Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for separating oil and other contaminants (particularly oleophilic compounds) from water and other carriers. The invention is particularly useful for separating oil and other oleophilic compounds from bilgewater and other wastewater. The compositions typically comprise a hydrocarbon resin and a drying oil. The compounds in the composition are typically combined in an organic solvent. For example, hydrocarbon resin and tung oil are optionally combined into a naphtha solvent. The invention is particularly useful for separating emulsified oil from water, whether oil in water emulsions or water in oil emulsions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing oil from water or a solid surface. This involves contacting the water or the solid surface with a substance in the form of a sheet and having a high humate level under conditions effective for the substance to absorb oil from the water or the solid surface. The substance, having absorbed oil, is then recovered from the water or solid surface. In an alternative embodiment this method can be carried out where the substance is manure which may or may not be in the form of a sheet.

Abstract: A method of treating a fluid stream underwater comprising integrally attaching a skid to a fluid stream treating vessel so that the fluid stream treating vessel can be disposed on an underwater floor in a position such that an opening in said vessel is at a highest point on said vessel when disposed on the underwater floor; remotely directing a fluid stream treating vessel to an underwater floor location sufficiently close to said fluid stream so that the fluid stream can be remotely attached in fluid communication with said fluid stream treating vessel; remotely connecting said underwater fluid stream to said fluid stream treating vessel for treatment of said fluid stream; treating said fluid stream by contact with a treatment media disposed within said treatment vessel, maintained at equilibrium water pressure at the depth of treatment; and flowing the treated fluid stream out of said treating vessel.

Abstract: An oil spill containment system for containing oil spills or leaks from an oil containing vessel. In one embodiment, the oil spill containment system comprises a geosynthetic material defining a number of cells, with an oil absorbing material and an oil adsorbing material received in the cells of the geosynthetic material. This system contains oil which spills or leaks from the oil containing vessel while allowing water from rain or snow melt to permeate through the system.

Abstract: In a process for treating effluent water, a stream of effluent water is fed to a porous ceramic media filled reactor. Organic and inorganic impurities are absorbed and/or oxidized from the effluent water into the media and/or off-gases. The remainder of the effluent water stream is dispensed from the reactor in an outlet stream suitable for direct discharge to the sea or for recycling without incurring the disadvantages of generating a solid sludge. The reactor includes a chamber containing activated media, such as pellets of porous ceramic material. The pellets are stored in a vertical stacks of sub chambers defined by horizontal perforated trays and/or in a horizontal chains of sub chambers defined by vertical perforated baffles.

Abstract: A modified sorptive lignocellulosic fibre material with hydroxyl groups on the lignocellulosic fibres doubly modified by esterification with a combination of monocarboxylic and dicarboxylic acid ester groups. A process for the preparation of the sorptive material. The sorptive fibre material is effective for the removal of oils and other contaminants including heavy metals from a fluid such as contaminated water by a combined sorption of hydrophobic contaminants and ion exchange.

Abstract: This invention is a system and method for bioremediation of hydrocarbon and organic pollution in fresh and salt water. Hydrocarbon and organic pollution digesting microbes are placed in a floating carrier where the microorganisms are exposed to the pollution and the pollution is digested. The floating element may be a block of polymeric foam. The microbes may be supported on powder such as clay minerals, and the powder may be formed into pellets held in slits in the foam.

Abstract: A fluid pollution prevention system for preventing the discharge of hazardous waste from a bilge of a marine vessel, and removal of the same from the bilge. The system includes an absorber for absorbing hazardous waste from a fluid in the bilge. The system further includes a locator for locating the absorber in a predetermined orientation relative to a bilge pump to prevent the discharge of hazardous waste from the bilge. In one embodiment of the invention, the locator is an upstanding member in relation to the fluid in the bilge and includes at least one locator channel defined along at least a portion of the locator for slidable receipt of the absorber. According to this characterization, the absorber is movable along the locator channel as a function of the bilge fluid level to absorb hazardous waste from the fluid and isolate an inlet of the bilge pump from receipt of the same.

