Abstract: A rheological solid composition comprising a crystallizing agent and an aqueous phase.

Abstract: A rheological solid composition comprising a crystallizing agent and an aqueous phase.

Abstract: Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) blends derived from plastic waste streams and a method to prepare reusable oil sorbents. A method includes separating plastics of group-A from group-B using a float-sink technique, where group-A comprises various PP and PE materials, and group-B comprises polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride; dissolving the group-A plastics in a solvent; adding a cavity forming agent to the solution; applying the solution onto a solid substrate through spin-coating followed by controlled heating; and extracting the cavity forming agent, obtaining a thin film sorbent with swellable cavities for oil sorption. The film contains 400-800 swellable 3D cavities/cm2, each cavity capable of swelling 20-30 times the thickness of the film when contacted with oil.

Abstract: A remediation plant for remediating drilling mud, cuttings, and fluids. The preferred plant includes a reboiler that is adapted to provide heat to the drilling mud, cuttings, and fluid, a mud drum that is operatively connected to the reboiler, a distillation column that is operatively connected to the reboiler, a heat exchanger that is operatively connected to the reboiler, a condenser that is operatively connected to the distillation column, a condenser tank that is operatively connected to the condenser, an oil-water separator that is operatively connected to the condenser tank, and a pump that is operatively connected to the oil-water separator. The preferred remediation plant is adapted to remove synthetic drilling fluid from drilling mud, cuttings, and fluids. A method for remediating drilling mud, cuttings, and fluid.

Abstract: Oil-absorbent skimmers of the present invention include an upper oil-absorbent flotation head that floats on water and several absorbent strands attached to the underside of the flotation head. The flotation head has a liquid-permeable cover with absorbent strips inside. The absorbent strips and strands are made of oil-absorbing materials that resist absorption of water. The passive oil-absorbent skimmers may be free-floating and may be used in stormwater catch basins, water holding tanks, vaults, sumps, bilges and the like for capturing hydrocarbons such as oil and oil-based liquids.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for modifying a covalent organic framework (COF), the method comprising: contacting a COF comprising an imine group with a phenylacetylene in, or to form, a mixture, in a suitable reaction condition for converting the imine group into a quinoline group, and COF comprising a quinoline group. The present invention also provides for a superhydrophobic surface comprising a solid surface coated with or comprising the covalent organic framework (COF).

Abstract: A method of fabricating an oleophilic foam includes providing a foam comprising a base material. The base material is coated with an inorganic material using at least one of an atomic layer deposition (ALD), a molecular layer deposition (MLD) or sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS) process. The SIS process includes at least one cycle of exposing the foam to a first metal precursor for a first predetermined time and a first partial pressure. The first metal precursor infiltrates at least a portion of the base material and binds with the base material. The foam is exposed to a second co-reactant precursor for a second predetermined time and a second partial pressure. The second co-reactant precursor reacts with the first metal precursor, thereby forming the inorganic material on the base material. The inorganic material infiltrating at least the portion of the base material. The inorganic material is functionalized with an oleophilic material.

Abstract: Interpenetrated polyolefin network for use in recovering or containing hydrocarbons such as hydrocarbons contained in oil, are disclosed. Advantageously, the interpenetrated polyolefin networks absorb the hydrocarbon, including viscous hydrocarbons and crude oils, to form a gel that can be collected and processed by heat to release the collected hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present application relates to an innovative and optimized method and system for maintaining water quality in water bodies such as excavated inland structures and floating structures with bottoms comprising flexible membranes, using a simplified economic filtration system and degreasing system that requires much smaller filtration equipment than conventional centralized filtration systems and provides for consumption of significantly lower amounts of energy. The method of the invention allows activating a chemical application system, mobile suctioning device, and/or degreasing system based on information regarding turbidity, the color of the bottom of the water body, and amount of greases on the surface water layer of the water body, to adjust the water quality parameters within their limits.

