remove contaminated water and pollutants by conducting water to an extraction point. Emergency extraction lines include multiple emergency extraction line components connected to each other. The marine particle skimmers and emergency extraction lines typically float on the surface of the water but can be configured to extract contaminants below the water surface.

Abstract: An oil/water separator is provided that is suitable for use aboard an oil spill recovery vessel and elsewhere. The separator comprises a tank structure divided into first and second compartments that communicate via a bottom channel. An inlet pipe supplies an oil/water mix to be separated into the first compartment. An oil suction pipe draws oil out of the first compartment on a continuous or intermittent basis. Water discharges unassisted from the second compartment once the water level in the second compartment has reached a certain level. A heating compartment is provided adjoining the first compartment thereby to enable the oil in the compartment to be heated to reduce its viscosity in cold conditions; this heating compartment is arranged to serve as a reservoir for hydraulic fluid whereby heating of the oil results from heat given up by worked hydraulic fluid returned to the heating compartment after operational use.

Abstract: A vertical flexible oil flow director hose is used to recover, to guide, and to filter the spilled oil from its source beneath the sea floor to the surface of water and to accumulate the floating oil therein for being ready to be pumped into an oil tanker. The said hose extends in the sea all the way from the sea floor to the surface of water by connecting its lower end to a circular sinking weight block and its upper end to a hollow doughnut-shaped floating device. The said hose includes two main portions abutting each other, the lower portion is for guiding and displacing water out through the gaps or meshes. The upper portion is for continued guiding and accumulating the oil in its upper section. A gas-tight dome cap having an opening at its bottom may be used to cap the upper opening of the oil accumulator well in the floating object, for holding the gas as necessary. A gas-compressor and gas tank or tanks will be equipped on the oil tanker ready to take and to store the gas.

Abstract: A method for treating seawater that includes the step of intaking water into at least one treatment block, wherein the treatment block includes a membrane pressure vessel having at least one membrane element, wherein the treatment block is configured such that the intake water is fed through the at least one membrane element of the membrane pressure vessel, is disclosed. The disclosed method further includes the steps of feeding the intake water through the membrane pressure vessel at a custom pressure based on the at least one membrane element of the membrane pressure vessel, and separating the intake water into at least an aqueous permeate stream and a concentrate reject stream; and outputting the aqueous permeate stream and the concentrate reject stream.

Abstract: Water circulation systems with air stripping arrangements to treat and remove undesirable disinfectant byproducts from potable water in municipal water tanks, ponds, and other bodies of water. The systems include a flotation platform, dish, draft tube, and an impeller to draw water from the depths of the tank up through the draft tube to be discharged outwardly of the dish to create a primary circulation pattern and an induced, inner or secondary circulation pattern. Each system additionally includes an air stripping arrangement positioned adjacent and about the upper portion of the draft tube and adjacent an upper portion of the secondary flow. The air stripping arrangement includes a plurality of submerged sets of air manifolds wherein pressurized air is supplied to the air manifolds and driven out of them in bubbles to create a treatment zone immediately above each set of manifolds.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for regulating algal biomass in offshore waters near an oil and gas production platform. The systems of the invention encompasses a plurality of modules for managing nutrients, algae, and aquaculture, including enclosures for containing aquatic organisms, and various operating subsystems that are operably associated with surface and underwater structures of the platform. In one embodiment of the invention, aquatic organisms are cultured in eutrophic water to feed on algae, thereby reducing the algal biomass. In other embodiments, the diversity of algae in an algal bloom is modified and the productivity of oligotrophic water is increased.

Abstract: A subsurface hydrocarbon capture apparatus and method having a plurality of filtration segments laterally connected, the filtration segments being filtration panel members suspended from floating boom members, the filtration segments joined in a circular or spiral configuration.

