Abstract: A sea surface oil recovery device is provided, which comprises a storage cabin, an oil-water separation system and an oil-water collection system arranged on the storage cabin. The storage cabin is provided with an oil storage cabin, a water storage cabin, a separation cabin and a gas storage cabin which are separated from each other, and the storage cabin is provided with a water pipe for connecting the water storage cabin with the outside of the storage cabin. The oil-water separation system comprises a molecular semipermeable membrane for separating oil and water and a water suction pipe, wherein the molecular semipermeable membrane is arranged between the separation cabin and the water storage tank and connects the separation cabin with the water storage tank; the water suction pipe is arranged between the oil storage cabin and the separation cabin and connects the oil storage tank with each other.

Abstract: An improved skimmer system is disclosed, as well as method of use and manufacture. The skimmer system comprises a base-basket and a moving section, where the moving section has two or more louvres defined therein. During use, the base-basket will likely remain stationary, but the moving section will float-travel along a vertical axis defined by the louvres. The skimmer system enables effective skimming regardless of potential changes in level of the pool water. The louvres within the moving section correspond with a plurality of slots within the base-basket. During installation of the system, a user would first position the base-basket within the bottom of any (existing) circular opening which normally houses a pool skimmer. Then, the user takes the movable section and loads it in on top of the base-basket.

Abstract: A water surface garbage salvaging device, comprising a demihull, a large garbage salvaging device and a small garbage cleaning device; wherein the large garbage salvaging device is arranged on a front portion of the demihull, and the small garbage cleaning device is arranged on a rear portion thereof; the large garbage salvaging device comprises a paddle wheel, slipways and a large garbage storage bin; and the small garbage cleaning device comprises a filter mesh, a guide rail slider mechanism, a lifting mechanism and a pulley system, a hanging bracket is arranged above the filter mesh.

Abstract: A float assembly that can generate its inflowing water current for collecting water surface debris in a water body. Float assembly can be mounted to a fixed structure at the water body and includes a basket supported by a pair of floats buoyant in water. The basket includes a pump housed in a perforated housing, wherein the pump can be operated to suck water through the inlet also carrying the debris into the basket. The debris of a suitable size can be retained in the basket while the water is pumped out through an outlet. The basket can be switched from an operating state i.e., submerged in water to a stowed state outside the water upon the fixed structure.

Abstract: The apparatus for removal of garbage from water comprises a garbage collecting system in a boat with at least one inlet to allow the liquid to flow into the garbage collecting system, a sump pump for pulling liquid into and through the garbage collecting system, and to an outlet of the system, and a collecting system to collect the garbage, wherein the sump pump pumps at such a speed to maintain the highest point on the bottom edge of the inlet at a level below the water line outside the body, and to maintain the water level within the body slightly below that of the water outside the body.

Abstract: A system for cleaning rivers and waterways in general includes one or more floating modules, each having a floating body and a rotating body provided with projecting elements configured to be positioned on the water surface, so that, when the rotating body rotates due to the thrusting action of the water current, the projecting elements move floating debris in a direction determined by its rotation direction towards an accumulation or recovery area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water surface cleaning machine, comprising a hull, a cleaning device provided at the bottom of the hull for collecting and storing water surface floating debris, a propulsion device provided at the front end and/or the back end of the hull for propelling the hull to travel on the water surface, a steering device provided at the corner portion between the front end and the side edge of the hull, wherein steering device causes the hull to rotate relative to an obstacle for adjusting traveling direction of the hull when the hull comes into contact with the obstacle during traveling on the water surface, and a power unit provided inside the hull for providing power to the propulsion device and the steering device.

Abstract: A water filtering system includes a support with pontoons to provide buoyancy and a suction pipe; a plate connected to the pontoons and suction pipe; and a wheel bearing shaft. A venturi system includes a venturi suction pipe and a discharge pipe. A screen assembly to engage with the plate around the venturi system, having a filter drum; and a wheel bearing assembly engage with a wheel bearing shaft to secure the screen assembly in place; buckets are mounted to the closed end; and a pump engaged with the suction pipe. The pontoons and the suction pipe extend into the filter drum; water is pulled through the venturi suction pipe and further pushed to the discharge pipe and the split pipe to fall out and into the buckets; the filter drum to rotates; and water is dumped from each of the buckets through the screen.