Abstract: A containment boom system for remediating an oil spill in a body of water includes a base support structure and two spaced apart containment booms defining a channel therebetween. An elongated rod has a proximal end and a spaced apart distal end. The proximal end is hingedly attached to the base support structure and extends laterally therefrom. A buoy is coupled to the distal end of the elongated rod. The buoy has sufficient buoyancy so as to remain floating on the liquid body while supporting the elongated rod. A reclamation loop is disposed in the water, a first portion of which is disposed in the oil spill and a second portion is disposed in the channel. The reclamation loop is continuously driven through a reclamation station, which removes oil therefrom.

Abstract: An absorbent material may include banana tree stalk fibers separated and processed for moisture content reduction to generate processed fibers, and oil eating microorganisms (OEMs) infused into the processed fibers to form OEM infused fibers. The processed fibers may be configured to concentrate oil therein responsive to exposure to the oil. The OEMs may remain in a dormant state in the OEM infused fibers until activated by water and exposed to the oil.

Abstract: Method and system is described for enhanced oil release management system by using one or more booms, one or more skimmers and one or more floating burners. The method and system may include skimmers to capture a fluid that is supplied to the floating burner.

Abstract: Methods to separate or recover brine that is present in an invert emulsion are described. The brine is present as an internal phase in the invert emulsion. The brine can be a valuable component, such as an alkali metal formate, and separation and recovering of the brine from the invert emulsion permits the brine to be reused.

Abstract: A light weight oriented net or netting assembly is provided for oil capture and containment. The netting assembly is made by biaxially stretching or orienting starting materials to form a pattern of oriented strands and integral junctions that, while being light in weight, is also strong enough to be used to capture and remove oil from contaminated water without an outer stabilizing jacket. The assembly is preferably made from oriented polypropylene netting that is folded, gathered, bunched and/or otherwise layered upon itself on the order of 16-64 times and then crimped in one or more locations to secure the netting layers in a bow tie or tubular configuration that forms net cavities and an open cell structure to capture and contain oil that has been dispersed in water. Oil in the netting assembly can then be removed, such as by pressing or other removal process, after which the netting assembly may be reused.

Abstract: A water treatment composition capable of effectively adsorbing pollutants from water is described. The composition includes magnetic extractants, which comprise magnetite nanoparticles containing functional groups. The composition is used to remove from water and aqueous streams oils and other contaminants. A process for removing contaminants from water and apparatus used in the process are also described.

Abstract: A floatable modular device for absorbing oil from a surface, includes a generally disk-shaped floatable cage tapering towards the periphery of the cage in a peripheral region thereof; and a water-repellent strip-shaped oil absorbent accommodated in the cage, wherein the cage further includes at least one connector element configured for joining plural ones of the modular devices together, to form an articulate oil absorber in which the individual cages are oriented in parallel to one another. A method of manufacturing the device includes providing a first, grid-like sheet made of plastics, positioning a water-repellent strip-shaped oil absorbent on the first grid-like sheet, positioning a second sheet on the oil absorbent, and welding the first and second sheets together at their peripheries, with the oil absorbent in between, wherein peripheral regions of the first and second sheets are bent towards one another.

Abstract: Method for oil removal. The method includes adding a magnetizable material, with or without appropriately selected surfactants, of order micron (having no net magnetization) or nanometer size to magnetize the oil or water phase by either making a ferrofluid, magnetorheological fluid, a magnetic Pickering emulsion (oil in water or water in oil emulsion), or any other process to magnetize either oil or water phases. The magnetized fluid is separated from the non-magnetic phase using novel or existing magnetic separation techniques or by permanent magnets or electromagnets thereby separating oil and water phases. The magnetized particles are separated from the magnetized phase using novel or existing magnetic separation techniques to recover and reuse the particles. The two magnetic separation steps can be repeated to further increase recovery efficiency of the liquid phases and the magnetizable particles reused in this continuous process.