Abstract: An External Filtering and Absorbing Device for Use in a Local Containment Area contains filter material with a mesh size not less than 50 microns for removing contaminants from ballast or bilge water from a ship or effluent from a storm drain. Examples of contaminants removed are aquatic nonindigenous species such as Fish, Zebra and Quagga Mussels, Asiatic Clam, Aquatic Weeds, Green Crabs, or other suspended particle contaminants. Filtering is accomplished above the ambient water allowing easy visual verification and visual gratification of the efficacy of the filter unlike closed on-board systems. Water and oil permeate the filter and flow into a local containment area where oil is absorbed by absorbent pads held in pockets. The filter is easily removed and can be sent to authorities to demonstrate compliance with environmental standards. Water sampling containers or instruments used with the assembly allow for further compliance monitoring.

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: A floating plant culture system has improved strength and durability and includes a substantially planar platform having a length along opposed sides thereof and a width along front and back thereof generally perpendicular to the sides. The platform is adapted for growing a culture of attached plants including micro- and macrophytes thereon. Beneath the platform are affixed a plurality of cells extending in bridging relation to the sides and open at each end adjacent the sides. The cells are placeable in fluid communication with a body of water desired to be remediated. Affixed along at least a portion of the sides extend a pair of opposed hollow beams, for providing flotation to the platform. The beams are also placeable in fluid communication with the body of water, and an upper surface of the platform is floodable by the body of water from beneath for submerging plants attached thereto.

Abstract: This is a net 405 and net frame 401 system which can be used to skim for oil, whereas the Netting 405 is designed specifically for a Net Frame 401. When skimming or trolling out beside a vessel or boat 300, the Netting or Net Bags 405 are made of a porous material and or weaving so to allow the water to pass through, but the oil. Because the oil cannot pass through, it is therefore is collected or trapped in the netting. The Net Frames 401 can resemble a simple crab traps and the Net Bags 405 can be attached in a similar way as a kitchen pale or like a trash bag in a trash can. Once the net bags 405 become filled with skimmed oil, they can be taken off, cinched or secured, and the thrown away or hauled off (etc.) while another fresh bag is put on or replaced. The old bags are towed to a dumping location where they are: disposed, cleaned and reused, burned, etc.

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 offshore water-hydrocarbon separator system is capable of entrapping spilled oil offshore, and recovering the oil to a usable state for subsequent refining. The kinetic energy of a towing vessel provides the energy for establishing a flow path of oil and seawater through the hydrocarbon separator. Annular venturi provided at each successive stage in the separator accelerate a core flow of sea water substantially down the center of the flow path, while drag associated with aggregated oil particles forces oil outward, away from the core, to flow along the walls of each stage. The energy that establishes the core flow of water is provided by the kinetic energy of the surface vessel and the acceleration of core flow at each successive venturi. No other source of energy is needed to induce the water hydrocarbon separation.

Abstract: A system for recovering floating oil from the surface of a body of water includes a sump vertically movably mounted between a pair of spaced interconnected floating pontoons. A hydraulic system is coupled to the sump for lowering the sump into the water below the pontoons to a predetermined depth. The forward wall of the sump is angled down and back from an upper edge and a blade is hingedly attached along the upper edge of the forward wall. In use, the sump is lowered into the water until the blade is at the proper slice depth to separate floating oil from the surface of the water as the pontoons are drawn through an oil spill in a forward direction. The separated oil is deposited immediately onto the angled forward wall where gravity causes it to accelerate downwardly along the angled wall. This “gravity drop” tends to pull or urge additional oil across the blade and onto the angled forward wall to enhance the separation of floating oil from the surface of the water.

Abstract: This is a new oil spill response process made up of a group of new inventions and or technologies that are new to the oil spill response industry. When used in any combination, these new inventions compliment each other forming a new process for cleaning up oil spills. These new inventions can work by themselves, and or they can work with any of the older equipment, techniques, and or processes for cleaning oil spills.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquids during agitation includes a support and a honeycomb cellular structure supported by the support. The cellular structure has a top and a bottom. It is formed from a plurality of enclosed cells, which limit and re-direct liquid movement in all directions so that agitation of the support has a negligible co-mingling effect enabling a liquid separation interface to be established within the cellular structure. Each cell has an inlet and an outlet, which are out of register creating a non-linear migration path from the bottom to the top of the cellular structure. A capture assembly is provided to capture less dense liquids after separation has occurred.