Abstract: A device for collection and containment of spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons absorbs pollutants that come in contact. The absorbed material is solidified within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. An impermeable layer of material may be utilized in forming the bottom layer of the outer envelope of the device to retain accumulated hydrocarbons within the pillow while further allowing the contaminants to disperse throughout the device for absorption and solidification. The impermeable layer prevents spilled or leaked hydrocarbons from contaminating the surface below the device. The consolidated mass is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. A variety of options may be utilized in disposing of the spent device, including recycling the rubber-like mass as a component of tar-like materials, such as asphalt. The solidified hydrocarbons will not leech when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.

Abstract: A method for filtering contaminants from a mixture containing an oil-based fluid and a non-oil based fluid is provided. The method includes the steps of providing an oil-based fluid absorbent cloth of man-made fibers, the absorbent cloth having at least a portion thereof that is napped so as to define voids therein; forcing the mixture to flow through the absorbent cloth; trapping, in the absorbent cloth, contaminants from the mixture as the mixture is forced through the absorbent cloth; and absorbing, with the absorbent cloth, the oil-based fluid from the mixture while allowing the non-oil based fluid to flow through the absorbent cloth.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the pH of an electrolytically dissociated process stream is disclosed. The apparatus includes a matrix of pH adjusting chemical and an erosion rate modifier. The pH adjusting chemical is preferably citric acid and the erosion rate modifier is preferably polyethylene glycol. A porous material such as a sponge may be interposed between the matrix and the process stream to further modify the erosion rate.

Abstract: In order to control oil accidents and to prevent the oil film drifting on the water from spreading, an oil adsorber 1 is provided, in particular shaped as a barrier 2. This barrier 2 is designed in two parts. Both cells 9, 10 are completely filled with glass fiber material or with corresponding fiber mats 11, 12. The glass fibers 28, 30 of the top cell 9 are waterproofed, by an appropriate coating, whereas the fibers of the bottom cell 10 are not treated, so that they absorb water 6. In both cases epoxy resin or a synthetic resin having the same or similar properties are used, so that a long service life is achieved with optimum solidity and design possibilities. The oil adsorbers 1 thus obtained may be used both as barriers 2 and as flat suction elements, for example to clear bilge waters from ships 3. It is also conceivable to use the flat or funnel-shaped elements for collecting components of an aqueous solution, for example.

Abstract: A pad for cleaning up liquid spills is described which contains a porous surface covering, and an absorbent interior containing chemically reactive reagents for neutralizing noxious chemicals within the spilled liquid. The porous surface and the absorbent component would normally consist of chemically resistant materials allowing tentative spill to pass. The absorbent interior which contains the neutralizing reagents can but is not required to be chemically resilient and conducts the liquid chemical spill towards the absorbent interior containing the chemically reactive reagents where the dangerous and undesirable chemicals within the chemical spill are then neutralized as well as removed from the premises.

Abstract: A spill retention boom is formed of a tubular mesh with an integral rib and filled with an absorbent material.

Abstract: A device is provided in swimming pools, hot tubs, spas or the like for absorbing body and suntan oils, as well as capturing hair, dead insects and other debris commonly found in such systems. The device includes a support member that floats and does not absorb liquids. A plurality of absorbing members are held by the support member. The absorbing members do absorb liquids, such as the suntan and body oils from the water surface. The absorbing members are elongated to provide a substantial surface area for absorption. These elongated members are sufficiently rigid, angled and spaced from each other to facilitate absorption and capturing of debris. Preferably, the device includes a weight member for suitably positioning the device on its own in the water. Preferably also, the support member has a marker to indicate when the device should be cleaned or replaced.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering oil-based liquid from a body of liquid including a first layer of the oil-based liquid and a second layer of a second liquid having an interface with the first layer is disclosed. The apparatus includes an endless loop of oil-based liquid absorbent material extending downward a vertical distance into the first layer for absorbing the oil-based liquid therefrom and a drive conveying the absorbent material in a substantially vertical path from the first layer. The apparatus also includes a guide submerged in the body of liquid directing the absorbent material through the first layer. The guide has a buoyancy selected to maintain the absorbent material in the first layer by varying the vertical distance in response to a variation in the level of the interface.

Abstract: An improved process for absorbing oils and especially separating and recovering oils from an aqueous medium or aqueous/wetted medium using an absorbent oleophilic biodegradable sponge material comprised of essentially fat-free, foamable natural products, specifically animal proteins or plant polysaccharides, such as gelatin, collagen, egg white albumen, gum agar, gum arabic, gum karaya, and locust bean gum, which absorb oils at a rate of at least about 30 times their weight.

