Abstract: Pollutants such as hydrocarbons which have settled on the bed of a body of water are removed to the surface using a submersible vehicle positioned above the bed of a diver supported on a platform above the pollutant. A wand at one end of a pipe evacuated by a centrifugal pump is manipulated to draw the pollutant to the surface for treatment or disposal.

Abstract: A method and a device for collection of floating waste (16), including oil and oil-soiled objects, on a water surface (14) by means of a floating collection arrangement (2) containing at least one waste-receiving portion (8) and at least one collection receptacle (4). An inflow, which consists of the waste (16) and a directly underlying water layer (24), is conducted into the collection receptacle (4) via the receiving portion (8) and separates into an upper waste-containing layer (24) and a lower water layer (26) from which water is conducted out of the collection receptacle (4). The subject matter of the invention is that the inflow (16, 20) is conducted over a threshold (6) that is placed deeper than the water surface (14), and which is provided in the waste receiving portion (8). The water layer (20) acts like a lubricating sliding layer preventing sticky waste (16), for example oil, from adhering to the threshold (6).

Abstract: A skimming screen for a swimming pool filtration system is disclosed. The skimming according to the invention includes a support frame having a central opening and a mesh fabric or screen material attached to the support frame so as to extend over substantially the entire area of the central opening. The support frame and the screen material are shaped and dimensioned to cover the intake orifice of the suction line when a strainer basket is removed for cleaning. A method of using the skimming screen to facilitate cleaning of the strainer basket is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a comprehensive, efficient, and cost effective portable evaporator unit, method, and system for the treatment of brine. The evaporator unit, method, and system require a pretreatment process that removes heavy metals, crude oil, and other contaminates in preparation for the evaporator unit. The pretreatment and the evaporator unit, method, and system process metals and brine at the site where they are generated (the well site). Thus, saving significant money to producers who can avoid present and future increases in transportation costs.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.

Abstract: An oil and vapor recovery system having a float system for adjusting the height of oil and vapor recovery intakes. The float system is preferably adjustable to allow connection of additional floats to maintain buoyancy and keep the vapor intake above the level of the oil in the holding tank and to maintain the oil intake above the level of the water contained in the holding tank. Vapor is drawn out of the holding tank using a vacuum assisted siphon. Oil can be withdrawn from the holding tank by suction or simply by letting the oil flow into an outlet by gravity.

Abstract: A transportable waste collection system for collecting waste found in a body of flowing water, including non-navigable waters, the system having a flotation platform adapted to floating in the body of water; a waste collection conveyor mounted on the platform having collection and discharge ends; a device for separating the waste from the body of flowing water and conveying the waste along the conveyor to the discharge end; a storage receptacle for storing the conveyed waste; and a water wheel interconnected with and providing power to the waste separation device.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for collecting solids selling on the bottom of a liquid reservoir and/or floating solids, the apparatus (10) having a hollow suction head (23) and at least one outlet duct (26) extending from the suction head (23). Air can be supplied to the suction head (23) to create a suction pressure in the suction head (23) to cause settling solids beneath the suction head (23) to pass along the outlet duct or ducts (26). The suction head (23) may be connected to a collector (11) which is provided with a float (21) to support the collector (11) at the surface of the liquid, and the outlet duct or ducts (26) are connected to the collector (11) which collects the solids. The collector (11) may also have an inlet to collect floating solids.

Abstract: A skimming screen for a swimming pool filtration system is disclosed. The skimming according to the invention includes a support frame having a central opening and a mesh fabric or screen material attached to the support frame so as to extend over substantially the entire area of the central opening. The support frame and the screen material are shaped and dimensioned to cover the intake orifice of the suction line when a strainer basket is removed for cleaning. A method of using the skimming screen to facilitate cleaning of the strainer basket is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for the separation of scum from a liquid including a housing (22) incorporating two side walls in spaced relationship and a scraper wall disposed between said side walls. A rotational device (12) mounted in the housing (22) provides rotational motion about one or more horizontal axes. The rotational device (12) includes one or more paddles (13-16) which extend outwardly with respect to the rotation axis forming a substantial sealing engagement with the opposed inner faces of the side walls of the housing. The scraper wall and rotational device are arranged such that when immersed in water, the paddle(s) (13-16) may be rotated to become at least partly submerged and the outer periphery(ies) engage with the scraper wall to lift a portion of the water and scum above the natural level of the water.

