Abstract: A subsea contaminate remediation apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a conduit. The conduit includes a first end adapted to receive a first liquid stream having at least one contaminate; a second end adapted to release a second liquid stream; a grating associated with the second end of the housing; and at least one chemical injection port. The chemical injection port is adapted to introduce a chemical to the first liquid stream to form the second liquid stream.

Abstract: Unprocessed, processed or refined hydrocarbon liquids as well as processed vegetable derived oil contaminants may be sequestered from a contaminated surface by applying onto the surface a blend comprising crumb rubber and hydrated magnesium silicate. The contaminated surface may be a solid surface (such as one composed of concrete, cement or asphalt) as well as an aqueous surface.

Abstract: Two embodiments (FIGS. 1 through 6) of a system design and methods of the apparatus utilizing the properties of Bermuda Straw, rectangular bales, encased in biodegradable burlap fabric to render an environmentally friendly oil containment vehicle/product to block, deter, arrest, capture, filter, absorb and detoxify contaminants, such as oil from drilling spills, and/or leaks from pipe lines and other sources to prevent intrusion into and on the shorelines of coastal areas oceans, lakes, rivers, waterways and beaches. The second preferred embodiment (FIGS. 6A through 11B) incorporates the inclusion of filter rack frames to the basic design and methods of the first preferred embodiment that enhances the process of oil containment and prevention of intrusion with oil blanket filters. A third preferred embodiment: (FIGS. 7A through 11A) incorporates the use of (1?) Cork Board and (FIGS.

Abstract: A containment machine for containing a contaminant in a body of water includes a set of buoy assemblies arrangeable in the body of water to form the end of a containment barrier for continuing the flow of contaminant in the body of water, cables being extendable from the respective buoy assemblies for holding barrier structure such as a set of truss/curtain assemblies which are connectable to form the containment barrier, a buoy sectional computer control unit in each of said buoy assemblies for receiving signals relating to the location of the respective barrier structure, the tension in the cables and the like, and for transmitting signals to a containment machine central computer control unit. The buoy sectional computer control unit also receives signals from a containment machine central computer control unit to establish set points for adjustment signals sent to the items under its control.

Abstract: Oil remediation compositions and methods for preparing such compositions are disclosed. The oil remediation compositions comprise particles of a first wax ester, such as a synthetic beeswax, and an anti-caking agent. The anti-caking agent may be a natural cellulosic material, such as particulate hay. In methods for preparing these compositions, the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of the composition may be adjusted by adding a second wax ester or fatty acid ester with a different HLB to reach a desired HLB for the composition that is based on defined environmental conditions, such as the temperature and salinity of the water in which oil has been spilled, the nature of the oil spilled, and the degree of evaporation of organic compounds.

Abstract: In one embodiment, dispersants are injected directly into a plume of oil in a subsea environment. The dispersant is supplied from a vessel, through a tubular string and flows through a routing manifold into a flexible hose. The hose then transports the dispersant to a distribution manifold, which is disposed on the sea floor, and permits injection of dispersants at multiple locations at the same time around the leaking oil. Injection of dispersants from the distribution manifold may be through injection wands, or the dispersant may be transferred to a containment or collection device located above the plume of oil, wherein nozzles are disposed around the circumference of such containment or collection device. If the dispersants are injected into the leaking oil through injection wands, such wands may be held and/or manipulated by an ROV.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing the harm done by pollution to marshlands and beaches due to hydrocarbon discharges in nearby waters is disclosed. A barrier boom apparatus is assembled by connecting together multiple individual modules, each consisting of at least one bale of Bermuda straw that is wrapped in burlap material with one end open and with excess burlap material extending away from the straw bale. The closed end of a second module is inserted into the open end of the first module's burlap bag and the modules are then held together by straps. The subsequent extended boom can be assembled without gaps between the straw bales while shaping it to conform to the contours of the land areas to be protected, and then secured on location by attachment to fence posts. The Bermuda straw bales contain oil eating microbes to detoxify the hydrocarbon pollutants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coated, absorbent, freestanding assemblies comprising inorganic nanowires, articles of manufacture comprising the same, processes of producing the same and methods of use thereof. The assemblies of this invention are useful in various applications, including removal of organics or hydrophobic materials, and waterproofing applications.

