Abstract: A skimming system for removing a floating layer from a water surface. The skimming system includes at least one guide element that is movable relative to the floating layer, which guide element includes at least one unit that catches the floating layer. The at least one removal unit includes at least one collecting container that is detachably attached to the guide element. The collecting container is furthermore vertically adjustable, so that it is not only easy to detach and exchange the collecting container but that it is moreover possible to position the floating layer removal means at a desired depth in or below the floating layer. In this way an optimum removal of the floating layer can be realized. The inlet of the collecting container is present at a location where the extent to which water is mixed with the floating layer is minimal.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

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: A method for removing hydrocarbons from a body of water using an agitating, sucking, microbe and expelling boom is described herein. The method can include attaching the boom to a vessel and disposing the boom in the water. The method can include flowing air into a tubular of the boom to agitate material on the bed. A vacuum pressure can be provided to another tubular of the boom to flow the material to a separator. The separator can separate the hydrocarbons from the material. The method can include flowing microbes and air proximate the bed to remove hydrocarbons and to provide oxygen. The method can include attaching hoses to each tubular and to a distribution manifold, forming an ASME conduit. The ASME conduit can be sunk to the bed while the boom floats at a surface of the body of water.

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 floating oil skimmer and gravitational separator system, consisting of a vessel adapted to be submerged in a body of water. Oil/water are drawn through the floating skimmer head by a water pump, pumping water through the skimmer head as water is pumped out of the vessel from the bottom of the vessel. The improved skimmer head design improves control of the skimmer head buoyancy and stability, thereby more consistently bringing oil/water into the vessel. An improved means of coalescence and collection of oil into the top of the inside of the vessel is also disclosed, where the oil once collected is then pumped out of the vessel for storage and the water is returned to the water body. Methods of manufacturing the system are also disclosed.

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: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: A passive hydrocarbon containment system for containing hydrocarbons in a fluid comprises a subsea separator dome, an oil pathway in fluid communication with a hydrocarbon collector disposed within the collection dome, and a gas outlet pipe having a discharge height dimensioned and adapted in relation to the height of the oil pathway sufficient to keep a portion of the oil pathway submerged into a fluid such as seawater present in the collection dome interior void. The hydrocarbon containment system can be moored subsea and used to collect oil and gas coming out of the ocean floor. One advantage of the hydrocarbon containment system is that there are no moving parts. A further advantage is that the hydrocarbon containment system requires limited maintenance to pump out the collected oil as needed.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: An apparatus separates a first fluid from a mixture of fluids. The apparatus includes a housing that can have one or more entry openings and one or more exit openings. An endless flexible strip of a material having an affinity for the first fluid is arranged to be advanced through the housing. An advancing assembly advances the endless flexible strip through an entry opening in the housing and through an exit opening in the housing, thereby advancing successive portions of the endless flexible strip sequentially from a position out of contact with the first fluid to a position of contact with the first fluid and again to a position out of contact with the first fluid. More than one pathway can be located within the housing along which the endless flexible strip can be selectively advanced. A means for removing from the endless flexible strip quantities of the first fluid that adhere to the endless flexible strip can be provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: A containment boom guide system for guiding and containing a floating containment boom to a fixed structure such as a pier, ship, column, dock, sea wall, or other like structure. The guide system is made up of one or more boom guide(s) and allows lateral and vertical movement of the floating containment boom while keeping the boom secure to the fixed structure.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

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: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: A floating oil skimmer and gravitational separator system, consisting of a vessel adapted to be submerged in a body of water. Oil/water are drawn through the floating skimmer head by a water pump, pumping water through the skimmer head as water is pumped out of the vessel from the bottom of the vessel. The improved skimmer head design improves control of the skimmer head buoyancy and stability, thereby more consistently bringing oil/water into the vessel. An improved means of coalescence and collection of oil into the top of the inside of the vessel is also disclosed, where the oil once collected is then pumped out of the vessel for storage and the water is returned to the water body. Methods of manufacturing the system are also disclosed.

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 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: A mobile water-contaminant separation system having a plurality of separate water separation units connected to one another, a conveyor component which captures contaminated water at a first end, conveys the contaminated water to a second end, and deposits the contaminated water in a first of the plurality of water separation units for processing. A pump between succeeding water separation units facilitates the transfer from a prior water separation unit to a succeeding water separation unit for further processing until the contaminated water is completely de-contaminated.