Abstract: A waste collection device (10) comprising a receptacle (12) having an opening (24) in an upper end and a tubular member (28) mounted for sliding movement within the opening (24). A pump is provided for pumping water outwardly from within the receptacle (12) and a basket is provided within the tubular member (28). The tubular member (28) comprises a cylindrical inner wall (32) and a cylindrical outer wall (33) connected at upper and lower ends thereof to define an annular chamber (36) to provide buoyancy to the tubular member (28).

Abstract: Vaults, boxes, systems, and methods of treatment systems to capture pollutants from storm water runoff and prevent the conveyance of these pollutants from entering a receiving water body or landscape area, which is designed to be a part of a local permanent storm water drainage infrastructure. A single treatment box, vault and system combines both drainage conveyance, multi-level treatment techniques, variable hydraulic capabilities, and easy and inexpensive methods for servicing the system, along with a hinged skimmer system with or without a float. The hinged skimmer system can include a rigid vertical panel attached by pivotal support rods that allow the vertical panel to move up and down along a vertical plane in front of an outlet flow line to a vault.

Abstract: A floating debris remover having an operator station for directing debris into a debris inlet and a power manipulateable debris scoop for on-the-go separation of the debris from the water through elevation of the debris scoop with the debris remover having an operator station to allow an onboard operator to retrieve and deposit debris at a waste disposal site solely through operator manipulation of the debris scoop.

Abstract: A sequencing batch reactor includes a liquid level sensor configured to measure a level of liquid in the vessel and provide an indication of the level of the liquid to a controller and a sludge detector configured to measure a position of an interface between sludge and solids-lean supernatant in the vessel and to provide an indication of the position of the interface to the controller. The controller is configured to perform a comparison between the level of the liquid and the position of the interface and control an amount of solids-lean supernatant removed from the vessel during the decant stage based on the comparison.

Abstract: A desalination system that is deployable in a body of water having a surface and a seafloor and which includes a vessel structure that is capable of travel in water, a reverse osmosis system disposed within an internal space of the vessel structure and a tank connected to the reverse osmosis system, the tank configured to receive filtered water from the reverse osmosis system. A positioning system is provided for controlling the travel of the vessel structure, and a ballast system is configured to control the buoyancy of the vessel structure. A controller is operably associated with the positioning system and the ballast system to control the position of the vessel below the surface of the body of water.

Abstract: A system for consolidating and removing contaminate such as paint sludge or oils from a fluid mixture. A contaminate tank receives a supply of the fluid mixture containing contaminate from a source such as a manufacturing line where overspray of paints or cleaning solutions containing washed away oils are collected. A free floating weir floats on the surface of the contaminate tank and mechanically separates and removes contaminate from a surface of the contaminate tank and concentrates contaminate in a consolidation tank. The free floating weir is equipped with several features that enhance the ability of the free floating weir to remove contaminate without becoming clogged.

Abstract: A docking station which can releasably engage and hold a robotic pool cleaner, the docking station optionally including a pre-filter for coarse debris, the pool cleaner including an internal filter and a pump to suction in, filter and eject filtered water while the pool cleaner is coupled to the docking station. The pool cleaner's pump creates water jets to provide propulsion for the pool cleaner and to aid in decoupling the pool cleaner from the docking station.

Abstract: A floating debris pickup system that includes watercraft with a forward extending landing door located at the bow that can be selectively lowered or raised by the operator. Attached to the upper edge of the landing door is a rigid net frame. A net is attached to the net frame. During use, the landing door is partially lowered to position the net into the water. The watercraft then trolls to pick up floating debris in the net. The net frame includes at least two upper extending posts which are selectively engage to receivers attached to the landing door. The receivers and posts are oriented so that the net frame is aligned perpendicular to the landing door. The watercraft includes a davit system that allows the net fame to be attached and removed from the landing door and raises the net filled with debris over trash cans located in the hull.