Abstract: A method for removal of surface scum in an apparatus, which includes at least a first surface chute arrangement that exists in a liquid basin and which is meant for removal of surface scum. Surface scum is exhausted by an overflow arrangement belonging to the first surface chute arrangement and being based on a continuous flow, with which surface scum is overflown in at least two successive phases. Also an arrangement for removal of surface scum operating according to the method.

Abstract: During collection of pollutants having a density lower than that of water and carried by a surface layer of a body of water, water of the surface layer is caused to flow into and through a collection vessel having a separation compartment with a top wall, pollutants entrained by the inflowing surface layer water are allowed to collect gravimetrically as a supernatant layer carried beneath the top wall of the separation compartment on water in the separation compartment, and changes of the weight of the collection vessel in the body of water are monitored. Intake and discharge phases may be initiated and terminated to in response to the said weight reaching predetermined values.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (20), a system and a method for collecting material from a water system, and the use of the apparatus (20) as an oil-combating device or rescue device. The apparatus (20) can be arranged to float and be moveable on the water surface (1). The apparatus comprises a cargo space (2) for storing the collected material, a collecting platform (12) connected to the cargo space, over which platform the water of the water system and/or material to be collected from it is arranged to pass before passing into the cargo space, water exhaustion means (5) for removing water from the cargo space, means (11) for adjusting the height of the collecting platform as desired in relation to the level of the water surface of the water system, at least one ballast tank (3) to control the draught of the cargo space as desired and/or means (7) for controlling the effect of the water exhaustion means.

Abstract: System and method for water restoration to a water pool or to water regions associated with freshwater or saltwater marinas. Embodiments include a positive water flow device that works in unison with a negative water flow device, wherein the positive and negative flow devices are separated from each other in the water pool or water regions. The positive flow device, for example, a water jet, directs a stream of water beneath the water surface of the water pool or water regions, and causes a water surface to move towards the negative flow device by a hydraulic pushing action. The negative flow device includes a water pump and receiving port, augments the hydraulic pushing action by providing a complementary pulling action by applying a vacuum or negative pressure to a water receiving port, or scoop.

Abstract: A separator separates water and oil. An outer housing has an inner volume and an inner housing. One port in the inner housing receives influent mixed liquids. Another port from the inner housing discharges water outside the outer housing and defines a static liquid level. An outlet above the static level from the inner housing to the inner volume allows oil held in the inner housing to flow to the outlet. Surges of influent temporarily raise liquid levels, so oil passes the outlet to the inner volume. A supplemental separator in the outer housing removes oil from the inner volume.

Abstract: A sintered metal fiber medium as subject of the invention comprises at least a first metal fiber layer providing a first outer surface to the sintered metal fiber medium. The first metal fiber layer comprises metal fibers with an equivalent diameter D1. The medium has a mean flow pore size of less than 2 times the equivalent diameter D1. The metal fibers in the first metal fiber layer in the sintered metal fiber medium have a ratio of average fiber length L1 over diameter (L1/D1) which is preferably less than 110.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing an oil contaminant from a surface of an aqueous solution, comprising manually controlling a surface skimmer from a remote location to remove a layer or a batch of an oil contaminant from an oil-aqueous solution mixture by the skimmer, where the aqueous solution is contaminated by the oil as a result of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a system for carrying out the method, which comprises a surface skimmer, a collection means which is preferably a separator, a conduit connecting the skimmer to the collection means in an airtight fashion, and means for creating negative pressure in the skimmer, where the skimmer is capable of manual control from a remote location; in further embodiments, the system further comprises an air filtering means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an installation for separating out an effluent made up of a multi-phase fluid mixture. According to the invention, said installation includes gravity separator means whose geometrical separation characteristics can be adjusted during said separation operation. According to the invention, the method makes it possible to adjust the geometrical separation characteristics of the separator as a function of how the multi-phase composition of the effluent varies over time.