Abstract: An insert for a storm water treatment system includes an elongated baffle member that is configured to be mounted within a substantially upright storm water drain basin so as to separate the interior space of the drain basin into a first compartment that communicates with an inlet opening of the drain basin and a second compartment that communicates with an outlet opening of the drain basin. A predetermined primary flow path is defined in the baffle number between the first and second compartments near a lower end of the baffle member. Treatment material is positioned, optionally in cartridge form, in a lower end of the second compartment so that storm water in the primary flow path will be directed through the treatment material in order to remediate possible contamination of the storm water. The system is designed in order to facilitate retrofitting of existing storm water drainage infrastructure and for original installation. A method of treating storm water is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of recovering hydrocarbons or low polarity organic chemicals from hard surfaces, water and water surfaces, in their vapor state and from porous substrates. The hydrocarbons or low-polarity organic chemicals may be included in a spill. More particularly, the invention relates to the absorption of certain hydrocarbons and low-polarity organic chemicals by applying thermoplastic elastomers of a triblock copolymer of the general configuration A-B-A. The preferred A-B-A copolymer of the invention is a low to medium molecular weight hydrogenated polystyrene-poly(isoprene+butadiene)-polystyrene or polystyrene-b-ethylene/ethylene-propylene-b-styrene block copolymer. When the elastomeric block copolymer is applied to the hydrocarbon or low-polarity organic chemical, the elastomeric block copolymer absorbs the hydrocarbons or low-polarity organic chemicals to form a mat.

Abstract: A process for mitigating the pollution caused by a potential polluting agent comprises binding the potential polluting agent with a product obtained by calcining skeletal material and hydrating the calcined skeletal material.

Abstract: Apparatus in fluid communication with a water leg portion of a hydrocarbon-contaminated water, e.g., a water leg portion of a produced water stream or an offshore drilling or production platform sump tank for conveying water, separated from oil, into contact with non-woven fiber/particulate polymer coalescing media-containing canisters such that the hydrocarbon droplets and other organic material droplets commingled with the sump tank or produced water will be coalesced by passage through the coalescing media. The canisters preferably are provided in a plurality of stacks in each vessel. Solids that do not pass through the canisters are accumulated at the bottom of the vessel and easily drained through a drain port. The water and hydrocarbons will pass through the coalescing media within the canisters and will be separated easily from each vessel, e.g., by gravity separation, sot that the water can be conveyed back to the ocean water without contamination.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer particles (e.g., granules or fragments) employed as filter media, e.g., for filtering runoff water, include an antimicrobial compound on exterior surfaces and can reduce proliferation of microbial organisms as well as sorb chemical contaminants from the water. By employing this dual decontamination action, filter systems employing such particles can improve the quality of runoff water (or other contaminated water streams) and reduce the risk presented by potentially harmful organisms.

Abstract: One or more water- and oil-porous containers or sacks are made of a pair of mesh sheets affixed together and stiffened around their perimeter. The sacks can be partially filled with a multitude of tubular bodies made of an oil-entrapping polymer, which have their longest dimension parallel to an axial hole. A preferred material is composed of a combination of SBS and EPDM, formed by an extrusion technique, to create highly fissured generally cylindrical bodies. The sacks may be deployed in areas where oil is floating on water, such as where oil has spilled from tankers on oceans, seas, lakes, or rivers. When the bodies are afloat, oily water can pass through the axial holes of and around the bodies, maximizing the surface area contacted by the oil and minimizing gel blocking. After a time sufficient for the bodies in the sacks to adsorb oil, the sacks can be collected. Various deployment and collection methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Water is separated from an emulsion of water and oil by passing the emulsion through a bed of superabsorbent polymer granules which break the emulsion and absorb water from the mixture of water and oil. An apparatus for separating water from an emulsion of water and oil has at least one separation cell containing a bed of super absorbent polymer granules.

Abstract: This invention is a system and method for bioremediation of hydrocarbon and organic pollution in fresh and salt water. Hydrocarbon and organic pollution digesting microbes are placed in a floating carrier where the microorganisms are exposed to the pollution and the pollution is digested. The floating element may be a block of polymeric foam. The microbes may be supported on powder such as clay minerals, and the powder may be formed into pellets held in slits in the foam.

Abstract: A pollutant containment system for containing the spillage of fuels or other hydrocarbons or the like comprises a first layer (14, 60), a containment vessel (16) for receiving liquid passing through the layer (14) and channelling means (22) for directing liquid permeating through the layer towards the containment vessel (16). The layer (14) provides a plurality of active surfaces for the retention of pollutant and is such as to cause water to permeate through the layer at a flow rate to avoid emulsification of oil and water. Water is introduced into and removed from the containment vessel to raise and lower the water surface thereby to cause the pollutant to be smeared over the active surfaces.