Abstract: A method for separating an oil-substance mixture includes communicating the oil-substance mixture into a first separator tank to separate the oil from the substance, and communicating a remaining portion of the oil-substance mixture into a second separator tank to separate the oil from the substance of the remaining portion.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using recycled rubber including recycled rubber from tires to absorb hydrocarbons. The method is particularly applicable to absorbing waste or contaminating hydrocarbons from solid surfaces or particles where hydrocarbons may have been spilt or otherwise have contaminated the surfaces. The methods may also be used for removing spilt hydrocarbons from a liquid such as crude oil spills at sea.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel bioreactor systems, adapted to provide continuous batch incubation of microbes, especially bacteria. The bioreactor bags are preloaded with dry, inert microbes prior to being shipped to the user. Multiple sterile, preloaded, disposable bioreactor bags are used in a self-contained housing. The bags are automatically incubated in the housing and dispensed, preferably into an irrigation system. The system will provide serial batch production of useful microbes for a week or more, without further supervision or intervention. Methods of manufacture, methods of use, methods of sales, and methods of farming are also provided.

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 composition and method for a non-emulsion crude oil simulant containing biodegradable oil, and a terpene is disclosed and described. Biodegradable oils such as canola oil, cottonseed oil, and soybean oil can be particularly beneficial for use in connection with these oil simulants. Terpenes such as d-limonene can be included to provide oil simulant compositions which exhibit good oil simulant properties. Additives such as photochromic dyes, food dyes, food-grade antioxidants, microorganisms, and nutrients can also be used. These non-emulsion based oil simulants can be readily tailored and adjusted to approximate relevant properties of a specific target fluid for use in assessing oil spill response, containment, clean-up of equipment, percolation, and/or spill behavior.

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: This invention relates to improvements in products and processes for cleaning up oil, chemical, or other hydrocarbon spills, and cleaning up the environment where such spills have occurred. In one aspect of the invention, there is provided an adsorbent polymeric composition which is oleophilic and capable of adsorption of other chemicals and hydrocarbons from both land and water, the adsorbent composition including polyethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, catalyst, cross-linking agent, lubricant, blowing agent and a bulking agent. In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacture of an adsorbent composition for use in retrieving and recycling oil, chemicals and hydrocarbons from land or water environments.

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: 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: Methods and compositions provide site-specific bioremediation for petroleum contamination of soil and groundwater.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for removing oil and oil containment for oil spills using crushed glass.

Abstract: Process for burning off oil spills, especially on lakes, seas and marginal seas or in the soil, wherein, prior to ignition, the oil slick is sprayed with an incendiary material containing a readily combustible mixture of saturated and/or unsaturated hydrocarbons, preferably containing a readily combustible mixture of saturated hydrocarbons, and the oil slick soaked with this mixture is then ignited, and incendiary composition and priming compound for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A method of remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons on water which includes contacting the petroleum hydrocarbons with a source of natural beeswax which over a predetermined time period results in the remediation of the hydrocarbons through the action of indigenous microorganisms contained in the water. A floating porous device which contains the beeswax may be employed, with the beeswax being in the form of hollow shells.

Abstract: A recovery device (10) for containing a material (16) floating on the surface of a liquid (12) comprises a shroud (26) having an open top and an open bottom, the top being of smaller diameter than the bottom, thus forming a truncated cone-like shape. The open top has an open area which is smaller than the area of the open bottom. The device (10) is positioned with the open bottom above the surface of the liquid (12) and encircling at least a portion of the floating material (16). It is then allowed to sink to its collection position, in which the open bottom is submerged below, and the open top is at or above, the surface of the liquid (12). As a result, the floating material (16) is encircled by the open bottom and is forced into the smaller area of the open top as the device (10) sinks into the water. The recovery device (10) may include a collar (24) attached to the open top, a skirt (28) attached to the open bottom and ballast weights (38) to aid in sinking the device (10).