Abstract: A process for extracting oil substances such as bitumen from materials such as tar sands and shales. The process may include placing the material and water in an enclosed conduit and applying heat to the water and material. The pressure inside the conduit may be increased such that temperatures above the boiling point of water may be achieved. The water and material may then be transported to a second portion of the conduit for cooling such that emissions of volatile substances into the atmosphere may be reduced. The oil substances in the material may be washed out of the material with the water and float to the top of the water where they may be separated from the water and removed from the process for further refinement. The water and remaining material may be withdrawn from the conduit for treatment or recycling.

Abstract: A method to process grease trap waste or refuse and remove organic matter, and reclaim fats, oils, and grease (FOG) found in it. The process is initiated after dewatering the grease trap material to increase its concentration; the resulting sludge is then mixed with a solvent. The dissolved fractions of fats, oils, and grease are separated using mechanical methods. The solids are washed to further remove any traces of fats, oils, and grease. The solids, substantially free from organic content, are dried to remove any water and/or organic matter remaining, rendering inert solids that can be safely disposed of according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. All fats, oils, and, grease fractions are separated, containing no inert materials, and no water. The solvent is recuperated (recycled), allowing it to be used over again. The recuperated grease fractions, highly pure and homogeneous, constitute an excellent raw material for further oleo-chemical processes and applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active barrier (1) and a method for its use. The active barrier (1) is used to contain and to collect polluting material floating over bodies of water, such as river, lakes, lagoons, bays or open oceans. More specifically, the active barrier is used in a situation in that pollution is caused by a liquid lighter than the water and immiscible with it, such as oil. The invention comprises a plurality of floating containment modules (3) which are interlinked to form the active barrier (1). When the latter is used in the open ocean it is required to use two supporting units (2), e.g. two vessels, to surround the mass of floating polluting material. Each containment module (3) is provided with collecting tubes (33), into which impeller modules (411) displace in a predetermined direction. The impeller modules (411) may be continuous or spaced apart.

Abstract: A floating pond skimmer is coupled by a fluid conduit to a remote filter/aerating apparatus. The skimmer sucks a mixture of solids and water, grinds/chops the solids, and pumps the reduced solids and water through the conduit to the filter/aerating apparatus which separates the solids from the mixture and aerates the water from the mixture. The floating skimmer preferably includes a vortex chamber, an on-board pump with a grinding impeller, an adjustable ballast, and an anchor. The filter/aerating apparatus includes an inclined screen and a drain tray beneath the inclined screen coupled to a water discharge conduit. Optionally, an aeration pump is coupled to the discharge conduit. Also optionally, a removable solid waste hopper is located at the lower end of the inclined screen. Otherwise the solid waste simply falls into a compost pile at the bottom of the inclined screen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a skimmer and filter unit for use with a body of water. The unit comprises a housing, a basket for collecting debris, and a partitioning baffle with upper openings and optionally lower openings, and a microorganism eradication system within the housing. The baffle's lower opening is preferably positioned below the rim of the perforated basket and its upper, screened or gated opening is positioned above the rim of the basket for allowing water to pass in the event of debris clogging the first opening, overflow conditions, larger flow demand, and/or filter demand.

