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

Abstract: Method for oil removal. The method includes adding a magnetizable material, with or without appropriately selected surfactants, of order micron (having no net magnetization) or nanometer size to magnetize the oil or water phase by either making a ferrofluid, magnetorheological fluid, a magnetic Pickering emulsion (oil in water or water in oil emulsion), or any other process to magnetize either oil or water phases. The magnetized fluid is separated from the non-magnetic phase using novel or existing magnetic separation techniques or by permanent magnets or electromagnets thereby separating oil and water phases. The magnetized particles are separated from the magnetized phase using novel or existing magnetic separation techniques to recover and reuse the particles. The two magnetic separation steps can be repeated to further increase recovery efficiency of the liquid phases and the magnetizable particles reused in this continuous process.

Abstract: The clean-up of crude oil is accomplished using an oil solubilizing agent from a class of onium halides to solubilize the oil in water. The oil solubilizing agent includes a quaternary phosphonium halide, a quaternary ammonium halide, or a ternary sulfonium halide. The onium halide also includes a hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain having from 10 to 24 carbon atoms, and can include both aromatic and aliphatic components.

Abstract: A method of removal of oil slicks or spills floating on the surfaces of bodies of water is disclosed in which, unlike the traditional methods, a floatable or a non-floatable oil-absorbing substance is pumped into the water under the oil-spill layer. The pumped substance will reach and lie under the oil-spill layer and cannot be blown away by wind or other causes during or after dispersion of the substance. After application of the substance, the oil layer may be naturally or mechanically agitated to facilitate formation of a removable mixture of oil and the substance. In various embodiments, after the removal of the oil-substance mixture, the oil may be separated from the mixture and be reused.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for removing a target oil from an aqueous fluid stream using a capture medium. In embodiments, the capture medium can comprise an anchor substrate and a modifier technology supported on the anchor substrate, where the modifier technology complexes with the oil to form a removable complex.

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

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

Abstract: A method and absorbent material for cleaning up contaminants, such as a petroleum-based product, with little to no water absorption. The absorbent material may include sheets, disks, or spheres of polymer-based plastic material of one to two inches thick that is manufactured and pre-conditioned to enhance absorption characteristics. The absorbent material may include smaller sieve sizes ranging from 16 to 100 that facilitate absorption and collection of a petroleum-based contaminant. Alternatively or additionally, the absorbent material may include larger sieve sizes ranging from 4 to 10 that facilitate transfer of the petroleum-based contaminant to the surface of the absorbent material. The absorbent material may be deployed at sea for a matter of minutes, and after absorbing a portion of the petroleum-based contaminant, then recovered by a recovery vessel, such as via netting, scooping, and/or vacuuming means.

Abstract: An organic oil boom is a method for containing pollution floating on water or the sea. The invention describes a method that makes it possible to isolate pollution as, for example, oil, from the surrounding environment. Spraying a viscous liquid such as an alginate or chitosan solution over and around the oil results in isolation of the oil from the seawater as the mixture has a density that is lighter than seawater and heavier than oil. To isolate the oil also from the air, a gas is added so that the density of the mixture is lower than the density of the oil. The addition of a multivalent cation solution such as calcium ions will, under the right pH conditions, polymerise the viscous liquid, thus forming a solid polymer film which surrounds the oil and isolates it from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: Our idea is a new procedure that can be used to clean up and recover oil from spills or oil leaking from damaged ships or rigs. The reclamation is accomplished by restoring the oil's light density. This is accomplished with density control by adding light cycle oil, (LCO), with a density of 0.82 g/ml, to the oil being recovered for the purpose of reprocessing in refineries. Recovery is made possible through the application of solubility rules found in organic chemistry. LCO is a mixture of many different molecular weight hydrocarbons that have many different numbers of carbons in their chains, branches, or rings. Each of these hydrocarbons dissolves a small part of the oil preparing the mixture for collection and reprocessing as refinery feedstock. Furthermore, this idea can prevent the need for landfill storage and offset the cost of recovery.

Abstract: A method of slurrifying oil contaminated materials by introducing a microemulsion or microemulsion-forming surfactant(s) to the material and subjecting the mixture to suitable shear or mixing forces to suitably blend such mixtures. The method may be applied directly to wastes such as waste drill mud cuttings and muds, emulsions, sludges, or soil substrates contaminated with water and/or oil drilling fluids in order to both reduce the viscosity and improve the lubricity, wetting, and flow properties of the substrate.

Abstract: An adsorbent includes: at least one of an inorganic particle and a metallic particle as a core; at least two kinds of polymers, which cover a surface of the core, with respective different surface tensions; and a convex-concave surface structure formed due to a difference in surface tension between the at least two kinds of polymers.