Abstract: A system for collecting oil on water comprises an oil boom (1) and a floating collection container (2), which is connected to an opening (4) in the boom by a pumping hose (3). The pumping hose (3) is flexible so that it can follow the wave motions of the water and is provided with non-return valves, making the flow (18) in the pumping hose unidirectional. The distance between the opening (4) in the boom and the collection container (2) is adjustable by tension members (8) in order for the excess length or slack in the pumping hose (3) to be adjusted to the prevailing wave height or length conditions.

Abstract: A portable pollution control apparatus designed to span a creek or other small waterway. The apparatus includes an adjustable length boom which extends across the creek; an elongated, hydrocarbon-absorbent sock which is suspended from the boom and extends within the creek downstream from the boom; and a sheet of water-porous fabric connectable to the boom and extending upstream therefrom to function as a sediment trap. The fabric sheet in preferably deployed on the creekbed and banks to form a settling pond immediately upstream from said boom to permit settling of sediment.

Abstract: A method for removal of free-floating oil from an aqueous environment by bio-dispersion and bio-utilization comprising the steps of: (i) isolating species/strains of bacteria having an ability to utilize hydrocarbons as the only source of carbon; (ii) admixing the bacteria with a fatty substance and hydrocarbon oil to form an oleophilic suspension comprising a physiologically active bacterial culture of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria, the fatty substance comprising an oleophilic nutrient as a source of nitrogen and phosphorus for the bacteria, and (iii) applying the oleophilic suspension of the bacteria to a free floating oil in an aqueous environment to disperse and remove free-floating oil therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a substance has a fluid source providing pressurized fluid, a heating device, a heat transferring device and a vacuum producing device. The heating device is coupled to the fluid source and is adapted to cause a first pressurized fluid from the fluid source to become heated. The heat transferring device is coupled to the heating device for receiving the heated first pressurized fluid, and is adapted for transferring heat from the first pressurized fluid to a heatable substance. The vacuum producing device has first and second inlet openings, the first inlet opening is fluidly coupled to the fluid source for receiving a second pressurized fluid from the fluid source and the second inlet opening is adapted for receiving the heatable substance. The variation of the apparatus can recycle heated fluid back into the apparatus once used to heat the heatable substance.

Abstract: A method for on line recovery of oil from an oil in water emulsion spilled in water includes the steps of: obtaining a stream of recovered material including an oil in water emulsion and water; injecting a gas into the stream and applying shear so as to provide an injected mixture wherein oil from the oil in water emulsion is adhered to bubbles of the gas; passing the injected mixture to a flotation compartment for allowing the oil adhered to the bubbles to rise to a surface of the injected mixture; and removing the oil from the surface of the injected mixture.

Abstract: A method for on line recovery of oil from an oil in water emulsion spilled in water includes the steps of: obtaining a stream of recovered material including an oil in water emulsion and water; inducing a gas into the stream and applying shear so as to provide a mixture wherein oil from the oil in water emulsion is adhered to bubbles of the gas; passing the mixture to a flotation compartment for allowing the oil adhered to the bubbles to rise to a surface of the mixture; and removing the oil from the surface of the mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a substance has a fluid source providing pressurized fluid, a heating device, a heat transferring device and a vacuum producing device. The heating device is coupled to the fluid source and is adapted to cause a first pressurized fluid from the fluid source to become heated. The heat transferring device is coupled to the heating device for receiving the heated first pressurized fluid, and is adapted for transferring heat from the first pressurized fluid to a heatable substance. The vacuum producing device has first and second inlet openings, the first inlet opening is fluidly coupled to the fluid source for receiving a second pressurized fluid from the fluid source and the second inlet opening is adapted for receiving the heatable substance.

Abstract: Contamination by organic materials is treated by applying an aqueous composition comprising organisms which are useful in degradation of the contaminant, a nutrient for the organisms and a polymer which is soluble in or dispersible in the water and which increases the viscosity of the composition. The composition is useful in the treatment of contaminated liquids and solids and in the protection of solid surfaces against contamination.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved high sorbency nonwoven fabric and its use particularly as an oilsorb material. The high sorbency nonwoven is preferably made by multi-bank meltblowing and different perturbing thermoplastic fibers of, for example, propylene polymers in separate banks to provide a fiber density gradient through the thickness of the fabric. The sorbent nonwovens have high bulk and strength, oil capacity and oil absorption rates making them particularly suited to such applications. Treatments and additives for such materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for separating a hydrophobic liquid from a substantially polar medium through the application of expanded graphite particles. Upon contacting the hydrophobic liquid floating agglomerates of expanded graphite and hydrophobic liquid are formed which may easily be removed from the polar liquid by mechanical means. Following the removal of the agglomerates from the polar medium, the hydrophobic liquid may be separated with little effort and recycled. Further, the adsorptive properties of the expanded graphite can be regenerated allowing the material to be used repeatedly. The present invention is particularly useful for removing liquid hydrocarbons from contaminated bodies of water.