Abstract: A bilge water filter having an elongate tubular housing defining a bilge water outlet and adapted to receive a filter and filter support assembly which is secured in sealed relation therewith by manual retainer elements. The filter and filter support assembly defines an inlet through which is caused to flow bilge water of a marine vessel which may contaminated by oil and other petroleum products. The filter and filter support assembly incorporates an elongate, tubular perforate filter support element about which is positioned and secured a generally cylindrical closed end body of a thick filter media in the form of meltblown polypropylene (polyolefin hydrocarbon). The filter assemblies may be incorporated in valve controlled banks and may be controlled by valve settings to utilize the filters independently, sequentially or together to accomplish separation of oil from the bilge water to thus insure an overboard discharge of oil free bilge water.

Abstract: A hollow fiber fabric comprising hollow fibers having a high hollowness ratio of at least 20% and composed of a polymer of a single composition, and the hollow fibers having slits as traces of a removed polymer and the slits being formed in the longitudinal direction of the fibers in such a state that the slits communicate to hollow portions. The fabric is produced by treating a fabric comprising hollow fibers having a high hollowness ratio of at least 20% and composed of a polymer of a single composition with a solvent or solution which dissolves the polymer, to partially dissolve the polymer at low orientation and/or deformation strain concentrated portions, to form slits as traces of a removed polymer in such a state that the slits communicate to hollow portions, along the longitudinal direction of the hollow fibers.

Abstract: A barrier assembly is provided for protecting shorelines and structures adjacent shorelines from damage attributable to oil spills. The barrier assembly includes a flexible sheet material that is impermeable to oil. One surface of the flexible sheet material may also have oil-absorbing characteristics. Each sheet has a top edge from which tie downs extend for securing sheets to structures adjacent the shoreline. Each sheet also includes a bottom edge having anchors for holding the bottom edge below the surface of the water. The sheets may include structure for connecting adjacent sheets in top-to-bottom relationship and/or in side-to-side relationship.

Abstract: A device for collection and containment of spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons absorbs pollutants that come in contact. The absorbed material is solidified within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. An impermeable layer of material may be utilized in forming the bottom layer of the outer envelope of the device to retain accumulated hydrocarbons within the pillow while further allowing the contaminants to disperse throughout the device for absorption and solidification. The impermeable layer prevents spilled or leaked hydrocarbons from contaminating the surface below the device. The consolidated mass is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. A variety of options may be utilized in disposing of the spent device, including recycling the rubber-like mass as a component of tar-like materials, such as asphalt. The solidified hydrocarbons will not leach when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for removing oil from absorbent materials of the type used in components for absorbing oil and containing oil spills. The components are first passed through a press to squeeze some of the oil from the components. The components are then shredded to separate the components into separate pieces of the absorbent materials. An auger pushes the pieces of absorbent materials into an elongated tubular trommel having a perforated sidewall. The pieces of absorbent materials are sprayed with treatment fluids as the trommel is rotated to tumble the absorbent materials within the trommel. The oil and treatment fluids drain from the absorbent materials, and pass through the perforations in the trommel sidewalls and onto a collection trough. The collection trough directs the oil and treatment fluids through a separator to reclaim treatment fluids and oil for later use.

Abstract: An organoclay made by the reaction of smectite clay and a quaternary ammonium compound derived from an oil having 50% or more of its carbon chain lengths consisting of C.sub.14 or lower is described as an effective oil spill remediation agent. Oils used include coconut, babasso and palm-kennel oil. Such organoclay's effectiveness as an oil spill remediation agent, and that of organoclays can be increased by (a) further treatment with a water insoluble compound such as vegetable oil and b) by mixture with an organic fibrous material such as waste paper pulp. The agents produced are particularly effective in polar and arctic waters in maintaining buoyancy of the oil agglomeration formed by their use. Methods of remediating oil spills using organoclays particularly useful in regions such as waters of the Alaska oceans and inlets of the North Sea are also described.

Abstract: A system to contain, collect and remove hydrocarbons such as gasoline, diesel and/or lubricants that are spilled or leaked on to the surface of the water during fueling operations at marine fueling facilities. The system utilizes a series of absorbent devices formed as pillows and held in place on the surface of the water along the dock area of a fueling facility that absorb hydrocarbon pollutants that they come in contact with. The absorbed hydrocarbons are solidified within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. The consolidated mass is contained within the pillows, will float indefinitely and is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. Once the capacity of a pillow is reached, it will continue to act as a containment boom to keep the spill on the water's surface from spreading throughout the fueling facility area, allowing the spill to reach another pillow with the capacity to absorb and solidify the spill.