Abstract: A contaminant recovery apparatus may have a sprayer attached to a front portion of the apparatus and operative to delivery droplets of molten wax to oil spilled in water or on ground. The apparatus may further comprise a take up system which picks up wax after it has solidified and absorbed the oil. The take up system may be attached to the rearward portion of the apparatus. The apparatus may also have a separation system which separates the wax and the oil. The reclaimed wax can be reused to pick up more spilled oil. The reclaimed oil may be refined for fuel.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”—related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: An oil extracting apparatus includes a rigid oil adhering ring having a horizontally disposed ring axis and an oil adhering surface surrounding the ring axis, a driving device coupled to the oil adhering ring for driving rotation of the oil adhering ring about the ring axis, an oil scraping unit, and an oil collecting unit. At least a portion of the oil adhering ring below the ring axis is adapted to be immersed in a water body. Rotation of the oil adhering ring results in separation of the oil from the water body and in adhering of the oil on the oil adhering ring to form an oil film on the oil adhering surface of the oil adhering ring. The oil scraping unit scrapes the oil film from the oil adhering surface of the oil adhering ring. The oil collecting unit collects the oil scraped by the oil scraping unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for continually skimming off a top layer of a body of liquid, comprising: a self adjusting container for collecting a top layer, the container being adapted to seek an effective balanced position dependent on the liquid level for collecting the top layer, and a discharge conduit for discharging the top layer collected by the container, wherein the container is tiltably coupled to a discharge conduit. A feeding inlet is provided through which the top layer is collected. A bearing made of friction reducing material is provided between the container wall and discharge conduit, with a clearance to minimize frictional contact and to allow leakage flow from the body of liquid into the container.

Abstract: A vessel travels over a surface of a body of water or a waterway to collect waste on and/or close to the surface. A retainer that traps and retains the waste is activated by creating a water flow channel that is connected to a water inlet and a water outlet on the vessel. The retainer is on at least one trajectory of said channel. Waste is collected without using a specific pumping or gathering device.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a first fluid from a mixture of fluids in a container, the first fluid being substantially immiscible with respect to one or more other fluids in the mixture comprises an endless strip of material having an affinity for the first fluid, a pair of advancing members for advancing successive portions of the strip into and out of contact with the first fluid and a means for maintaining the successive portions of the strip in contact with the first fluid as the successive portions of the strip are sequentially advanced. The pair of advancing members have cooperating surfaces that positively engage the strip with sufficient force so that movement of the advancing members relative to one another sequentially advances successive portions of the strip. A guiding element directs the strip away from engagement with the cooperating surface of one of the advancing members at the location where the strip is released from positive engagement with the advancing members.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for increasing the recovery efficiency of spilled oil or any other viscous fluid. The surface of a rotatable oleophilic fluid recovery unit in an adhesion (oelophilic) skimmer or other recovery apparatus is patterned with a plurality of grooves configured for formation of menisci and pooling of fluid in the grooves when the surface contacts a viscous fluid. When the surface of the fluid recovery unit rotates out of (e.g., is withdrawn from) the body of viscous fluid, an amount of the viscous fluid adheres to the patterned surface. A scraper is provided having a surface geometry that matches the surface geometry of the fluid recovery unit and allows the viscous fluid to be scraped off the surface of the fluid recovery unit and transferred to a collector. Accordingly, both fluid separation and fluid recovery are made possible.

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: 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 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 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 device for cleaning up oil spills attachable to a ship for cleaning up crude, has a pair of arms coupleable to a side of a hull of the ship at a water line level, each of the arms having a casing with a substantial semi-circular configuration, and an open top, and a front edge extending into a baffle positioned downwards and forwards to facilitate access to floating crude into the casing, a containment partition projecting upwardly forwardly with a sufficient height to prevent the crude from rising above each of the arms, a screw housed in the casing and with its movement causing the crude to move, a collection tank arranged on an end of each of the arms and into which the crude is caused to move by the screw, the collection tank being connectable to the hull of the ship from where the crude is aspirated toward an inside of the ship.