Abstract: A skimmer used to remove both heavy and light oil from a body of water or for the removal of either light or heavy oil and a method of operation of the skimmer. The heavier oil is removed from a first location on a rotating member and the lighter oil is removed from a second location on the rotating member. The oil removed at both locations is collected at a single location and a pump removes the oil from the skimmer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a grease processing unit for wastewater treatment. An embodiment of a grease processing unit includes a tank to hold influent. The tank has a top, a bottom, and one or more sides, and the influent is a mixture of grease and water. There is a first inlet in a side of the tank to allow influent to be pumped into the tank, and a second inlet in a side of the tank to allow water into the tank. The tank has an outlet in a side of the tank, where the outlet allows effluent to be released out of the tank. The grease separation unit also includes a control unit, the control unit to control the operation of the grease processing unit.

Abstract: A protein skimmer for use in purification of water by culture of fish or other water organisms in a reservoir, aquarium or (2) with a circulation system comprising one or more discharge tubes (4) for water from the reservoir (2) to a pump (5) for circulation of the water, and a return tube (3) for water directly or indirectly from the pump (5) to the reservoir (2) The return tube (3) comprises at least one generally horizontal, straight portion (90) having one or more upwardly directed side branches (9) which has an opening (91) leading to air, in which the generally horizontal straight portion (90) is arranged for rapid passage of the water past. the side branch (9) and to have the water level at or above the intersection of the side branch (9) with the straight portion (90), and in which the side branch (9) is directed rearward relative to the direction of the water flow in the straight portion (90), and forms a first angle (v) with between 0° and about 90° with the straight portion (90).

Abstract: An oil/grease removal assembly includes a container having an inlet to receive effluent from a kitchen sink. A drain connection spaced above the container bottom defines a static water level for contained liquid and connects to a sewer. A baffle extends downwardly below the static water level so water can flow below the baffle to the drain, while retaining floating oil/grease. Means intermittently raise the liquid level in the container above the static water level. Floating oil/grease can flow out through a port when the liquid level in the container is raised above the static water level.

Abstract: A skimmer device and a method for skimming a liquid, foam, fat or other solid or liquid material or anything else that a user wants to remove or separate from a remaining liquid or solid that is left in a container.

Abstract: An oil collecting apparatus (1) and a method for collecting oil or the like comprises a frame (5) designed to form a restricted space with the surface of water or ice (VL), and a discharge opening (8) for discharging water and oil from side restricted space. For efficient recovery of oil, the apparatus comprises elements (7,10) for lowering the air pressure in the restricted space, such that the water level rises higher inside the frame (5) than outside it, and a disintegrator (10) arranged rotatably in the frame (5), the rotational movement of the disintegrator emulsifying the oil mixed with the water and breaking possible pieces of ice (13) in the restricted space, such that the water-oil mixture can be removed from the restricted space via the discharge opening (8).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing foreign matter from water at selected levels in an aquarium utilize a valving mechanism placed between a skimmer adjacent the upper surface of the water and a lower inlet adjacent the lower bottom of the aquarium, the valving mechanism being operated selectively to control the relative volume of the flow of water through the skimmer and through the lower inlet, and a corresponding continuous withdrawal of water, together with entrained foreign matter, passed through either one or both the skimmer and the lower inlet so as to remove foreign matter from selected levels in the aquarium.

Abstract: A skimmer device and a method for skimming a liquid, foam, fat or other solid or liquid material or anything else that a user wants to remove or separate from a remaining liquid or solid that is left in a container.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for taking up particles, in particular particles of oil, algae or dirt, from a water surface (2). A hull structure (1) is moved over the water surface (2). In this case, a flow (6) of water laden with particles is produced in the region of a bottom surface (7) of the hull structure (1). The flow (6) is broken away or interrupted along a vortexing edge (13) in the region of the bottom hull-structure surface (7), with the result that a vortex flow (14) is produced for at least some of the particle-laden water. The vortex flow (14) passes into a vortex flow space (15). With the aid of localizing means, the vortex flow (14) is localized in a separation section (23) of the vortex flow space (15), with the result that particles of the particle-laden water which are picked up by the vortex flow (14) can be separated from the separation section (23).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing an oil contaminant from the surface of an aqueous solution, comprising manually controlling a surface skimmer from a remote location to remove a layer or a batch of an oil contaminant from an oil-aqueous solution mixture by the skimmer, where the aqueous solution is contaminated by the oil as a result of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a system for carrying out the method, which comprises a surface skimmer, a collection means which is preferably a separator, a conduit connecting the skimmer to the collection means in an airtight fashion, and means for creating negative pressure in the skimmer, where the skimmer is capable of manual control from a remote location.