Abstract: A method for in-situ burning of oil slicks on water, including the steps of: 1) providing a plurality of individual floating wicks; 2) positioning the wicks in the oil slick; and 3) igniting the wicks. Additionally, a method for manufacturing floating wicks for use in burning oil spills, including the steps of: 1) providing a wick material having a dry density less than water; 2) applying to the wick material an oleophilic, hydrophobic coating such that the coated wick material has an oil uptake capacity of at least 2 g/g and a water uptake capacity of no greater than 5 g/g; and 3) drying the wick material.

Abstract: A novel filtration media employing polymeric absorbents comprising a material selected from the group consisting of styrene, pentadiene, cyclopentadiene, butylene, ethylene, isoprene, butadiene, propylene and mixtures thereof; and a filtration enabler intimately mixed with the polymeric absorbent. Upon contact with a hydrocarbon containing liquid, the liquid partially dissolves the polymeric absorbent forming a partial filtration barrier prior to the filtration media substantially absorbing the hydrocarbons, and allowing hydrocarbon-free liquid to flow through the filtration media. In situations of a leak or spill wherein an excess of hydrocarbons are present, the filtration media forms a plug to seal and prevent further discharge of the hydrocarbons. The filtration media may be placed inside a portable container for insertion into an existing drain such that hydrocarbon containing liquid is filtered through the device allowing hydrocarbon-free liquid to flow from the device.

Abstract: A device that absorbs and separates oil from oil-water mixtures. The device is formed by combining an absorbent material with a support. The absorbent material is a hydrophobic sol-gel material processed to be an aerogel, with the support being a material of any type that can give the absorbent a place to reside. The absorbent or aerogel material may be coated onto or otherwise secured to the support material. When an oil-water mixture contacts the aerogel material, preferably in granulated or powdered form, the aerogel material will preferentially absorb and retain the oil phase, rejecting the water phase of the mixture. The end result is two separated streams, an oil only stream, and a water only stream.

Abstract: A method for the extraction of hydrophobic constituents, such as benzene, toluene, xylene and/or chlorinated hydrocarbons, from an aqueous solution, involving the steps of contacting said solution with a porous, preferably dimensionally stable granular or powdery material, of which the pores have a size of from 0.1 to 50 &mgr;m and contain a hydrophobic substance with affinity for the hydrophobic constituents to be extracted, which granular or powdery material has a particle size of from 0.1 to 10 mm, and is wetted more readily by the hydrophobic substance immobilized in the pores than by the aqueous solution to be treated, and regenerating the product of step a), essentially without the granular or powdery material being freed from the hydrophobic substance, by removal of the hydrophobic constituents.

Abstract: A two-stage filtration system is coupled with an oven, such as a solder reflow oven, to remove a vapor stream from the oven and to remove organic compounds that have volatilized from a solder flux and other contaminants from the vapor stream. The filtration system includes a first stage for trapping larger particles and a second stage including a packed bed of wettable media, such as steel balls, for trapping smaller particles and serving as a nucleation site for condensed organic compounds. The first stage can be a centrifugal self-cleaning element in the form of a mesh strainer coupled with a rotary motor for spinning the mesh strainer.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer particles (e.g., granules or fragments) employed as filter media, e.g., for filtering runoff water, include an antimicrobial compound on exterior surfaces and can reduce proliferation of microbial organisms as well as sorb chemical contaminants from the water. By employing this dual decontamination action, filter systems employing such particles can improve the quality of runoff water (or other contaminated water streams) and reduce the risk presented by potentially harmful organisms.

Abstract: A process for the removal of oil from oil-contaminated water is efficient, inexpensive, and capable of oil removal to a level where the water may be disposed of by conventional sewage treatment or reused. The apparatus which performs the process consists of an elongate housing having at least one upwardly extending oil collection tower and an oily water inlet mediate the oil or oil-enriched water outlet and the “clean” water outlet. The elongate housing and preferably also the oil collection tube are filled with beads of hydrophobic polymer.

Abstract: A material for absorbing hydrophobic water-immiscible liquids comprises lignocellulosic plant material which has been rendered relatively more absorbent to hydrophobic water-immiscible liquids by esterification of hydroxyl groups in the lignin of the lignocellulose material. The esterification in one aspect is by acetylation of the hydroxyl groups. Absorbing articles and methods for use with hydrophobic water-immiscible liquids are also disclosed.