Abstract: A shore seal boom having a buoyancy chamber and a ballast chamber is employed to contain hazardous material within a confined area. An end connector bar is employed to connect the ends of the buoyancy chamber and the ballast chamber, wherein the ballast chamber includes a tapered bottom surface so that the end connector bar is maintained in a substantially perpendicular relationship with the shore or other support surface upon which the shore seal boom is maintained. The perpendicular relationship of the end connector bar facilitates the attachment to other short seal booms and maintains a sealed connection between the boom and the ground surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions containing bacteria capable of degrading hydrocarbons, such as petroleum or petroleum products and methods for their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing contaminating hydrocarbons from regions which are subjected to extreme temperatures. The temperatures are generally outside the range of optimum growth of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms. The method can involve the steps of contacting the region with hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms, and adjusting the temperature of the region contacted with the microorganisms to optimize their growth.

Abstract: A particulate material, as well as a method of manufacturing and using the material, for promoting growth of petroleum degrading bacteria to aid in bioremediation of oil spills on water and in wetlands which consists of a core of microbial available nutrients having a coating, comprised of oleic acid and either stearic acid, palmitic acid, or a mixture thereof, which is lipophilic, and biodegradable, for retaining the nutrient in the oil for gradual release to microorganisms between applications of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting floatable liquids such as oil and gasoline, in particular in the case of oil-contaminated or gasoline-contaminated water surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved high sorbency nonwoven fabric and its use particularly as an oilsorb material. The high sorbency nonwoven is preferably made by meltblowing and perturbing thermoplastic fibers of, for example, propylene polymers. The sorbent nonwovens have high bulk and strength, oil capacity and oil absorption rates making them particularly suited to such applications. Treatments and additives for such materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided an abrasion resistant, oil absorbing fabric comprising at least one layer of fine microfibers having an average diameter of at least 10 samples of between about 1 and 7 microns bonded with at least one layer of coarse microfibers having an average diameter of at least 10 samples of between about 8 and 23 microns wherein said fabric has a basis weight between about 190 and 407 gsm and has not been secondarily bonded, except, if desired, the fabric may be pin bonded. Such a fabric has been found to be well suited to use as an oil absorbent floor mat. It has further been found that such a fabric has sufficient integrity to withstand wringing out in order to reclaim absorbed fluids.

Abstract: Oil and water continuously collected during an oil spill skimming operation s initially heated for flow through a separator wherein water is separated and discharged into the sea to reduce the water content of a heated oil and water solution fed to a combustion chamber under pressure for continuous in-situ burning interrelated by feedback control with the heating step to provide combustion products, including combustion gas that is cooled and cleansed by scrubbing before discharge to atmosphere, and a slurry of cooled non-gaseous combustion products that are evaporatively dried to form a reduced quantity of carbonaceous solid waste.

Abstract: A device to capture, contain and collect hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline and diesel before they can be spilled or leaked from the ventilation valve or fuel intake port of the fuel tank of a vessel and on to the surface of the water during fueling operations at marine fueling facilities. The device is formed as a low-profile box with a floor section and upright wall sections having stratified layers of a textile material and a solidifying polymer enclosed within a outer envelope of textile material. A seamed area at the center of the device with slits in the textile material allows the device to circumscribe the annular conduit of a device passing through the seamed area.