Abstract: Diacylglycerol PEGs (DAG-PEGs) are used remediate oil contaminations. DA-PEGs encapsulate the oil into lipsomes in an aqueous environment. The lipsomes sequester the oil from causing damage.

Abstract: A filter unit includes a flexible bag having permeable material on a first side and a second side that allows fluid to pass through the container. Granularized rubber is enclosed within the flexible bag. The granularized rubber filters hydrocarbon products from the fluid.

Abstract: A dry product that permanently removes oil and oil stains from liquid or dry surfaces and is environmentally safe. The dry product is formed by mixing efficacious proportions of untreated amorphous silica with a dry, inert organic, inorganic or synthetic carrier, or combinations of said carriers. Suitable inert carriers include, but are not limited to, (a) inert inorganic carriers including, but not limited to, clays, perlite, vermiculite, crushed glass, volcanic ash and sand; (b) inert organic carriers, including, but not limited to, peat moss, straw, hay, sawdust, ground corncobs, flours, and coconut coir, and (c) inert synthetic carriers, including, but not limited to, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene. The dry product can be applied directly to oil stains either on a hard surface, such as concrete or asphalt, or to oil spills on water.

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: Method for treatment of oil on a solid or liquid surface to facilitate subsequent removal of the oil from the surface. A fat-soluble metal containing substance comprising an organic anion and a metallic cation is added to the oil. The metal containing substance may be prepared by allowing a metal salt to react with an acidic organic compound in a process in which a suitable oxidation agent ensures that all the metal in the end product is present at its highest stable oxidation state while at least one volatile compound is formed during the preparation. A polymeric material with a high specific surface area may optionally be added or a prepolymer for allowing subsequent formation of such a polymeric material.

Abstract: Diacylglycerol PEGs (DAG-PEGs) are used remediate oil contaminations. DA-PEGs encapsulate the oil into lipsomes in an aqueous environment. The lipsomes sequester the oil from causing damage.

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

Abstract: This pumice stone, which has a carbon content of between 5 and 15% by weight, is capable of adsorbing hydrocarbons but is hydrophobic. It can be applied in decontaminating a sheet of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of recovering hydrocarbons or low polarity organic chemicals from hard surfaces, water and water surfaces, in their vapor state and from porous substrates. The hydrocarbons or low-polarity organic chemicals may be included in a spill. More particularly, the invention relates to the absorption of certain hydrocarbons and low-polarity organic chemicals by applying thermoplastic elastomers of a triblock copolymer of the general configuration A-B-A. The preferred A-B-A copolymer of the invention is a low to medium molecular weight hydrogenated polystyrene-poly(isoprene+butadiene)-polystyrene or polystyrene-b-ethylene/ethylene-propylene-b-styrene block copolymer. When the elastomeric block copolymer is applied to the hydrocarbon or low-polarity organic chemical, the elastomeric block copolymer absorbs the hydrocarbons or low-polarity organic chemicals to form a mat.

Abstract: A process for mitigating the pollution caused by a potential polluting agent comprises binding the potential polluting agent with a product obtained by calcining skeletal material and hydrating the calcined skeletal material.

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: Compositions and methods for emulsifying a petroleum product that has been spilled upon a portion of the earth's surface or that is burning are based upon use of a nonionic, primary surfactant composition comprising a first ethoxylated sorbitol oleate and, preferably, a second ethoxylated sorbitol oleate, and a nonionic, secondary surfactant that is capable of stabilizing and solubilizing the primary surfactant composition such that the resulting emulsifying compositions have a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance between about 12.0 and about 13.5.

Abstract: A novel filtration media employing polymeric absorbents comprising a material selected from the group consisting of styrene, pentadiene, cyclopentadiene, butylene, ethylene, isoprene, butadiene, propylene and mixtures thereof; and a filtration enabler intimately mixed with the polymeric absorbent. Upon contact with a hydrocarbon containing liquid, the liquid partially dissolves the polymeric absorbent forming a partial filtration barrier prior to the filtration media substantially absorbing the hydrocarbons, and allowing hydrocarbon-free liquid to flow through the filtration media. In situations of a leak or spill wherein an excess of hydrocarbons are present, the filtration media forms a plug to seal and prevent further discharge of the hydrocarbons. The filtration media may be placed inside a portable container for insertion into an existing drain such that hydrocarbon containing liquid is filtered through the device allowing hydrocarbon-free liquid to flow from the device.