Abstract: Oil-separation and recovery from marine oil spills is carried out by a system which includes a containment boom, a weir and/or foil type skimmer, a separator unit and a second, fire proof containment boom for receiving separated oil in a closed containment area on the surface of the body of water from which the oil has been recovered and wherein the oil may be combusted. The separator unit uses so-called superabsorbent materials including sheets of non-woven fibers or flakes of materials including sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, acrylonitrile grafted starch absorbents, polyacrylates, copolymers of styrene and maleic anhydride and copolymers of unsaturated monomers and recurring units of at least one copolymerizable comonomer comprising about 20% to about 80% pendant carboxylic acid units and about 80% to about 20% pendant carboxylate salt units blended with a monomer containing at least two hydroxyl groups.

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: Polyurethane polymers useful as hydrogels wherein the polyol is a specific polyol of block copolymers and a method for desalination of water.

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 method is disclosed for removing spilled oil from shorelines, other solid surfaces, or from the surface of a body of water by adding to the surface a mixture of fine hydrophilic mineral solids dispersed in an aqueous liquid that interacts with the oil to form buoyant mineral fines-oil floccules. These floccules reduce the tendency of the oil to adhere to solid surfaces or to recoalesce, thus facilitating dispersion and removal of the oil.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use, transport, storage, recovery and re-use of chemical compounds. In particular, the invention is directed to a method for reversibly transforming organic compounds into a phase more suitable for subsequent handling but from which the original organic compounds can be readily recovered. The invention is particularly suited for, but not limited to, the recovery and re-use of liquid hydrocarbons, either naturally occurring or synthetic, and/or their derivatives, and it is expected to be especially useful in the recovery of hydrocarbons from an oil spill.

Abstract: A microfibrous sorbent article is provided. The microfibrous sorbent article comprises an elongate boom having a substantially oval cross-section. The boom is formed of multiple adjacent microfibers layers, the layers being bonded to each other by entanglement of fibers between adjacent layers. The boom further contains ion exchange resin, selectively absorbent particulate material, catalytic agent or selectively reactive particulate material.

Abstract: Oil and oil products are adsorbed with a three-dimensional lattice structure formed by coating individual glass fibers, assembling them and drying them at a temperature of about 150.degree. C. so that the structure will have; sufficient capillarity to pick up substantial amounts of oil and yet the mat will have sufficient structural stability to be stable. The coating is formed by a mixture of hydrophobizing silicone oil and starch (94 to 96% by weight starch to 6 to 4% by weight silicone). The latticework of the fibers and baked silicone oil/starch mixture can be used to pick up oil on a surface and recover oil from the latticework before the latticework is ultimately destroyed in a garbage incinerator.

Abstract: A device for collection and containment of spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons 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 solidified hydrocarbons will not leech when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.

Abstract: An oil holding tank has an open upper end and a vertical container containing pillows when immersed in oil will rapidly adsorb oil and exhibit a composite density denser than oil and less dense than water. A horizontal member is disposed between the lower open end of the container and the upper end of the tank and having open and closed positions. The member is opened when the tank is ruptured to permit the pillows to be discharged by gravity into the tank. A first mechanism is placed in active position to apply a downward force to the uppermost layer of pillows in the container when the member is open to augment the force of gravity and is placed in inactive position and applies no downward augmenting force when the member is closed. The top level of oil in the tank prior to rupture is subjected to a combined pressure of air, vapors and inert gas which exceeds that of ambient air. An additional mechanism reducing the combined pressure after rupture to a value approximately equal to ambient air.

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: Human hair is present within a porous casing. Oil floating on water enters the porous casing whereupon the oil is absorbed by the human hair. Flotational material is mixed with the human hair or attached to the casing to cause the device to float.

Abstract: Relatively thin flexible sheets of oleophilic, hydrophobic substrates, such as polyethylene film, are used as the basis for sorbent media in novel methods for defending against oil spills. Exhibiting the combination of a high storage density and a high affinity for oil, substrates according to the invention are intended for deployment on sensitive areas of open water or shoreline as a first line of defence against approaching oil slicks, or for early assistance in the containment of oil near the source of a spill. Efficiency and economy in specific applications is achieved on the principle that oil pick-up per unit mass of film-form substrates is increased by decreasing the substrate thickness. The substrate is deployed from a compact supply, in a pre-deployment condition of high storage density onto the area to be protected, in the course of which it is converted to a post-deployment, in-use condition of bulk capacity for oil.