Abstract: A multi-layered, slip-resistant, absorbent, and disposable mat is provided for absorbing oil and other liquids while retaining a slip-resistant surface upon which to walk after the oil and other liquids have been absorbed. A first layer of the mat is a fluid impermeable sheet with a slip-resistant surface, such as biodegradable plastic, foil, or rubber material, with the slip-resistant surface facing down toward a floor surface. A second layer is a glue material applied onto the face up surface of the fluid impermeable sheet. A third layer is an absorbent material applied to the glue material. The absorbent material may be cotton fiber, polymer material, polyethylene sponge, cellulose fiber, or other suitable material or a combination thereof, and preferably shaped into spherical or cylindrical beads. A fourth layer is a non-absorbent, fluid-permeable and slip-resistant material placed over the absorbent material. The fourth layer may be a screen or mesh, preferably comprised of nylon or nylon-covered metal.

Abstract: A process for biodegradation of crude oil wastes and for recovery of contaminated land including the steps of extracting sludges containing the wastes, collecting the sludges into a container, mixing an alkaline salt with the sludges so as to react the salt with the sludges under a generally constant degree of humidity, adding black earth to the mixed alkaline sludges so as to neutralize the alkaline sludges and to degrade the oil wastes through chemical reactions, adding a material to the neutralized sludges so as to enrich the sludges, and forming a humus of the neutralized sludges by the organic degradation of the neutralized sludges through fermentation or putrefaction. The material added to the neutralized sludges so as to enrich the sludges can be selected from the group including sawdust, rice husks, sugar cane bagasse, and animal excrement.

Abstract: Method of decontamination of a hydrocarbon-polluted environment by the use of bacterial compositions. The method is a process of biological decomposition of the hydrocarbons using, as decontaminating active ingredients, bacterial compositions composed of one or more strains from among the following microorganisms: Azotobacter vinelandii 21, Pseudomonas sp.9, Pseudomonas sp.19, Pseudomonas sp.31 and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus 23. In the method, prior analysis of the chemical composition of the pollutants is essential in order to select, in accordance with this composition, the mixture of strains of the most active microorganisms from among the five mentioned above, taking into account the natural conditions of the polluted environment. The bacterial composition also contains inorganic salts supplying N and P, and additives needed for bacterial growth.

Abstract: A pillow for placement in enclosed areas utilized to collect and contain spilled or leaked hydrocarbons such as boat bilges and sumps absorbs pollutants that come in contact. The absorbed material is solidified within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. The consolidated mass will float indefinitely and is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. The pillow will not leech solidified hydrocarbons when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.

Abstract: A particulate material, as well as a method of manufacturing and using the material, for promoting growth of petroleum degrading bacteria to aid in bioremediation of oil spills on water and in wetlands which consists of a core of microbial available nutrients having a coating, comprised of oleic acid and either stearic acid, palmitic acid, or a mixture thereof, which is lipophilic, and biodegradable, for retaining the nutrient in the oil for gradual release to microorganisms between applications of the material.

Abstract: Methods are described for treating sludge, e.g. biological and/or chemical sludge, with processed cellulose material combined with another material, e.g. a surface active agent, a detergent, a surfactant, a polymer and/or an organic polymer.Cellulose flakes and methods for making them are disclosed; in one aspect the flakes are useful as animal litter or bedding; in one aspect such used flakes are re-pelletized for use as litter, food or fertilizer. Methods for absorbing, removing, and for cleaning up a first liquid floating on or in a second liquid are disclosed, the method employing absorbent pellets which, in preferred embodiments, have a particular size, density, and configuration. A pellet and a method for making the pellet are disclosed for cleaning up a first liquid floating on or in a second liquid; and a method for making pellets for absorbing a combustible material to produce fuel pellets. A method for producing fuel pellets is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for removing oil from oil/water or oil/sand or oil/water/sand mixtures. An oil/water mixture is taken from an oil spill on the surface of the water or from other sources such as producing oil wells and is transported to a surge tank where it is agitated and then passed on to a separator which separates the oil from the water. The system also covers separating oil from sand or earth when the spill is on land.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for enhancing the biodegradation of biodegradable organic wastes comprising a combination of organic-waste consuming microorganisms and liposomes wherein the liposomes supply essential nutrients for bacterial growth while concomitantly increasing the polarity and wettability of the waste, thereby increasing their availability for enhanced bacterial interaction therewith and methods for the use thereof.