Abstract: Novel compositions are described for use in nitrate removal and treatment of water such as water and wastewater streams produced by processes in mining operations, agriculture industries operations, industrial operations, military operations, etc. These novel compositions are also useful for the treatment of water and wastewater streams associated with the running of industries and with the production and maintenance of livestock. Advantages of these novel compositions include use of them without need for pH adjustment and/or the presence of electropositive metals, inorganic acid, or alkaline compounds. One embodiment of these novel compositions comprises: (1) a sufficient amount of organic modified clay, (2) a highly crosslinked carbohydrate polymer with branched-chain structure containing sulfide and/or disulfide groups, or an alloy or blend of such a polymer with triazine-trithione sodium salt, (3) high swelling sodium bentonite or calcium bentonite, and (4) activated carbon.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for emulsifying a petroleum product that has been spilled upon a portion of the earth's surface or that is burning are based upon use of a nonionic, primary surfactant composition comprising a first ethoxylated sorbitol oleate and, preferably, a second ethoxylated sorbitol oleate, and a nonionic, secondary surfactant that is capable of stabilizing and solubilizing the primary surfactant composition such that the resulting emulsifying compositions have a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance between about 12.0 and about 13.5.

Abstract: Clean room wipe products, methods of preparing them, and methods of using them are described. The clean room wipes are intended for use in cleaning up alkaline contaminants in clean room environments. The wipes contain impregnated acidic solutions, e.g., solutions of organic acids and optionally solvents, which are intended to reduce or eliminate the possibility of spontaneous combustion of the contaminated wipes, that is, when the wipes are used to contain spills of alkaline products such as hydroxylamine-based products and other caustic based formulations.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating drill cuttings, preferably marine cuttings, preferably in situ, so that the cuttings can be discharged into the environment, preferably back into marine waters without causing oxygen depletion of marine sediment. In a preferred embodiment, the treatment emulsifies and then encapsulates free hydrocarbons in the marine cuttings.

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 bioemulsifier composition useful for forming and stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions, comprising an esterase protein of 32.5 KD, found in association with emulsan in the bacteria Acinetobacter. The esterase, or parts of it, are isolated from cell extracts of various strains of Acinetobacter, or produced by any other means. The bioemulsifier composition is further comprised of a water-soluble polysaccharide polymer of any source. The present invention further discloses a method of forming and stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions, using the above-mentioned composition.

Abstract: Heavy oil or crude oil spills in sea water are recovered without polluting environment. A natural rubber latex and a coagulant are scattered around lumps of oil spills to coagulate the latex with the coagulant, so that a membrane of the latex is formed around the oil lumps.

Abstract: An effective and non-toxic oil spill dispersant combines a predominately oil-soluble surfactant (eg., polyethylene glycol mono-oleate) with a predominately water-soluble surfactant (eg., cocoamide) and a co-solvent for coupling a mixture of the predominately oil-soluble surfactant and the oil spill, with the predominately water-soluble surfactant. Water is included in the combination to help advance the interaction between the predominately oil-soluble surfactant and the predominately water-soluble surfactant as well as the co-solvent. The water component also helps reduce the viscosity of the dispersant to allow it to be pumped under pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating marine cuttings, preferably in situ, so that the cuttings can be discharged back into marine waters without causing oxygen depletion of marine sediment. In a preferred embodiment, the treatment emulsifies and then encapsulates free hydrocarbons in the marine cuttings.

Abstract: A formulation of chemical surfactants, solvents and inorganic salts is effective for dispersing heavy oils in both salt and fresh water. The formulation comprises a mixture of a sorbitan ester of an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid, a polyoxyethylene adduct of a sorbitan monoester of an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid, an alkali metal salt of a dialkyl sulfosuccinate, a polyoxyethylene adduct of a sorbitan triester of a monocarboxylic acid, a solvent comprising a hydrocarbon and/or a glycol ether and an inorganic salt containing a soluble divalent cation such as calcium or magnesium.

Abstract: A method for removing hydrocarbon products from water surfaces, which entails contacting the hydrocarbon products with a crystalline polypropylene, which when observed under a microscope of 2500 magnetization, exhibits a spongy surface having relatively homogeneous intercommunicating pores, with dimensions of between about 3 &mgr;m and 20 &mgr;m in diameter.

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: 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: The invention discloses oil congealing compositions to coagulate oil that has been spilled on water. The congealing composition is oliophilic based and floats on the water surface to contract and congeal oil spills in both salt and fresh water, which includes in significant amounts a polypropylene glycol ether, an alcohol, an ester and polyoxyalkyl glycol ether. After the congealing composition is applied to the oil spill, the floating congealed oil can be readily mechanically removed from the water such that at least 99.9% of the oil is removable from the water with minimal negative environmental impact.