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: This invention comprises an apparatus or mechanism and a method of using it to recover petroleum from a floating slick or spill by means of absorbing the petroleum in powder particles principally comprising a reaction product of polyurethane, a catalyst, and a strong cationic polymer comprising an agent which produces a foam product that has a strong affinity for combining physically with petroleum resembling a magnetic attraction between the same. The reaction product is formed into desired sizes of elongated block-like shapes which are fed to a shredding assembly of saw blades that reduce the solid shapes into irregularly-shaped powder particles that are capable of being used in at least two ways to attract and adsorb petroleum by bonding. One way is to employ a porous boom of substantial diameter and length that is used to at least partially enclose a predetermined area of the slick or spill, the particle content of the boom absorbing adjacent petroleum.

Abstract: A module for removing polluting agents from the surface of the sea consists of absorbent polyolefinic fibres enclosed inside a permeable sheath having a short-length bundle configuration with a star-like or lenticular cross-section. After absorbing oily substances, the cross-section of the module becomes polygonal or circular.

Abstract: An open celled plastic foam treated with a polymer which is adsorbed in the surface of the foam and causes the polymer adsorbed foam to become an oil wick and to be impervious to water. The polymer adsorbed foam when the cells of the foam are saturated with oil exhibiting a density heavier than oil and lighter than water.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a two-part sorbent pad having a flat, chemically treated polyethylene foam inner core completely surrounded by a flexible, durable, chemically treated polypropylene fabric cover. In use, the sorbent pad of the present invention floats on top of petroleum covered water to rapidly soak up the petroleum or oil and hold it within the inner core until it can be removed by squeezing the sorbent pad between rollers, thereby depositing the oil into a container for storage. The non-petroleum laden sorbent pad is then returned to the surface of the petroleum covered water to pick-up more petroleum. The sorbent pad is chemically treated to increase the pads ability to attract and hold oil by both adsorption and absorption and to further increase its ability to repel water.

Abstract: An oil-based article absorbs oil-based fluid on a surface. The article is made of a cloth and a flotation material encased in the cloth to assist in the absorption of oil-based fluid and the flotation of the article. The cloth has at least one napped surface that defines voids therein, and nap is formed of raised ends or loops of the fibers and has a thickness. The flotation material can also absorb water. When encased in the cloth, the cloth inhibits water absorption to inhibit water from contacting the flotation material. Thus, the flotation material absorbs oil-based fluid to increase the absorption capability of the article. The oil-based fluid containing flotation material is capable of assisting flotation. The oil-based fluid is recovered from the article and put to a beneficial use. The article can be reused repeatedly.

Abstract: A product and a process is disclosed for the purpose of biodegrading organic chemical spills on water or land in situ. The product is a dried, macerated plant or vegetable material having a small oil or wax content enabling it to preferentially absorb oil in the presence of water. The product, specifically cotton gin trash, carries a microbial inoculum consisting of indigenous microbes which biodegrade the organic chemical, specifically petroleum hydrocarbons. The process consists of applying the macerated cotton gin trash to the surface of the hydrocarbons floating on water or covering the land. Upon contact of the product with water a dormant inocula of microorganisms are revived. They increase in numbers because of food present in the product, biodegrading the chemical spill in situ.

Abstract: An oil-absorbing article has longitudinal channels that surround a layer of polyester or polyolefin fiber balls with a porous outer fabric. The channels are 1 to 4 cm wide and 0.8 to 1.4 cm thick. The article absorbs oil amounting to at least six times its dry weight and can be re-used at least five times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved disk-type oil collector which is provided with at least one alignment of oleophile disks. Each oleophile disk of the at least one alignment of oleophile disks is furnished with at least one surrounding rim whose peripheral edge is provided with a plurality of teeth. The surrounding rim is connected to the periphery of the oleophile disk by means of an annular sector.

Abstract: A spill control cabinet for use in an offshore oil well drilling environment includes a structural frame that can be transported by lifting (using crane or forklift) and wherein a cabinet is formed on the frame having an interior. Articles are contained within the cabinet. Drums can be contained outside the frame on supports for containing absorbent materials used in spill control (oil and chemicals). The cabinet can contain a vacuum system for suctioning a spill and a foam dispensing system for containing spills.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering oil spilled upon a body of water. Oil accumulators (10) having numerous open-ended cells (20) entrain spilled oil upon the surfaces (24, 26, 32) of the cells (20) when partially submerged in an area where oil has been spilled upon water. The oil accumulators (10) are rotated so as to lift the oil entrained upon the cell surfaces (24, 26, 32) from the water. An oil remover (12) may have superheated steam nozzles (64) located immediately above the oil accumulator (10). When oil-bearing cells pass beneath the nozzles (64), superheated steam may warm and expel the oil from the cells (20). An oil collector (14) collects the oil removed by the oil remover (12) where gravity flow transports the oil to a storage reservoir.