Abstract: Discrete non-clumping mechanically stable geometric alloyed material shapes having about 55-95% by weight thermoplastic elastomer and about 5-45% thermoplastic polymer and about 0-12% by weight filler are used for removing organic contaminates from contaminated fluids. The shapes are typically spheres having a maximum dimension of 0.125 inches, or circular discs having a thickness of less than 6 millimeters. The shapes are put in a loose form or packing, and a fluid containing organic contaminants (such as water, air, or a soil slurry) is brought into contact with the shapes so that the shapes absorb organic contaminants from the fluid, typically absorbing more than 90% of the contaminants in the first pass through. The contaminated fluid is typically passed through an ozone generator before being brought into contact with the shapes. The shapes may be foamed, e.g. utilizing about 0.1-10% by weight foaming agent.

Abstract: A process and kit to create a spongy polyamide material that absorbs hydrocarbons from liquid or solid surfaces is described. The process for making the spongy polyamide material includes dissolving a polyamide in a solvent, introducing a non-solvent into the polyamide solvent solution to precipitate a spongy polyamide material and thereafter formed into different shapes, if so desired. The kit allows for the spongy polyamide material to be made at the site of an hydrocarbon spill. In one embodiment, the kit includes a premixed polyamide and solvent solution for use with water to precipitate a spongy polyamide material to be extruded and cut into a user desired form.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water is disclosed herein. The present invention may be used in drainage openings, particularly in parking lots and containment areas for large sources of hydrocarbons such as oil tanks or electrical transformers, to remove hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon contaminated water. The apparatus has a filtration compartment which filters out debris and sediment which may clog the treatment compartment. A pre-filter attachable to the apparatus may be used to further aid in filtering out sediment. A means for melting snow and ice may be incorporated within the filtration compartment such that liquid flow is not hindered during extreme weather conditions. The treatment compartment contains a hydrocarbon absorption media which absorbs any hydrocarbons present in the water rendering such water substantially hydrocarbon-free for discharge directly into a stream or groundwater.

Abstract: A device that absorbs and separates oil from oil-water mixtures. The device is formed by combining an absorbent material with a support. The absorbent material is a hydrophobic sol-gel material processed to be an aerogel, with the support being a material of any type that can give the absorbent a place to reside. The absorbent or aerogel material may be coated onto or otherwise secured to the support material. When an oil-water mixture contacts the aerogel material, preferably in granulated or powdered form, the aerogel material will preferentially absorb and retain the oil phase, rejecting the water phase of the mixture. The end result is two separated streams, an oil only stream, and a water only stream.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency and usable life in a cross flow membrane filter used to remove contaminants from bilgewater. The bilgewater is passed upstream of the cross filter membrane through a fluid-pervious filtration media which has been infused with an absorbtion composition comprising a homogeneous thermal reaction product of an oil component selected from the group consisting of glycerides, fatty acids, alkenes, and alkynes, and a methacrylate or acrylate polymer component. The contaminants are thereby immobilized at the media. The purified output from the infused filtration media is then provided as input for the cross flow membrane filter.

Abstract: A method for resolving sludge/emulsion formed as a result of adding introduced fluids to oil and gas wells. The method comprises adding a water-dispersible emulsion breaker and/or adjunct additives that may include iron-control chemicals, scale-control chemicals, or paraffin-control chemicals or combinations thereof in amounts sufficient to separate the sludge/emulsion into an oil phase and a water phase and to control iron, scale, or paraffin in the oil phase. Further treatment of water phase includes treatment with water clarifiers, allowing the water phase to remain in settling vessels, and passing the water phase through a macroreticular resin resulting in water that is environmentally acceptable for disposal.

Abstract: A novel filtration media employing polymeric absorbents comprising a material selected from the group consisting of styrene, pentadiene, cyclopentadiene, butylene, ethylene, isoprene, butadiene, propylene and mixtures thereof; and a filtration enabler intimately mixed with the polymeric absorbent. Preferably, the filtration enabler comprises clay, ground glass, talc, mica, recycled rubber, sand, gravel, vermiculite, recycled plastic chips, an inert, non-absorbent material, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the polymeric absorbent may be further compounded to incorporate about 10 to 50% recycled or waste plastic scrap, scrap polyolefins, inorganic fillers, or other inexpensive, relatively inert solids. Other compounding materials may include clay, talc, mica, ground glass, silica, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent comprising at least one cycloolefin copolymer which contains polymerized units which are derived from at least one cyclic and at least one acyclic olefin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing contaminants from an oily bilgewater. In the method the bilgewater is passed through a fluid-pervious filtration media which has been infused with an absorbtion composition comprising a homogeneous thermal reaction product of an oil component selected from the group consisting of glycerides, fatty acids, alkenes, and alkynes, and a methacrylate or acrylate polymer component. The contaminants are thereby immobilized at said media, and the purified bilgewater having passed through the filtration media is discharged, e.g. into a body of navigable water.