Abstract: A method of removing hydrocarbons from soils contaminated with various hydrocarbons such as gasoline, diesel fuel, solvents, motor oil and crude oil. The process first screens the soil to remove oversized rocks and debris and to reduce the contaminated soil to uniformly sized particles. The soil particles are moved along a conveyor and first sprayed with an oxidizer diluted with ionized water and then sprayed with only ionized water. The washed particles are then vigorously mixed with their entrained oxidizer and ionized water in an auger mixer for several minutes to oxidize almost all of the remaining hydrocarbons. The washed and hydrocarbon-free soil is then moved by conveyor to a stockpile for storage, testing and drying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surfactant solution, and to using an aqueous solution of the surfactants, optionally with an antifoaming additive, for removing or washing MFAC contaminants from equipment, sludge, scale, and soil, among others. Examples of MFAC and related contaminants that can be removed by practicing the invention include at least a member of the tetraalkylleads, including but not limited too, tetramethyllead, trimethylethyllead, dimethyldiethyllead, methyltriethyllead, and tetraethyllead. While any suitable surfactant can be used for practicing the invention, an aqueous solution containing at least one member from the group of nonionic alcohol ethoxylates, including but not limited to the polyethoxylated aliphatic alcohols, is particularly effective at removing MFAC contaminants.

Abstract: A method for easily decomposing viscous, solidified spilled fuel oil or crude oil containing sea water and other disposal inhibiting substances. Titanium dioxide particles are added to viscous spilled fuel oil recovered in drums in a weight ratio of at least 0.2 to 1 times. Fuel oil is specifically adsorbed by the adsorbent and the mixture can be suspended in water. The suspension is filtered by a coarse filter to remove substances interfering with disposal by the oil. This filtrate is passed through a high performance filter (of sufficiently fine mesh to retain the adsorbent) so that the adsorbent is recovered, and sea water and other substances are discarded.

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: A method for controlling vertical migration of contaminants in an aquifer includes introduction of a solubilizing solution having a surfactant and an alcohol or other light co-solvent. The surfactant is selected to solubilize the contaminant. The alcohol or other solvent is selected to provide the microemulsion with a substantially neutral buoyancy with respect to groundwater. The neutral buoyancy of the microemulsion prevents the normal downward movement which is typical of the solubilized dense non-aqueous phase liquid in surfactant-enhanced aquifer remediation. Thus, the risk that any significant amount of the solubilized dense non-aqueous contaminants will migrate vertically can be controlled. The relative tendency for vertical migration may also be reduced by increasing the injection rate or injected fluid viscosity (by adding polymer), or by reducing the well spacing.

Abstract: Disclosed are stable monophasic liquid compositions comprising water, one or more cationic, anionic, amphoteric and/or nonionic surfactants, exhibiting partial solubility in water or in concentrated formulations, and one or more coupling agents which are C.sub.7 -C.sub.12 alkane substituted with two hydroxyl groups or alkoxylates thereof with up to 20 moles of one or more of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and/or butylene oxide.

Abstract: Oil coagulant compositions, and methods of using such compositions to coagulate the oil that has been spilled on water are prepared from a thermal reaction utilizing an oil component selected from the group consisting of glycerides, fatty acids, alkenes and alkynes, and a copolymer component. Representative polymers include, for example, isobutyl methacrylate polymers, and representative oil components include, for example, glycerides such as those derived from a drying oil such as linseed oil. The composition of the present invention floats on the water surface and coagulates oil independent of both agitation and temperature, and can be used in both salt and fresh water. After the coagulant has coagulated the spilled oil, the floating coagulated oil can be readily removed from the water by mechanical means such that at least 99.9% of the oil is removed from the water and only a faint trace of oil remains in the water.

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 and apparatus for removal of contaminants from fluid columns utilizes a solidifying polymer-based filtration media to extract pollutants, such as organic compounds and metals. Dissolved, emulsified or suspended contaminants are absorbed and solidified into an easily retrievable mass and retained within a replaceable filter container. Solidified contaminants may not leach when exposed to pressure limits currently used to determine landfill acceptability, may be incinerated as fuel for their BTU content or used as a component in the production of asphalt, roofing material or other tar-like compounds. Treated fluid columns exit the process containing acceptable levels of contaminants to permit free release into the environment.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the formation of organic gels by dissolving organic gelling agents in organic solvents. The aryl cyclohexanol gelling agents employed in this invention are not structurally related to previously known gellation agents and they exhibit potent gellation activity, for example, from 0.2-5%, by weight, of gelling agent is able to immobilize a variety of organic solvents. The gels formed range from optically transparent to slightly translucent, and complete fluidity can be restored by either increasing the temperature (reversible) or by chemical treatment (irreversible).

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.