Abstract: A system and method for removing floating product from an aquifer. The system includes a groundwater-depressing mechanism configured to create a depression in a groundwater surface that encourages migration of floating product to the depression. The system also includes a floating-product extraction mechanism configured to separate floating product from the groundwater at the depression.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for collecting oil from water in open water and/or winter conditions, whereby a vessel's (1) hull (2) and an oil collecting equipment (4) are utilized as an oil collector. According to the invention, the oil collecting equipment (4) is attached to the vessel's (1) hull (2) and it is equipped with an auxiliary device (7), which comprises at least two auxiliary means (10a,b) which are interconnected so that they are movable with respect to each other. The auxiliary means (10a,b) can be utilized in various ways in different conditions.

Abstract: The inventions of the present disclosure are directed to processes designed to recover water used in certain aspects of the processing of poultry, treat the recovered water to remove solids, fats, oils and greases, animal proteins and pathogenic organisms and to reuse the treated water for poultry processing operations. The processes described herein reduce bacteria and microorganisms associated with the poultry and reuse water. The present disclosure can be employed with an approach that includes unexpected positive results of reacting ozone and chlorine with water being treated for reuse to generate hypochlorous acid and/or other effective biocides. Ozone reacts with fats, oils, and greases, dissolved in the reuse water, to produce specific surface-active agents and surfactants which reduce the surface tension of the water which it is dissolved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering or purifying water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recycling a wash solution used in powder coating which uses filters. The invention also relates to methods and apparatuses for recycling wash solutions used in spray washing, steam cleaning or car washes using filters.

Abstract: A skimmer and filter unit for use with a body of water. A tank portion of the unit defines an interior skimmer chamber, one or more ultraviolet light chambers, filter chamber, and pump chamber. Water is received through a pivoting weir door of a skimmer faceplate assembly affixed to the tank portion. Water is directed downward from the weir opening to a skimmer basket, then through unidirectional ports defined in a lower portion of a partitioning wall to one or more ultraviolet light chambers where it is subjected to ultraviolet light. After being subjected to ultraviolet light, the water is passed through a filter chamber then to a pump chamber where it is pumped away from the skimmer and filter unit. An interlocking lid is secured to the tank portion to seal the interior of the tank portion and protect the tank from deformation caused by the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A floating decanter and method for charging supernatant from a vesel without drawing floating solids or scum into the discharge. The decanter includes a weir (16) having a central opening, and a solid bottom side, a float (12) adjacent to an outer edge of the weir, a weir lift and drive (14) having at least two screw jacks (20) attached to the float and a attachment arm (26) extending to the weir, and an discharge pipe (32) attached to the bottom of the weir. The weir is lowered with respect to the float to discharge supernatant.

Abstract: A vacuum separation, transport and collection system for immiscible liquids includes a separator (12) for separating two immiscible liquids such as oil and a water-based coolant, and for directing the separated immiscible liquid into a holder (16). A collector (18) is secured through a vacuum line (20) with the holder (16) and a vacuum generator (22) applies a vacuum to the collector (18) and holder (16). A controller (28) controls the vacuum generator (22) to apply a vacuum to the collector (18) and the holder (16) for a predetermined vacuum duty cycle for periodically removing separated immiscible liquid (26) from the holder (16) into the collector (18). Contaminants in the immiscible liquid cannot degrade performance of the system because such contaminants do not contact the vacuum generator (22) or controller (28).

