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: Boom or barrier systems adapted to prevent unwanted material located in a fluid body from passing from one side of the barrier to the other side of the barrier are disclosed. Methods of operating the boom system are also disclosed. The boom system may float in a body of fluid, such as a river, to protect one portion of the fluid body from unwanted material, such as debris, while at the same time allowing fluid to flow underneath the boom to the protected portion of the fluid body. In a preferred embodiment, the boom system may include a control side having a lower air supply and an upper water supply. The lower air supply may provide a rising curtain of air along the control side of the boom. The upper water supply may provide jets of water directed tangentially to the control side near the fluid body surface.

Abstract: A containment/exclusion boom includes a boom curtain containing an upper curtain portion and a lower curtain portion that are connected together at a central region, the upper and lower curtain portions each being formed of a sheet of flexible fabric material that allows the flow of water therethrough; and first and second support systems which can be positioned in a body of water and connected separately to distinct positions on the boom curtain; whereby the first and second support systems maintain at least one of, but preferably both, the upper and lower curtain portions in a substantially sloped arrangement upon introduction of the boom into the body of water. Use of the boom for water filtration is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for skimming oil and other pollutants from the surface of a body of water. Each skimmer has a frame supporting and housing pumps, sensors, computers, and piping for separating the pollutant from the water and moving it to a collection and storage barge for further processing. The skimming operation is controlled by varying the approach angle of a skimmer toeboard, and the depth of the front end of the skimmer in the water. Hydraulic cylinders are used to pivotally position the toeboard. Air bags are used to control the depth of the skimmer in the water.

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 for building up land in a water-covered or water-surrounded area has a plurality of floating boom segments connected end-to-end in an essentially closed shape, each boom segment having a sieve panel with a height approximately equal to the depth of the water in the water-covered area and made from water-permeable, fine-meshed material, and each sieve panel having an anchor segment attached to the lower portion of the sieve panel. The system also includes a sediment source depositing sediment inside the area essentially enclosed by the essentially closed shape formed by the boom segments. Preferably a wasteweir segment is disposed so as to close the essentially closed shape formed by the floating boom segments, the wasteweir segment having an essentially U-shaped orthogonal frame of a height at least about equal to the depth of the water in the water-covered area. The wasteweir segment also includes barriers that attach to the frame.

Abstract: A skimmer for removing debris off the surface of a river includes a float line installed across the river at an angle with respect to the river current, and a collecting net installed at the downstream end of the float line. The ends of the line are slidable upwards, along inclined supports, to unsnag the line when a heavy object hooks onto the line. A second mechanism, assisting in raising the line, is a series of rods which swivel in a pole-vaulted fashion from their leverage at the bottom of the river to lift the line out of the water and allow the heavy object to pass underneath. If the object hits the line with an excessive force, the line will reliably break at a desired weak point. The rods may have elbow joints that would provide better leverage in shallow water.

Abstract: A skimmer apparatus for collecting material, particularly oil, floating on the surface of a body of water, comprises collecting vessel with a collection compartment. The collection compartment includes an upper subcompartment delimited laterally by an inner wall having a skimming weir forming an inlet to the collection compartment and a lower subcompartment which is delimited laterally by an outer wall and communicates with a bottom outlet. Connected with the collection compartment is means for discharging water therefrom through the bottom outlet. The inner wall and the outer wall delimit a separation compartment for the floating material. This compartment is in open communication with the upper subcompartment of the collection compartment. A valve is provided at the top of the separation compartment and when in an open position connects the separation compartment with the upper subcompartment of the collection compartment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovery of the product forming a slick floating on the surface of the water such as an oil slick. The apparatus comprises a recovery head formed by an enclosure having in the upper part an inlet for the product to be recovered and in the lower part an outlet for the recovered product, as well as a vortex generator which creates in the enclosure a dynamic vortex which descends in the enclosure as far s its outlet; a flotation means which supports the enclosure so as to keep its inlet at the level of the slick to be recovered; and a pipe connecting the outlet of the enclosure to a tank.

Abstract: A float boom for confining material floatable on a liquid surface during high temperature conditions, comprising: an elongated floatable tube formed of fluid impervious material; a source of fluid under pressure for cooling the boom during high temperature conditions; piping connected to the source of cooling fluid for distributing the cooling fluid over the length of the boom; and, a protective cover, of a fluid-absorbing material, mounted over the tube, the cover having peripheral edges adapted to engage the boom to encase the tube therein, the piping distributing the cooling fluid over the tube and under the cover to soak the cover over its length.