Abstract: A floating debris remover having an operator station for directing debris into a debris inlet and a power manipulateable debris scoop for on-the-go separation of the debris from the water through elevation of the debris scoop with the debris remover having an operator station to allow an onboard operator to retrieve and deposit debris at a waste disposal site solely through operator manipulation of the debris scoop.

Abstract: A portable solar powered water pumping system having plumbing parts manually coupled together to provide a water tight interference fit for allowing the pump to be assembled and disassembled without tools. The system includes a solar powered pump having an intake chamber and an outflow nozzle. The system also includes a discharge output assembly coupled to the outflow nozzle assembly for directing the water flow to a location selected by a user. The system further includes at least one solar powered connecter for connecting to at least one solar panel to directly power the pump with DC power generated from the solar panel.

Abstract: A wave-making apparatus for use in a swimming pool comprises a motor that may be powered at least in part by the flow of water from a swimming pool pump. When water from the pump flows through an inlet in the motor housing, it rotates a turbine within the housing, which in turn rotates a cantilever arm about a central axis of the turbine. A distal end of the cantilever arm is attached, e.g., by a tether or other device, to a buoy or float at the surface of the water such that rotation of the cantilever arm pulls the float down periodically, creating perpetual swimming pool waves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for filtering storm water inside a storm drain. The device (1) comprises a filter unit (2), a metal capturing ballast unit (6), and a floating carrier (4) for carrying the filter unit and the metal capturing ballast unit (6). Whereby, in use, the device (1) is arranged in a floating condition in the storm water of the storm drain. The filter unit (2) is at least partially arranged above a surface (5) of the storm water, and the metal capturing ballast unit (6) is arranged below the surface (5) of the storm water. The metal capturing ballast unit (6) comprises a solid material for capturing metal and providing ballast.

Abstract: An inlet sieve for a self-priming floating pump features a bottom wall that is carried in a position that underlies the inlet of the self-priming floating pump at a distance therebelow with the inlet of the pump aligned with an axis that passes through the bottom wall of the sieve. A perforated outer wall of the sieve stands upward from a top side of the bottom wall and extends about the axis. The bottom wall features an outer area that spans inwardly from the perforated outer wall toward the axis, and a protuberance that bulges upwardly from the outer area to an apex of the protuberance that is situated at the axis. Water flowing inwardly toward the protuberance from different radial directions is directed smoothly upward into the inlet of the pump with minimal turbulence in order to optimize the performance of the pump.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for removing waste materials from the surface of liquid in a liquid treatment system. In one example a surface wasting system comprises a chamber including a sump, an outer conduit coupled by a first seal to an upper wall of the chamber, an inner conduit axially disposed within the outer conduit, the inner conduit in contact with a surface of a liquid in a treatment vessel of the liquid treatment system, an expandable waterproof bellows having a lower end coupled to the outer conduit above the first seal and an upper end coupled to the inner conduit, the waterproof bellows forming a second seal between the outer conduit and the inner conduit, and a float coupled to the inner conduit and configured to vertically displace the inner conduit responsive to a change in a level of liquid in the sump.

Abstract: A skimming device configured to collect and store floating debris captured from the surface of a body of water. The skimming device includes a debris collector having an enclosed body defining an opening for receiving and storing captured debris therein; a skimming device movement member configured to move the skimming device in the body of water; a debris movement member configured to capture floating debris from the body of water and pass the captured debris into the debris collector; and a housing that surrounds the debris collector and skimming movement member such that the two endless belts of the skimming movement member extend above and below the housing. The debris includes at least one of liquid debris such as floating petrochemicals, semi-solid debris, and/or solid debris.

Abstract: Strong fabrics are provided that can be used for items that can be moved or gathered while maintaining their integrity. The added strength of the fabric and the performance of the fabric make these fabrics and these items more effective in responding to oil spills. These fabrics and items will remove oil sheen from the surface of water and can absorb more than their dry weight in oil from water. Non-linting socks (e.g., sediment socks or absorbent socks) are also provided.