Abstract: A fluid filter, which is adapted for separating a less dense fluid floating on a high dense fluid, includes at least a fluid filtering arrangement including a floating wing adapted for floating on the less dense fluid and at least a fluid outlet formed on the floating wing, and a container body, which is extended from the floating wing, having a fluid collecting cavity communicating with the fluid outlet, wherein the fluid outlet is formed at a position above the fluid collecting cavity. Therefore, when a downward force is applied on the floating wing until the fluid outlet is slightly positioned below a surface level of the less dense fluid, the less dense fluid is allowed to flow into the fluid collecting cavity through the fluid outlet by gravity.

Abstract: A recovery apparatus comprising a running member which runs between a first position where the member is immersed in the liquid stored in a reserve tank and a second position where the member projects upwards from a surface level of the liquid, and a bucket which is secured to the running member and which scoops the floating matter floating at the surface level of the liquid, while moving from the first position to the second position. The bucket comprises a bucket body which has an opening for allowing the liquid containing the floating matter to flow in, and which gradually narrows downwards from the opening, partition plates which extend downwards from the opening and face each other and which block the floating matter flowing from the opening, and discharge ports which are made in the bucket body and open at a position lower than the opening.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a first fluid from a mixture of fluids in a container, the first fluid being substantially immiscible with respect to one or more other fluids in the mixture comprises an endless strip of material having an affinity for the first fluid, a pair of members for advancing successive portions of the strip into and out of contact with the first fluid and a means for maintaining the successive portions of the strip in contact with the first fluid as the successive portions of the strip are sequentially advanced. The pair of members have cooperating surfaces that positively engage the strip with sufficient force so that movement of the members relative to one another sequentially advances successive portions of the strip. The apparatus can comprise a tube skimmer that is employed to separate tramp oil from a coolant in a machining operation.

Abstract: An oil skimmer for removing oil floating on surfaces of bodies of water. The oil skimmer includes a support frame, respective drive pulley and guide pulleys rotatably mounted to the support frame on respective shafts, and a drive train which rotatively drives the drive pulley and guide pulleys. A skimmer hose in the form of a loop to which oil adhere floats on the body of water and is driven by the drive pulley through the guide pulley onto and off the surface of the body of water carrying adhered oil. A skimmer hose scraper disposed between the drive and guide pulleys removes the oil from the skimmer hose into a collection receptacle. The drive and guide pulleys comprise replaceable, quick changing inner and outer pulley halves that sandwich respective central hubs therebetween to space the pulley halves to fit skimmer hoses of different cross-sectional sizes. The central hubs with attached drive and guide pulley halves are affixed to the drive shafts using a quick release nut which threads to the shafts.

Abstract: A device for recovering oil from an oil-slick on a stretch of water is supported on the water by at least one first floating body and is provided with an inlet that is open facing the oil-slick and that flows into a channel with side walls. The channel is provided with at least one separating body that extends between the side walls in such a manner that an upper drain zone is formed above the separating body and a separate lower drain zone is formed below the separating body. The front edge of the separating body facing the oil-slick is substantially disposed on the level of the water/oil interface and the oil can be discharged from the upper drain zone. The device makes use of the natural interface between the oil-slick and the subjacent water.

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: An apparatus or system for containing oil and the like floating on the surface of a body of water, comprising a relatively elongate channel defined by two side-defining faces that diverge from one another from a narrow inner end to a wider opening, the channel being movable such as by towing with the aid of one or more vessels, which apparatus is made of non-rigid materials. The apparatus comprises a tapered channel portion between the two side-defining faces, a wedge-shaped structure and a collecting means or separator, wherein the tapered channel portion, the wedge-shaped structure and the separator are arranged one after the other as interconnected or integrated units, thereby forming a continuous “hull” having freeboard, and longitudinal towing devices are provided that are fastened to said units, the said towing devices and thus the towing forces intersecting in an area at the rear end of said wedge-shaped structure seen in the towing direction.

Abstract: A buoyant boom having: an elongate band extending across a water surface; floats rotatably mounted to the band with rotary bearings between each float and the band; and anchors securing the band at its ends or middle portion to a support, such as a river bed or a river bank structure for example.