Abstract: A system for recovering oil spilled on a body of water includes a buoyant containment boom of sufficient length to surround at least a portion of the spilled oil, the boom having a plurality of outer pipe sections, each outer pipe section being longitudinally perforated along one side that may be positioned against the spilled oil, a plurality of spaced-apart support members positioned within the outer pipe, and an inner pipe that is longitudinally perforated along one side, generally coextensive with the outer pipe, and rotatably positioned within said support members so that the perforations in the inner pipe sections may be positioned at a desired height within the outer pipe sections. The system also includes at least first and second suction pumps, the first pump acting to draw a water and oil mixture into the outer pipe, and the second pump acting to draw a mixture having a high percentage of oil into said inner pipe. Water is extracted from the mixture and the oil is stored.

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

Abstract: 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: An oil recovery system, designed to recover oil from oil-contaminated water of a river, lake or sea due to a difference in specific gravity of the liquids. The system includes a 4-stage separation tank 15 having four chambers 51-54. The first chamber 51 includes a hopper-shaped oil floating unit 59 in communication with a piston pump 68 (FIG. 5) and having porous filters 61, 62 therein. The second and third chambers 52, 53 include a plurality of horizontal diaphragms 63 for reducing the processing time for separating oil from water. The system can be continuously operated without being stopped during an oil recovering operation. The oil recovered from discharged pipe 67 is usable so that the system preferably conserves natural resources.

Abstract: A method and a device for separating oil from ice. In the method, ice is pressed under the water along an inclined surface formed by a bar screen (3) or a grating. The oil is separated from the ice by vibrating the inclined surface formed by the bar screen (3).

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering oil has a bucket for skimming and collecting water and oil floating on the surface of the water. The bucket has a base plate having apertures for draining water collected by the bucket. The apertures have a preselected diameter and length to allow separation of the oil and water utilizing differences in specific gravities and viscosities of the oil and water so that the oil can be discharged from the bucket into an oil recovery tank after the water drains out of the bucket through the apertures but before the oil begins to drain out of the apertures.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for depositing a chemical over a body of water. In one embodiment the invention includes collecting and concentrating a floating contaminant between two floating booms pulled by one or more surface vessels. The booms define an aperture intermediate of their endpoints, and the towing of the boom results in the flow of concentrated contaminant through the aperture. One or more nozzles proximate the aperture deposit a chemical, such as a liquid dispersant, on the contaminant and water flowing through the aperture. Some embodiments also include a mixing apparatus placed at aft of the aperture for inducing mixing of the deposited chemical and the floating contaminant.

Abstract: A system for skimming oil and other pollutants from the surface of a body of water. Each skimmer has a frame supporting and housing pumps, sensors, computers, and piping for separating the pollutant from the water and moving it to a collection and storage barge for further processing. The skimming operation is controlled by varying the approach angle of a skimmer toeboard, and the depth of the front end of the skimmer in the water. Hydraulic cylinders are used to pivotally position the toeboard. Air bags are used to control the depth of the skimmer in the water.

Abstract: A device of oil removal and transport comprising a bulk material having an inlet region and an outlet region, which is in liquid communication with a reservoir. A membrane is hermitically sealed to or about the inlet region, wherein the membrane is liquid permeable and has an average pore size not greater than 100 micrometers. The invention also relates to a method of oil removal and transport using this device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling movement of suspended particulates or marine life in a body of water. The method includes introducing into the body of water containing suspended particulates or marine life a containment/exclusion boom having a curtain formed of a flexible fabric that controls the passage of suspended particulates or marine life through the curtain and injecting a gas into the water in a manner effective substantially to remove fouling material from the curtain. Further, the present invention relates to a method of cleaning fouling material from a boom curtain suspended in a body of water, a containment/exclusion boom for controlling movement of suspended particulates or marine life in a body of water, and use of the boom of the present invention for filtering intake water or reducing transmission of energy of the shock wave of an underwater explosion.