Abstract: There is provided a process for removing hydrocarbons from hydrophilic solutions in which the adsorbent is regenerated in situ. A solution containing at least one hydrocarbon impurity is passed through a resin bed and the hydrocarbon is retained by the resin. The solution passes from the resin bed substantially reduced of hydrocarbons. The filtration bed containing the resin is regenerated in situ by passing a second liquid therethrough such that the hydrocarbon is removed in the second liquid stream and the resin is available for reuse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent comprising at least one cycloolefin copolymer which contains polymerized units which are derived from at least one cyclic and at least one acyclic olefin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in known apparatus for removing or separating certain contaminants and debris from drainage water. The known device has a tank defining a chamber with an inlet and a pair of vertically spaced outlets. A bulkhead with openings is spaced opposite the inlet and extends from the base of the chamber. A baffle is located between the bulkhead and the outlets and extends from the top of the chamber to near the bottom. An orifice plate or plates is adjustable mounted in series with the outlets and controls the rate of flow therethrough. The system thus has four sections, namely a non-floating particulate containment chamber; a floating particulate containment chamber; a flow control chamber; and an outlet chamber. In accordance with the invention, a fluid-previous media is provided at the interior of said apparatus in or abounding the flow path of the drain water proceeding between said inlet and outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting oil from a surface of a water body comprising a drum, the drum rotatably mounted on a vessel such that a lower portion of the drum is positioned below a waterline of the vessel, and a wiper member on the vessel, the wiper member positioned and configured to wipe oil from the drum below the surface of the water body. Wiped oil is collected below the surface of the water body through a series of collection tanks. A dryer wiper wipes water from an unsubmerged portion of the drum to improve oil uptake.

Abstract: A sump tank insert is inserted into preexisting catch basins and is covered with a grate that acts as a primary filter for large debris. A deflector plate is positioned across the inlet to the tank and a filter basket is suspended into the tank from the deflector plate. Surface water flowing through the grate and the secondary filter of the filter basket flows through a tertiary filter comprising fibrous synthetic filter media interposed between the secondary filter basket and the outlet pipe. The filter media of the tertiary filter is selected according to the type of contaminants that are to be removed, and petrochemicals such as oils from cars that is contained in run-off from parking lots and the like.

Abstract: A method for removing hydrocarbon products from water surfaces, which entails contacting the hydrocarbon products with a crystalline polypropylene, which when observed under a microscope of 2500 magnetization, exhibits a spongy surface having relatively homogeneous intercommunicating pores, with dimensions of between about 3 &mgr;m and 20 &mgr;m in diameter.

Abstract: A plurality of water- and oil-porous sacks are partially filled with a number of generally toroidal bodies of a polymer material that entraps oil and including mesh fragments scattered throughout the bodies. Each sack is sewn with a perimeter stiffening ring, to retain a flat profile, and has a netting that closes to help inhibit outflow of the oil when the sack is retrieved. When deployed from ship or by air onto a spill, the sacks spread into a pancake shape and the polymer matter forms a single layer that retains the oil. The inventive sacks will float indefinitely without releasing the oil or allowing it to emulsify, so the oil can remain in place until collection efforts are feasible. The sacks can be burned in situ, or standard fishing boats or specialized collection boats can be used to retrieve the sacks, and the collected material can be burned to capture the energy content of the oil or processed to separate the oil from the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent comprising at least one cycloolefin copolymer which contains polymerized units which are derived from at least one cyclic and at least one acyclic olefin.

Abstract: A method for resolving sludge/emulsion formed as a result of acidization of oil and gas wells comprising the steps of adding an iron-control chemical in an amount sufficient to prevent the formation of insoluble iron compounds, and adding a water-dispersible emulsion breaker in an amount sufficient to separate the sludge/emulsion into clean oil and water. Further treatment of the waste water with water clarifiers, settling vessels and passing it through a macroreticular resin results in water that is at least less than 29 mg/L total oil and grease for overboard discharges from offshore facilities.