Abstract: A material separation system and method is disclosed. The system may include a buoy having a volume that includes or houses a reacting component. The buoy may be placed in a container to hold the material to be separated during a separation procedure. The separated material may be used to various procedures following separation.

Abstract: A grit removal unit for a wastewater system including a grit removal chamber with a substantially annular vertical wall. A horizontal annular ring above the chamber bottom extends inwardly from the annular vertical wall, with an influent channel extending into the chamber beneath the ring and an effluent channel above the rim and extending out of the chamber. The influent and effluent channels both have inner side walls with a curved portion, with both curved portions extending through an arc of at least 90 degrees within the chamber annular vertical wall.

Abstract: A floating structure and method for obtaining same. The structure includes a first plurality of tubes and a second plurality of tubes. The second plurality of tubes are inserted into the first plurality of tubes to extend through the upper portion of same, and both sets of tubes are welded together. The ends of the tubes of the first plurality of tubes are closed in order to be used as flotation tanks when the floating structure is fitted out for such use. The method concerns locking the first plurality of tubes in place on the frame, with pairs of holes in each of the first plurality of tubes being aligned, and a corresponding tube of the second plurality of tubes being inserted through each pair of aligned holes by force. Each of the connection portions or parts contained in the tubes are welded on the periphery of the holes.

Abstract: Provided is a device for collecting oil contained in ice. The device includes a lifting device fixed for example to a vessel, a cage of separation adapted to be lowered into the water between the ice blocks by means of the lifting device and formed by a box which lets water and oil but substantially no ice, and an oil collector for collecting the oil on the water surface in the space defined by the separation of cage.

Abstract: A portable, non-filtering, microorganism deactivation device for treating water contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. coli and fecal coliform, includes a housing, said housing containing a high porosity media saturated with an ionically charged material such as colloidal silver.

Abstract: A screen decanter for decanting liquid from a reservoir, comprising at least one rack comprising screens and baffles forming the sides of a cavity; a frame attached to the screens and baffles and providing a barrier so that liquid cannot pass from outside into the cavity without passing through the screens; a patterned perforated drain pipe inside the cavity and leading to an opening through which liquids may drain out from the cavity. The pattern of the openings counteracts the hydrostatic head within the rack such that flow through the screens is uniform at all depths of immersion in the liquid reservoir. Preferably, the screens have a porosity of about 50 micrometers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nuclear facility pool cleaning device having a floating platform, capable of floating in water, having buoyancy bodies; a drive device for displacing the floating platform on the surface of a water-filled nuclear facility pool to be cleaned; a winching device connected to the floating platform; a pump which is winchable vertically by the winching device and has a vacuum hose, connected thereto at its first end, for cleaning the bottom of the nuclear facility pool; a remote control device for remotely operating at least the drive device and the winching device; an optional stationary external storage tank; and wherein the second end of the vacuum hose preferably leads at least indirectly into the stationary external storage tank.

Abstract: An aqua-robotic pollutant removing device includes a buoyant body, an electromechanical housing coupled to the buoyant body, and a pollutant absorbing belt coupled to the electromechanical housing and extending outward from the buoyant body. The electromechanical housing is constructed and arranged to rotate the pollutant absorbing belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for removal of contaminants from water includes an openable enclosure with one or more inlet openings through the sides for admitting water and debris into the enclosure. Intake modules attached to the outer surface of the enclosure draw water from the enclosure through an intake conduit and out an upper port in the side of the intake module. A pump module adjacent to the intake module has a side port corresponding to the upper port of the intake module so that water is drawn by a pump from the intake module and exhausted through an outlet channel of the pump module. A snorkel attached to the pump module with its lower end located adjacent to the pump propeller draws air down into the snorkel and into a fitting disposed below the pump propeller for injection into the enclosure.