Abstract: An oil skimming apparatus for collecting oil from a surface of a water body is provided comprising a floatable hull, a hollow non-floating cylinder rotatably mounted adjacent a bow of the hull, and an arrangement of scrapers and troughs for scraping oil from the inner and outer surfaces of the cylinder and transporting the collected oil to an oil collection tank. The cylinder has port and starboard open ends, which allow oil to collect on the inner surface of the cylinder during rotation. A pair of bulkheads are fixed inside of the cylinder. A pair of pontoons extend fore of the bow of the floatable hull. The pontoons are spaced apart to form an oil collection area. The cylinder is rotatably mounted in the oil collection area via a drive shaft-member passing through the port and starboard bulkheads.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning an open surface of a body liquid, especially for recovering oil spills or other floating pollutants. A surface portion of the water carrying pollutants is caused to flow across a skimming weir (12, K) forming an inlet to a collecting vessel (11) and to proceed downwardly within the collecting vessel. At least the main portion of the downwardly flowing polluted water is then diverted laterally outwardly into a separation zone (B) in which the pollutants are allowed to separate from the water and collect on a confined surface of the water. The separation zone (B) may be integrated in the collecting vessel (11) and provided around a central collection compartment (A) provided with an annular skimming weir (12, K). Alternatively, the skimming zone may be provided in a separate vessel connected with the collection vessel through a conduit.

Abstract: A system for recovering oil from a body of water (e.g. river, lake, or sea) includes (i) an inlet unit 10 having a hopper-shaped main body and floaters 12 attached to the hopper by tugs 11; and (ii) a segregation tank 15 having (a) an inlet pipe 14 to receive oil-contaminated water from the inlet unit, (b) a first discharge pipe 17 with pump 20 therein for delivering oil to an oil tank, and (c) a second discharge pipe 18 for delivering water from the segregation tank. The discharge pipes include respective valves 21, 22 therein. A sensing unit 100 (e.g. ultrasonic transducer) and a panel sensing unit 110 are provided in the segregation tank for determining the level of oil in the tank. A controller including a microprocessor 200 controls the discharge valves 21, 22 in response to signals received from both sensing units 100, 110.

Abstract: A cleaning device (1), which is attached to a collecting device comprising a body and wheels (3) in which device a V-shaped brush (2) secured to a belt (7) moves in a groove, whereby the brushes flatten between the trough walls of the cleaning device (1) and a plough captures the detached oil, which drains into an oil receptacle (5). Moreover, a fork (6) for removing brash ice and debris can be mounted in front of the cleaning device (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for skimming a layer of oil from an aqueous surface which includes a body portion having a horizontal opening. There is a collection tube secured to the opening and a suction tube having a lower end located in said collection tube. The body portion has a float secured thereto and has a guide element extending through the float.

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 skimmer for operating in a water environment provides a conveyor with transverse apertures and a sloping upwardly travelling lower flight in a trough shaped guide, for a lower extent and, over an upper extent beyond said guide and designed to move material in said upper extent and there to detach material in said apertures.

Abstract: A suction skimmer with a vertically adjustable inlet for removing preferred upper portions of a liquid from a fluid body under substantially laminar flow conditions and which is self leveling in response to level changes in a fluid body. Suction skimming device includes a skimming sleeve elongated body member having a fluid flow passageway disposed proximally contiguous and slidably movable along the vertical axis of an elongated body sleeve guide member having a fluid flow passageway. The fluid flow passageway of the skimming sleeve member is in open communication with the fluid flow passageway of the sleeve guide member. The suction skimmer is provided with a flotation assembly to buoyantly support the skimming sleeve member thereby positioning the inlet first end of the skimming sleeve member near the surface of a fluid body.

Abstract: An apparatus (15) mounted to a boat structure (17) for skimming a layer (65) of oil in an oil slick (26) deposited on water (29) and by which the boat structure (17) freely sinks or rises during such skimming regardless of the weight of accumulated oil (71) that is reclaimed and recovered in or removed from its hold (67). A drum (23) with a plastic liner (25) having an adherence characteristic for oil is supported on its axle(s) (29) that is rotatable by means of a pulley belt system (41) and motor (55). Two (2) slots (31, 32) in inner panels (18, 19) for compartments (35, 36) in which the pivotable arms (37, 38) are disposed provide for connection between the drum's axle(s) (29) with the arms (37, 38). A structural arrangement (60) secured to each of the pivot arms (37, 38) extends across the compartmental structures (21, 22) and into the boat structure (17) and to which a skimming blade (64) is secured and placed in cooperative relation with the plastic liner (25) to skim oil from its slick (26).