Abstract: The invention provides methods that use particles comprising a polymer to absorb and recover oil. The methods can be used for oil spill cleanup, oil recovery, extraction of oil from an oil-water emulsion, etc. In some embodiments, the particles are distributed to an oil spill site or another environment where oil needs to be separated. The particles may be retrieved after they have absorbed oil from the oil spill site. The oil may then be retrieved from the particles by compressing the particles or via other suitable oil removal methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a stream comprising hydrocarbons and an aqueous-based liquid are provided. The systems and methods may utilize a media composite comprising a mixture of a cellulose-based material and a polymer. In certain systems and methods, the media composite is capable of being backwashed. The stream comprising the hydrocarbons and aqueous-based liquid may be separated by contacting the stream with the media composite. In certain system and methods, the stream comprising the hydrocarbons and aqueous-based liquid may be coalesced by contacting the stream with the media composite.

Abstract: A filtering device comprises a vessel for containing filtering media such as nutshells. Associated with the filtering device is an eductor for scrubbing and cleaning the media and removing contaminants such as oil from the media. The eductor includes an inlet port for receiving a motive liquid. Further, the eductor includes an inlet port for receiving media held in the vessel. In operation, a motive liquid is directed into the eductor and this induces media in the vessel into the eductor. By continuously directing motive liquid from an external source into the eductor, this results in the media being fluidized and circulated and recirculated through the eductor, giving rise to a slurry that contains liquid, the media and removed contaminants. A portion of the slurry is discharged from the filtering device while the media is retained in the filtering device.

Abstract: A light weight oriented net or netting assembly is provided for oil capture and containment. The netting assembly is made by biaxially stretching or orienting starting materials to form a pattern of oriented strands and integral junctions that, while being light in weight, is also strong enough to be used to capture and remove oil from contaminated water without an outer stabilizing jacket. The assembly is preferably made from oriented polypropylene netting that is folded, gathered, bunched and/or otherwise layered upon itself on the order of 16-64 times and then crimped in one or more locations to secure the netting layers in a bow tie or tubular configuration that forms net cavities and an open cell structure to capture and contain oil that has been dispersed in water. Oil in the netting assembly can then be removed, such as by pressing or other removal process, after which the netting assembly may be reused.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for fabricating microporous, open-cell foam of a hierarchical structure from a composition comprising a foamable liquid polymer, a curing agent for the polymer, a blowing agent and a filler that functions as a viscosity modifier for the foam-forming composition. By appropriate selection of materials, microporous, open-cell polymer foam is producible which, due to its hydrophobic character, is capable of absorbing relatively low surface tension liquids, e.g., hydrocarbon oils, and reject high surface tension liquids, e.g., water. These foams may be applied in maritime oil spill clean-up operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for treating wastewater in a filter media apparatus having a draft tube system. The filter media may be walnut shell media.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for removing a target oil from an aqueous fluid stream using a capture medium. In embodiments, the capture medium can comprise an anchor substrate and a modifier technology supported on the anchor substrate, where the modifier technology complexes with the oil to form a removable complex.

Abstract: A process for separating an aqueous emulsion including an aqueous phase and an non-aqueous phase into separated aqueous and non-aqueous phases, to provide a recovered non-aqueous phase, and to provide a recovered aqueous phase containing an acceptable level of the non-aqueous phase. In the process, at least one body, and preferably two or more bodies, of polymeric material with a high surface area, typically a foam material or polymer chips, is used in a horizontal flow treatment system to break the emulsion and thus provide both the aqueous and non-aqueous phases as two separate flows. A wide range of polymers can be used in the system as the polymeric material including polyurethane, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, and polyethylene. If a very low level of non-aqueous phase in the effluent is required, for example to meet potable water standards, then a Kozlowski polyurethane, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,040, is preferred as the last Polymeric material body.

Abstract: A containment boom system for remediating an oil spill in a body of water includes a base support structure and two spaced apart containment booms defining a channel therebetween. An elongated rod has a proximal end and a spaced apart distal end. The proximal end is hingedly attached to the base support structure and extends laterally therefrom. A buoy is coupled to the distal end of the elongated rod. The buoy has sufficient buoyancy so as to remain floating on the liquid body while supporting the elongated rod. A reclamation loop is disposed in the water, a first portion of which is disposed in the oil spill and a second portion is disposed in the channel. The reclamation loop is continuously driven through a reclamation station, which removes oil therefrom.