Abstract: An assembly for being dragged by a vessel, wherein the assembly includes a filtering system and a fluidum guiding system, wherein the filtering system is suitable for filtering large volumes of fluidum, and wherein the fluidum guiding system defines a channel configured such that at least in a channel portion the current velocity of the fluidum guided through that channel portion is reduced downstream, and wherein the fluidum guiding system and the filtering system are mutually arranged such that current velocity of fluidum filtered in the filtering system is reduced for decreasing drag.

Abstract: A method of removing water from phase separated fuel in a fluid reservoir, said method comprising the steps of: identifying layers of fluid within the reservoir; determining the heights of the respective fluid layers within said reservoir; providing a vacuum and a first suction tube, said vacuum and said first suction tube providing a first volumetric flow rate; inserting the first suction tube into said fluid reservoir; removing a first fluid layer; replacing said first suction tube with a second suction tube, said second suction tube having a greater cross-sectional area than said first suction tube such that said vacuum and said second suction tube have a second volumetric flow rate; inserting said second suction tube into said fluid reservoir; removing a second fluid from said reservoir; and sending said second fluid through a filtration system.

Abstract: Remediation materials are stored and treated within remediation cells constructed within a pond. The remediation materials originate from a variety of sources including the pond in which the remediation cells are constructed. The volume of the remediation cells is relatively small compared to the total volume of the pond and thus, the total active volume of the pond to handle stormwater flood events is not significantly diminished. Remediation of the remediation materials in the cells is accomplished through a variety of processes, including dewatering and/or by bioremediation therein. The water level in the remediation cells during normal operation outside flood events is maintained at levels which support the remediation processes. When the remediation cells are filled over time, remediated material can be removed for use in constructing other remediation cells, wetlands or marshes in the same or other ponds or can be located to areas remote from the pond.

Abstract: Catamaran-type boat for collecting waste (petroleum, oils, rubbish, algae, etc.), of those comprised by two parallel and longitudinal hulls, wherebetween is defined a tunnel wherethrough water flows, a control bridge, and at least one fuel tank for servicing a main engine, fundamentally standing out in that it permits access thereof to very shallow areas, and in that once said waste has been collected and filtered, it is packaged in bags and tossed back into the water for its subsequent collection or towing by auxiliary boats, allowing the ship to be used continuously in a greater number of situations; additionally permitting the configuration of the ship for “open sea” waste collection, and a configuration of the ship for “coastal areas”, rivers, marshes or suchlike.

Abstract: A surface water outlet device for allowing water removal from a sediment pond while controlling sediment removal that includes a float formed of interconnected lengths of pipe sealed against water intrusion and a drain pipe attached to the float and having a plurality of openings to allow water to drain into the drain pipe. A swivel is positioned intermediate the float and the drain pipe and adapted to allow the float to rise and fall with the water level in the sediment pond and to allow the drain pipe to pivot relative to the float as the floats rises and falls with the water level. An annular slide pipe is positioned over the drain pipe and is moveable along the length of the drain pipe to cover a varying length of the slots to correspondingly vary the rate at which water flows into the drain pipe through the slots.

Abstract: A separator system operable to use centrifugation to fractionate a multiple component material, such as a suspension including blood, comprises a buoy. The buoy can be carried in a separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in the multiple component material. A guide surface is carried on a buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to a water skimmer and method of using same in a water containment system where the water skimmer comprises a conduit and float material. The conduit has water apertures and air apertures. The conduit and the float material are adapted to maintain a approximately a 1.5 inch to 6 inch head of water above the water apertures while keeping the air apertures at or above the water level. The number and size of the water apertures in the conduit allow for a predetermined flow rate of water.

Abstract: A system comprising a surface vessel floating on a body of water; an oil leak located in the body of water; a remotely operated vehicle located near the oil leak; a connection between the surface vessel and the remotely operated vehicle; wherein the remotely operated vehicle comprises a mixer and a dispersant injector.