Abstract: An absorption mat 1 is described which is suitable for receiving organic hydrocarbons in liquid, paste-like or solid form, for example, oil, fats, fuels and solvents. The absorption mat is characterized by a plate-like and/or block-like molded body 2 made of rubber granulate 3 or rubber shavings 3 brought into a bond with each other to define a shape with the mat being received in a trough 6 or the like open at one side thereof and made of a material or at least containing a layer 7 resistant to the hydrocarbons and seated in a trough 6 open at one end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting oil from water, particularly spillage water from gasoline stations and water that emanates from vehicle-washing plants. The method and apparatus utilize filters to which contaminated water from the vehicle-washing plant and other contaminated water is passed. The water is cleansed in one or more mutually sequential filters arranged in the flow direction of the water. The water is cleansed by first causing the water to flow through a collection filter in which oil and coarse particles are collected in a first cleansing stage. The water from the collection filter is passed through a fine filter adapted to lower the oil content of the water to a level below about 50 to 70 mg/l in a second cleansing stage. The water from the fine filter then flows through a membrane filter that is adapted to filter-off at least 75% of the oil remaining in the water during a third cleansing stage.

Abstract: A method for the removal of organic compounds from columns of air or water. The method utilizes a solidifying organic polymer-based filtration media and activated carbon placed in separate containers and arranged in an in-line, two phase process to extract organic compounds and metals from feed streams containing emulsified or suspended concentrations of organic contaminants by absorbing and solidifying the organics into an easily retrievable, disposable mass. The treated feed streams exit the process containing acceptable limits of the organic compounds and metals within the fluid columns to permit their free release into the environment.

Abstract: A mobile surface contaminant extracting and water recycling apparatus comprises a standard truck, pickup, trailer or other wheeled container that is modified by the addition of a clay-based flocculent powder wastewater treatment unit. Mounted in combination with the wheeled container and the wastewater treatment unit is a vacuum steam cleaning unit. Steam is sent from the cleaning unit and sprayed by pressure guns onto the contaminated surface of a parking lot or other surface to be cleaned. The surface contaminants become emulsified in water condensed from the steam, which contaminated water then is vacuumed up by cleaning wands and returned by hose to the steam cleaning unit on the truck bed. From the steam unit, the contaminated water is piped to the adjacent truck-mounted wastewater treatment unit. The water is churned in the latter unit in the presence clay-based powder. The resultant floc sludge is deposited on top of porous cloth on a draining tray or trays.

Abstract: A portable liquid surface skimmer efficiently removes small spills of petroleum derivatives from the surface of water, and is useful, for example, on thin sheen spills of oil or gasoline, in boating marinas. The skimmer is controlled by a long handle held by an operator, with a swivel connection to the skimmer body. The skimmer body is placed in the water empty, to take on a controlled amount of water as ballast, putting the skimmer at a proper level to skim the surface using a floating weir. A withdrawal conduit from the skimmer's sump leads to a storage tank or more preferably to some form of separator on shore or on a dock, for further separation of water from the contaminants. In one preferred form of the system and method, the skimmed oil/water mix is passed through a special filter medium which removes the petroleum sufficiently that the water can be returned to its source, eliminating the need for hauling large volumes of liquid away to a disposal site.

Abstract: Pretreated tubular members, preferably in the form of hollow fiber segments, and a method for suppressing the formation of a colloid of fuel oil in sea water or visa versa in a ballast/fuel oil tank of a ship. The fuel oil-pretreated members are hydrophobic having a resultant density such that, when disposed into the fuel oil/ballast tank which is initially substantially colloid free, the pretreated tubular members sink in the fuel oil and become suspended at the interface of, or boundary between, fuel oil and ballast sea water to form a physical barrier which substantially maintains separation between fuel oil and sea water during subsequent ship movement at sea.

Abstract: A process for treating produced water for removal of a majority of the water-insoluble petroleum oil components using an oil-adsorbent, such as an organophilic clay or an acid-activated smectite clay, such as acid-activated calcium bentonite clay, to provide a reduced-oil produced water in a first or pretreatment step; and then treating the reduced-oil produced water with a macroreticular adsorbent resin, such as styrene cross-linked with divinylbenzene, or a polyvinyl pyridine resin to remove marginally water-soluble petroleum oil components, such as C.sub.6 + carboxylic acids, phenolics, naphthenic carboxylic acid compounds, and aromatic carboxylic acids, such as benzene carboxylic acids.