Abstract: A method and absorbent material for cleaning up contaminants, such as a petroleum-based product, with little to no water absorption. The absorbent material may include sheets, disks, or spheres of polymer-based plastic material of one to two inches thick that is manufactured and pre-conditioned to enhance absorption characteristics. The absorbent material may include smaller sieve sizes ranging from 16 to 100 that facilitate absorption and collection of a petroleum-based contaminant. Alternatively or additionally, the absorbent material may include larger sieve sizes ranging from 4 to 10 that facilitate transfer of the petroleum-based contaminant to the surface of the absorbent material. The absorbent material may be deployed at sea for a matter of minutes, and after absorbing a portion of the petroleum-based contaminant, then recovered by a recovery vessel, such as via netting, scooping, and/or vacuuming means.

Abstract: A treatment process for an aqueous phase which contains oil droplets, possibly of 10-50 nm diameter, in aqueous flow from a hydrocyclone separator, comprises bringing the water into contact with a surface subdivided into areas of differing surface energy and affinity for oil and such that when the surface is submerged in an aqueous phase, oil droplets adhere to it with an apparent contact angle in a range from 90 to 150 degrees. Areas of the surface may reduce their affinity for oil in response to an external stimulus causing controlled release of droplets adhering to the surface. The process may be used to remove oil droplets from water produced by an oil or gas well, after downhole oil water separation or after production at a at a well head, or used to coalesce droplets in such water to a larger size to enable conventional separation.

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.

Abstract: Sorbent polymers which are selective to taking up hydrocarbons are provided for separating hydrocarbons from fluids and taking up hydrocarbons from off of and intermixed with solid materials. The hydrocarbons may at least partially be expressed out of and recovered from the polymer by squeezing. The polymers may be re-used for picking up additional hydrocarbons. Methods for producing and using the polymers are also provided.

Abstract: An oil adsorbent is configured so as to include: at least one particle of an inorganic particle and a metallic particle, at least one particle constituting a core; and a polymer covering the core, wherein the polymer is a copolymer made of at least one substance selected from the group of molecular structure A consisting of styrene, butadiene, isoprene, ethylene and propylene and at least one substance selected from the group of molecular structure B consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylonitrile, vinylpyridine, vinyl alcohol, maleic anhydride and maleic acid.

Abstract: A valuable resource recovery system includes an engineered powder supply unit that supplies an engineered powder into drainage water (the engineered powder can adsorb a valuable resource and can be desorbed from the engineered powder), an agitation unit that agitates the drainage water supplied with the engineered powder, an engineered powder separation unit that separates the engineered powder from the drainage water agitated by the agitation unit, an engineered powder collection unit that collects the engineered powder separated by the engineered powder separation unit, and a desorption-recycle unit that desorbs the valuable resource from the engineered powder collected by the engineered powder collection unit to recycle the engineered powder and the valuable resource. According to the system, the valuable resource can be desorbed from the engineered powder and then recycled.

Abstract: Oil in an oil spill is collected by laying an elongate generally flat mat onto and around the spill where the mat is formed from strips of material arranged side by side and connected at spaced positions longitudinally to define a honeycomb structure with top and bottom surfaces of the mat defined by edges of the strips. The mat is unrolled from a supply and laid onto the surface of a body of water in which the spill has occurred so that open empty tubular cells stand upwardly from the surface allowing the oil to be absorbed into the cells. The oil can be squeezed out by pressing the strips together to close the cells.