Abstract: A pad for absorbing oily pollutants from water is releasably attached in a catch basin for floating on the surface of the water in the basin. When the pad is saturated with oily pollutants, it is removed and replaced by a new pad. A plurality of catch basins is connected in series and a pollutant-absorbing pad is releasably secured in each of the catch basins.

Abstract: Process for the removal of organic pollutants prevalent on a liquid or solid surface by sprinkling a polymer chosen from polybicyclo(2.2.1.) heptene-2 and polymethyl-5-bicyclo(2.2.1) heptene-2. The polymer is first agglomerated using a plasticizing agent. The process is used for the decontamination of water ways.

Abstract: A microfibrous sorbent article is provided. The microfibrous sorbent article comprises an elongate boom having a substantially oval cross-section. The boom is formed of multiple adjacent microfibers layers, the layers being bonded to each other by entanglement of fibers between adjacent layers. Also provided is a method for making the microfibrous sorbent article.

Abstract: Degradable particulate absorbent materials and processes for manufacture, wherein the absorbent materials have: i) in most forms of the invention, on the order of not more than 10% by weight inorganic solids or "fillers" and in all cases less than 30% inorganic solids by weight; ii) an open, porous, shot-like fiber structure with low bulk density on the order of not more than 30 lbs./ft..sup.3 and, preferably, in the range of 15 to 18 lbs./ft..sup.3.

Abstract: A method of removing hazardous fluid waste material from a body of water by exposing a carrier (10) containing a porous bladder (20) filled with sorbent material to the waste and then removing said carrier(10). The exposed bladder (20) may be removed from the carrier (10) for disposal of the waste. The carrier (10) may be recharged with a fresh bladder (20) and reused. An apparatus for removing hazardous fluid waste material having a carrier (10) for a porous bladder (20) filled with sorbent material such as waterfowl feathers. The carrier (10) is fabricated to allow the removal of an exposed bladder (20) and refilling with a fresh bladder (20) without removal of the apparatus from the surface of the water while still containing the pool of hazardous waste. The carrier (10) may be fabricated of flexible (40) or rigid (60) mesh material. An adhesive coating may be applied to the bladder (20) to aid in containment of the sorbent material within the bladder (20) especially during handling.

Abstract: The sorbent of the present invention is useful in adsorbing petroleum-based products such as oil and gasoline, particularly from the surface of water. This sorbent, which is comprised of about 5 wt. % to about 70 wt. % cured, cross-linked resin and about 30 wt. % to about 95 wt. % fibers, selectively adsorbs the petroleum-based product due to its hydrophobicity.

Abstract: Method for removing hydrocarbon products from the surface of an aqueous medium, in particular from the surface of water masses, such as sea, rivers, lakes, ponds, basins, and so forth, which consists in bringing said hydrocarbon products into contact with an elastomeric material in subdivided form, essentially constituted by an ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer, optionally containing a diene as a termonomer. The elastomeric material absorbs the hydrocarbons, with a jelly mass being formed which is homogeneous and not very sticky, and floats on water surface and can be easily collected by means of conventional mechanical means.

Abstract: A process and product wherein a siliceous particulate material, that has been treated at room temperature with silicone thinned with a volatile thinner, is rendered hydrophobic and capable of absorbing oil. Particle size is between 25 and 4500 microns and treatment of the particulate material with silicone is in the proportion of approximately 5 liters of the thinned silicone to 1 cubic meter of the particulate material.

Abstract: A hydrophobic and oleophilic particular vermicular structure of expanded graphite, possessing the property of absorbing in a selective manner only large amounts of petroleum products from a water media is described. This expanded grahite is characterized by three main properties: (a) a specific density in the range of 0.003-0.1 g/ml; (b) a surface area in the range of 50-200 m.sup.2 g/ml; and (c) closed pores in the range of 3% to 20%. The particular structure of the expanded graphite can be used in the form of particulate, pillows, blankets, booms or as a filter medium. Preferred particles sizes of the expanded graphite are in the range of between 0.5 to 3 mm. The oil absorbed onto the expanded grahite can be released by pressure or recovered by solvent extraction.