Abstract: A floating skimmer is used for automatically removing oil and other floating matter from the surface of liquid surrounding the skimmer, preferably in a basin or sump. Floats around the periphery and above the general body of the skimmer provide flotation while the unit is at rest. Two liquid removal devices are provided, one to remove the most dense liquid (generally oil) accumulated in the skimmer sump. A gasketed, hinged, floating weir rests on the fluid level in the skimmer sump and when liquid is removed from the sump by either the first or second device or a combination of both, the weir falls back, creating a cascade action which attracts the surface of surrounding liquid into the skimmer sump. Instrumentation is included to provide information for automatic operation and status reporting of the skimmer.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus for preventing the spreading and coming ashore of spilled oil that is easily transportable to a sea area where spilled oil is spread and that can perform the operation of preventing the spreading and coming ashore of spilled oil in the open area. The apparatus has an oil-fence-housing robot ship (10) and a pair of oil-fence-setting-up robot ships (20, 30) that are separably coupled together into an easily transportable block body. The apparatus encircles a sea area where spilled oil is spread with oil fences (40, 41) by remotely operating the robot ships (10, 20, 30) via radio signals.

Abstract: In floating substance removing, collecting and treating method and apparatus capable of securely separating and collecting floating substances floating on a water surface without adversely affecting an ecological system regardless of the type and state of the floating substances, a permeable sheet 4 is successively or intermittently moved through a drive unit 5 so as to traverse the treating water P taken from an intake port 3 and at the same time the treating water P is forcibly moved relatively to the permeable sheet 4. Accordingly, floating substances F on the water surface can be effectively collected by being deposited on and separated from the permeable sheet 4, whereby filtered clean water can be obtained.

Abstract: A suction skimmer with a vertically adjustable inlet for removing preferred upper portions of a liquid from a fluid body under substantially laminar flow conditions and which is self leveling in response to level changes in a fluid body. Suction skimming device includes a skimming sleeve elongated body member having a fluid flow passageway disposed proximally contiguous and slidably movable along the vertical axis of an elongated body sleeve guide member having a fluid flow passageway. The fluid flow passageway of the skimming sleeve member is in open communication with the fluid flow passageway of the sleeve guide member. The suction skimmer is provided with a flotation assembly to buoyantly support the skimming sleeve member thereby positioning the inlet first end of the skimming sleeve member near the surface of a fluid body.

Abstract: An oil skimmer has a lower hull capable of floating and submerging and capable of discharging sea water through an opening to thicken a layer of oil. An oil drawing device in the form of a water wheel is installed on the deck of the lower hull for conveying an oil layer on the sea surface to a central tank when the lower hull is submerged. A main floater provides a floating force for the deck and has a guide path partly communicating with the central tank. An oil separating/extracting device is supported at a level above the water wheel of the oil drawing device for separating an upper oil layer in the central tank and transferring the oil through the guide path into an oil collecting tank.

Abstract: An oil separating buoyant surface vessel for separating oil from surface water level from a large body of oil-contaminated water and for economically reclaiming this oil The vessel comprises a pair of lateral buoyancy members and a liquid flow-through separator rigid open frame integral to the buoyancy member and destined to be maintained in partly submerged condition in water. The separator frame comprises a first chamber having a front surface water intake port, and a pair of first channel members extending to a rear surface water outlet port; a second chamber located rearwardly of the first chamber; a third submerged chamber located beneath the first and second chambers and having a second channel member, extending to a front submerged water outlet port, a third arcuate channel member, an intermediate section of the third channel member extending spacedly over water line, and a fourth upright channel member, opening at its top end mouth into the second chamber over water line.

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

Abstract: An oil spill skimmer is disclosed. The skimmer is designed to be arranged quickly on an oil-spilled area upon an oil spill accident, thereby quickly recovering oil from water while restricting a spread of oil over a wide area. In the skimmer, upper and lower housings are arranged in the top and bottom of the skimmer, with a plurality of anteflex wings being regularly arranged in a space formed between the two housings. A power chamber is concentrically positioned inside the lower housing and acts as a main buoyancy chamber of the skimmer. In the operation of the skimmer, an oil slick and an oil-water mixture are introduced into the interior of the lower housing through associated suction pipes while being pumped by associated pumps, thus individually forming a jet allowing the skimmer to be rotatable. In addition, an external blade, mounted to the outside end of one anteflex wing, allows the skimmer to eccentrically rotate and move around within an oil-spilled area when the skimmer rotates due to the jet.

Abstract: A collection assembly for harvesting brine shrimp eggs from a body of water is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as comprising a base member which may be positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation, means for extracting the brine shrimp eggs from the body of water, and means for positioning the extraction means such that the extraction means is at least three inches vertically from the base member. In one presently preferred embodiment, the collection assembly includes a back wall positioned at an angle to the base member. The back wall may be connected to and positioned substantially perpendicular to the base member so as to form an L-shape.