Abstract: Methods are provided for vapor deposition coating of hydrophobic materials and applications thereof. The method for making a hydrophobic material includes providing a natural mineral, providing a silicone-based material, heating the silicone-based material to release vaporous molecules of the silicone-based material, and depositing the vaporous molecules of the silicone-based material to form a layer of the silicone-based material on surfaces of the natural mineral.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing macroscale 3D heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube materials (such as boron doped carbon nanotube materials) and compositions thereof. Macroscopic quantities of three-dimensionally networked heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube materials are directly grown using an aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition method. The porous heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube material is created by doping of heteroatoms (such as boron) in the nanotube lattice during growth, which influences the creation of elbow joints and branching of nanotubes leading to the three dimensional super-structure. The super-hydrophobic heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube sponge is strongly oleophilic and an soak up large quantities of organic solvents and oil. The trapped oil can be burnt off and the heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube material can be used repeatedly as an oil removal scaffold.

Abstract: A filter unit includes a flexible bag having permeable material on a first side and a second side that allows fluid to pass through the container. Granularized rubber is enclosed within the flexible bag. The granularized rubber filters hydrocarbon products from the fluid.

Abstract: A light weight oriented net or netting assembly is provided for oil capture and containment. The netting assembly is made by biaxially stretching or orienting starting materials to form a pattern of oriented strands and integral junctions that, while being light in weight, is also strong enough to be used to capture and remove oil from contaminated water without an outer stabilizing jacket. The assembly is preferably made from oriented polypropylene netting that is folded, gathered, bunched and/or otherwise layered upon itself on the order of 16-64 times and then crimped in one or more locations to secure the netting layers in a bow tie or tubular configuration that forms net cavities and an open cell structure to capture and contain oil that has been dispersed in water. Oil in the netting assembly can then be removed, such as by pressing or other removal process, after which the netting assembly may be reused.

Abstract: A method of scavenging oil from an oil-water mixture includes providing a plurality of functionalized fly ash particles having functionalized surfaces including reactive groups or reactive materials having hydrophobic groups covalently bound to the reactive groups or reactive materials. The oil-water mixture is contacted with the plurality of functionalized fly ash particles. The plurality of functionalized fly ash particles absorb oil from the oil-water mixture to form oil-laden fly ash particles. The oil-laden fly ash particles can be fed into a combustion process to generate heat from oil absorbed thereon, or absorbed oil from the oil-laden fly ash particles can be separated using a desorption process, and the oil recovered after separating.

Abstract: A method and absorbent material for cleaning up contaminants, such as a petroleum-based product, with little to no water absorption. The absorbent material may include sheets, disks, or spheres of polymer-based plastic material of one to two inches thick that is manufactured and pre-conditioned to enhance absorption characteristics. The absorbent material may include smaller sieve sizes ranging from 16 to 100 that facilitate absorption and collection of a petroleum-based contaminant. Alternatively or additionally, the absorbent material may include larger sieve sizes ranging from 4 to 10 that facilitate transfer of the petroleum-based contaminant to the surface of the absorbent material. The absorbent material may be deployed at sea for a matter of minutes, and after absorbing a portion of the petroleum-based contaminant, then recovered by a recovery vessel, such as via netting, scooping, and/or vacuuming means.

Abstract: Strong fabrics with an affinity for oil can be deployed from boats and other sea vessels to absorb oil that has been spilled into oceans, gulfs, rivers, or other bodies of water. For example, strong nylon spunbonded fabrics can be used to soak up oil from bodies of water. The fabrics can also be used in concert with other methods, such as with containment booms.

Abstract: An oil adsorbent is configured so as to include: at least one particle of an inorganic particle and a metallic particle, at least one particle constituting a core; and a polymer covering the core, wherein the polymer is a copolymer made of at least one substance selected from the group of molecular structure A consisting of styrene, butadiene, isoprene, ethylene and propylene and at least one substance selected from the group of molecular structure B consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylonitrile, vinylpyridine, vinyl alcohol, maleic anhydride and maleic acid.