Abstract: An apparatus for removal of contaminants from water includes an openable enclosure with one or more inlet openings through the sides for admitting water and debris into the enclosure. Intake modules attached to the outer surface of the enclosure draw water from the enclosure through an intake conduit and out an upper port in the side of the intake module. A pump module adjacent to the intake module has a side port corresponding to the upper port of the intake module so that water is drawn by a pump from the intake module and exhausted through an outlet channel of the pump module. A snorkel attached to the pump module with its lower end located adjacent to the pump propeller draws air down into the snorkel and into a fitting disposed below the pump propeller for injection into the enclosure.

Abstract: A self-cleaning screen includes a rotatable drum made of mesh material and an inlet pipe extending through a front end of the drum. A flotation structure supports the drum with the inlet pipe and the lower part of the drum submerged during use. A cleaning spray system located within the drum receives cleaning water through a hollow shaft supporting a rear end of the drum. Spray nozzles located within an upper part of the drum above the water level direct the cleaning water radially outward to dislodge debris from the screen. The front end of the drum includes an annular ring and a rubber seal extending radially inwardly from the annular ring to engage the inlet pipe. A drive belt extends around the annular ring to rotate the drum. A plurality of rollers engage a surface of the annular ring to support the drum for rotation about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A apparatus for treating ballast water with acrolein which is to be connected to a main ballast water line of a ballast water unit, comprises a reactor device to which acrolein derivate and water is to be fed for generating an aqueous acrolein solution, a branch line which is connected to the main ballast water line for branching off a partial ballast water stream, and a mixing device which is connected to the branch line and an acrolein solution supply line from the reactor device and is designed for diluting the aqueous acrolein solution from the reactor device, and a feed device for supplying the aqueous acrolein solution from the mixing unit to the main ballast water line.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water in a reservoir includes a funnel. A support assembly supports the funnel in a lengthwise upright orientation when the funnel is submerged. A water moving arrangement is arranged to move water through the funnel in a direction from an inlet at an upper end of the funnel towards an outlet at lower end of the funnel.

Abstract: A floating dispenser for floatingly delivering a dispersant or dispersants to a body of water with the floating dispenser floating in an upright condition when a dispersant is present in a dispenser cartridge of the floating dispenser with the dispenser self inverting 180 degrees in response to consumption of the dispersant in the dispenser cartridge to thereby provide a visual alert that one should replace the dispenser cartridge in the dispenser with a fresh dispenser cartridge.

Abstract: A device is provided for removing clarified water from a basin. The device includes a water receiving unit associated with a float. The float and water receiving unit is disposed over a pipe assembly. The float and water receiving unit is moveable up and down and, in the process, the telescoping pipe assembly retracts and expands. Water received by the water receiving unit is directed through the pipe assembly to an outlet.

Abstract: Ballast and/or cooling water biocidal treatment and disinfection systems and techniques are provided. The systems utilize oxidation reduction potential control to regulate addition, or concentration of an electrocatalytically generated biocidal agent to disinfection levels in ship buoyancy and to biofouling levels in ship cooling water systems. The disinfection and biofouling control systems provide suitable treatment while reducing the potential for corrosion of ship components and, in some cases, undesirable disinfection byproducts.

Abstract: A gas flotation separator for use in horizontal tanks, such as those used for oil storage on board Floating Production Storage and Off-loading (FPSO) vessels, includes dividing the tank into a plurality of chambers operating in series. Prior to entering each chamber, the contaminated aqueous phase is mixed with a stream containing gas bubbles to aid in flocculation and flotation of the immiscible phase contaminant. The gas bubble recycle stream can be generated by injecting a controlled rate of a pressurized gas into a liquid stream of the clean produced water in a process external to the tank or by induction of a gas phase internal to the tank. The mixture flows into the first chamber and impinges on an angled inlet water weir. A portion of the immiscible phase and the gas phase rises to the top of the chamber while the remaining immiscible contaminants flow downward with the aqueous phase to the bottom of the chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed here include a buoyant filtration system and method including a buoyant inflatable segmented rim encircling a void and attached to a submersible bag. Some embodiments include the buoyant inflatable rim segments with an inflation/deflation valve, ballast attachment, a hose and pump to remove liquid from the void. Some embodiments include at least two filters, connected to the hose.