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: Methods and additive compounds for retarding the dispersion in water of bitumen-in-water emulsions, and in particular ORIMULSION, are disclosed. Methods include applied mixing at high speed and changing the pH of the emulsion. Additives include salts and flocculants.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harvesting brine shrimp eggs from a body of water involving the use of an elongated member comprising buoyant material which enables the elongated member to float at or near the surface of the body of water and a water-permeable member positioned downwardly from the elongated member so as to enable the water-permeable member to be positioned below the surface of the body of water. The water-permeable member is configured so as to be substantially impermeable to brine shrimp eggs and substantially prevents brine shrimp eggs from escaping harvest as the apparatus is moved through the body of water to collect the brine shrimp eggs. In one presently preferred embodiment, the water-permeable member comprises a porous screen. One or more reinforcement members may also be included to protect the porous screen from tearing, puncture, or other damage.

Abstract: A self-leveling skimmer attached to a boat is designed to remove a top surface layer of liquid while maintaining a constant position relative to the surface of the liquid layer. While maintaining a constant position relative to the top surface layer of liquid, the device provides for continuous removal of the top surface layer of liquid of a constant thickness regardless of changes in the elevation of the surface of the top liquid layer. The device includes multiple hollow bodies that rotate independently about a shaft. The shaft is situated parallel to the surface of the top liquid layer. Each hollow body has a lengthwise opening. The edge closest to the top surface layer of liquid forms a weir. The weir has a repetitive triangular or V-notch shape. A suction line extends into each hollow body so as to remove the liquid collected therein. Each hollow body is capable of rotating about the shaft.

Abstract: In a method for recovering a floatable surface layer from a body of water, particularly a surface layer comprising a buoyant pollutant, such as oil, a collection compartment (A) having a skiming weir (K) at its top is provided in the body of water and filled with water. With the skimming weir held in an overflow position relative to the surface of the body of water, water is discharged from the collection compartment (A) so that the collection compartment can be replenished from the surface of the body of water with water flowing over the skimming weir (K). Apparatus for carrying out the recovery comprises a collection vessel (11, 31). which is immersible in a body of water and defines the collection compartment (A) and which has a skimming weir (K) which forms an inlet into the upper end of the collection compartment (A), and means (17, 18, 35, 36), such as a reversible pump, for discharging water from the collection compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering an oil-based liquid from a body of liquid including the oil-based liquid. The apparatus includes a pair of cooperating rollers defining a nip therebetween, an endless loop of oil-based liquid absorbent material that passes through the nip and extends from the cooperating rollers along a path into the oil-based liquid in the body to absorb the oil-based liquid from the body, and a diverter engaged with the material and spaced from the cooperating rollers along the path. The material is conveyed by the cooperating rollers along the path from the body and squeezed at the nip by the cooperating rollers to force the oil-based liquid to flow along the material. The diverter guides the oil-based liquid away from the material as the oil-based liquid flows along the material from the cooperating rollers. A scraper is engaged with the material ahead of the cooperating rollers along the path to remove debris from material prior to the material passing through the cooperating rollers.

Abstract: A coated metal drum (38) for a skimmer apparatus mounted on a buoyant frame (10) floating on a body of water for removal of hydrocarbon material from the body of water. The coated drum (38) has a metal drum base (80) which is blasted to provide a roughened cylindrical surface for the coating (84, FIG. 4). The coating comprises a vinyl ester resin material which is sprayed in a plurality of layers (86) onto the roughened metal surface and is cured to provide a hard abrasion resistant surface for the adherence of hydrocarbon material thereon.

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

Abstract: 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: Apparatus for skimming liquid from the surface of a body of liquid which includes a lighter liquid floating on a heavier liquid. The apparatus includes an upwardly opening container having a specific gravity which causes the container to float in the body of liquid with an upper edge of the container in the vicinity of the interface between the lighter and heavier liquids. An elongated suction tube has a lower end extending down into the container. The upper end of the suction tube is connected to a source of suction so liquid is withdrawn from the container through the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting and cleaning brine shrimp eggs on the open water is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as comprising a buoyant support frame having a collection assembly operably disposed in relation thereto. A concentration member provides a means for collecting a naturally occurring mixture of brine shrimp eggs and debris floating at or near the surface of a body of water. The concentration member provides means for concentrating the mixture of brine shrimp eggs and debris into a concentrated egg/debris mud mixture having a general thickness of about 7.5 cm to 45 cm (3 inches to 18 inches). Engageably disposed in relation to the collection assembly, an extraction apparatus provides a means for transporting the concentrated egg/debris mud mixture introduced into the collection assembly to a filtering/cleaning apparatus.