Abstract: An organic absorbent product is derived from beetle-killed lodge-pole pine trees only that are made into grist, then dried, moisturized, pelletized, and ground to form fractured portions (e.g. fractured pellets or fines) of beetle-killed lodge pole pine, and a method for making the same and their usage. The absorbent product may be used to absorb and remediate various substances including, for example, petroleum hydrocarbons, a diesel range organic, a gasoline range organic, a fracturing fluid, a metal, an acid, an alkali, and animal urine. Such substances may be located in various areas such as, for example, in contaminated soils, spilled on floors or other surfaces, on the surface of water, or in drain sumps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a concentrate for the effective, environmentally friendly treatment of oil-polluted stretches of ground and the cleaning of oil-contaminated surfaces, said concentrate containing an emulsifier, a vegetable oil and ethanol. The emulsifier is preferably a non-ionic surfactant with an HLB value between 7 and 8. The vegetable oil is preferably selected so that it is liquid at temperatures above 5 DEG C. Oils containing unsaturated fatty acids, in particular germ oils are especially suitable. For its application as a treatment for stretches of ground, the inventive concentrate is diluted with water to form a cleaning solution and is applied to the oil-contaminated surface that is to be treated. The oil is emulsified in the inventive cleaning solution and is detached from the particles of the ground. The oil degrades in a significantly easier manner in the emulsified state. To clean oil-contaminated surfaces, the cleaning solution is sprayed onto the latter.

Abstract: Hydrogen generator coupled to or integrated with a fuel cell for portable power applications. Hydrogen is produced via thermocatalytic decomposition (cracking, pyrolysis) of hydrocarbon fuels in oxidant-free environment. The apparatus can utilize a variety of hydrocarbon fuels, including natural gas, propane, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, crude oil (including sulfurous fuels). The hydrogen-rich gas produced is free of carbon oxides or other reactive impurities, so it could be directly fed to any type of a fuel cell. The catalysts for hydrogen production in the apparatus are carbon-based or metal-based materials and doped, if necessary, with a sulfur-capturing agent. Additionally disclosed are two novel processes for the production of two types of carbon filaments, and a novel filamentous carbon product.

Abstract: A process for collecting spilled oil, comprises deploying a mechanically expanded sheet of foam so that it contacts spilled oil, the mechanically expanded sheet of foam comprising an oleophilic composition, absorbing oil into the expanded sheet of foam to produce an oil-containing expanded sheet of foam so that the expanded sheet of foam contains collected oil, squeezing the oil-containing expanded sheet of foam so that absorbed oil in the oil-containing expanded sheet of foam is released from the expanded sheet of foam; and collecting the oil released from the oil-containing expanded sheet of foam.

Abstract: A process for the removal of residual sulfur compounds from a liquid caustic stream is disclosed. One embodiment of my invention adsorbs disulfides from a caustic stream using an activated carbon adsorbent while another combines both oxidation and adsorption in single step to remove residual sulfur compounds from a rich caustic stream using metal phthalocyanine supported on a solid adsorbent. This process is especially useful as a polishing step in a caustic regeneration process flow scheme.

Abstract: Oil in an oil spill is collected by laying an elongate generally flat mat onto and around the spill where the mat is formed from strips of material arranged side by side and connected at spaced positions longitudinally to define a honeycomb structure with top and bottom surfaces of the mat defined by edges of the strips. The mat is unrolled from a supply and laid onto the surface of a body of water in which the spill has occurred so that open empty tubular cells stand upwardly from the surface allowing the oil to be absorbed into the cells. The oil can be squeezed out by pressing the strips together to close the cells.

Abstract: A method removes organic liquids from surfaces or volumes by identifying the presence of organic liquids on a surface or within a volume; providing absorbent, solid non-glass inorganic particles onto areas of the surface or within a volume where the organic liquids are present; absorbing or adsorbing organic liquids into the particles; and removing the particles with organic liquid therein.

Abstract: An oil adsorbent includes a plurality of particles, each being constituted from at least one of an inorganic particle and an organic particle as a core and a polymer covering the core. The plurality of particles are aggregated to form an aggregate so that a porosity of the aggregate is 70% or more.

Abstract: An adsorbent includes: at least one of an inorganic particle and a metallic particle as a core; at least two kinds of polymers, which cover a surface of the core, with respective different surface tensions; and a convex-concave surface structure formed due to a difference in surface tension between the at least two kinds of polymers.