Abstract: Methods of treatment of fluids produced by an oil or gas well following a stimulation operation, allowing separation from the fluids and re-injection of oil and gas hydrocarbons in a production pipeline under pressure, and allowing achievement of suitable quality for the residual fluids compatible with their rejection, for example into the sea, including the following three elements; neutralization of the fluids by mixing with a high pH chemical, until the resulting pH reaches a level compatible with the equipment and pipes; use of optimized emulsion breakers in a phase separator, selected for best results with the fluids produced by the well, to accelerate the separation of oil from the fluids, and to lower the residual oil content in the fluids to levels compatible with environmental regulations; and use of a multi-phase pump to pump the oil and gas hydrocarbons produced and reinject them in a pipeline under pressure.

Abstract: This invention is directed to processes designed to recover water used in certain aspects of the processing of poultry, treat the recovered water to remove solids, fats, oils and greases, animal proteins and pathogenic organisms and to reuse the treated water for poultry processing operations. Although the reuse points will vary from plant to plant depending upon specific water consumption volumes, type of processing operations conducted by the facility and regulatory requirements and approvals, there are a number of reuse points which are preferred based upon treated water quality requirements, material balances relating to the capacity to recover process streams and the consumption volumes at the identified reuse points, and source waters that have been shown to have the least total contaminant loading.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for eliminating dross in a solder pot of a soldering machine by converting the dross into usable solder. The conversion apparatus is comprised of an impeller, a shroud, an electric motor for driving the impeller, a vacuum source operatively connected to the shroud, an arrangement of guides immersed in the solder pot for recirculating liquid solder and a chemical de-oxidizing agent. The impeller and shroud are adjacent to a free surface of the dross which forms at the top portion of the liquid solder. The method includes the steps of adding a measured amount of de-oxidizing agent to the solder pot, agitating and recirculating the liquid solder/de-oxidizer mixture with the impeller to break-up the dross into smaller particles and separate the solder from the dross, and removing a residue of the dross by suction as the recirculating mixture passes beneath the shroud.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recycling a wash solution used in powder coating which uses filters. The invention also relates to methods and apparatuses for recycling wash solutions used in spray washing, steam cleaning or car washes using filters.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for separating a surface layer of a liquid by a container submerged in the liquid. The container includes a bottom, a wall member, connected to the bottom and having a variable length, and a separating member, which is connected to the wall member and communicates with a space in the container via an opening. An overflow portion of the separating member is located below a free liquid surface of the surface layer and permits the flowing of liquid. A discharge conduit extends from the space for liquid discharge. A floating member, connected to the separating member, floats on the liquid outside the container and exerts a lifting force upon the separating member in a direction prolonging the wall member. A submerging member is connected to the separating member and located below the over flow portion.

Abstract: A skimmer for removing oil and paramagnetic chips from a contaminated body of machine tool coolant. The skimmer includes a frame and an endless tube partially trained within the frame that defines a travel path. The path of the tube includes a first section within the body of coolant and a second section out of the body of coolant. The skimmer further includes a magnet disposed within the tube, a drive system mounted to the frame and operatively coupled to the tube to power travel of the tube, and a wiper connected to the frame at a position along the travel path. The wiper is advantageously positioned adjacent to the tube such that the wiper removes oil and metal chips carried by the tube. A receptacle is includes that delineates a collection space positioned below the wiper to receive oil and metal chips.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.

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: The present invention provides a method for removing an oil contaminant from a surface of an aqueous solution, comprising manually controlling a surface skimmer from a remote location to remove a layer or a batch of an oil contaminant from an oil-aqueous solution mixture by the skimmer, where the aqueous solution is contaminated by the oil as a result of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a system for carrying out the method, which comprises a surface skimmer, a collection means which is preferably a separator, a conduit connecting the skimmer to the collection means in an airtight fashion, and means for creating negative pressure in the skimmer, where the skimmer is capable of manual control from a remote location; in further embodiments, the system further comprises an air filtering means.