OIL RECOVERY SYSTEM USING SORBENT MATERIAL

The feasibility of recovering oil in slicks lmm and thicker by the use of recycled sorbents has been shown in laboratory and wave tank tests. Sorbents made of reticulated foam are broadcast on the sea, herded by a boom, picked up by a porous belt and the oil squeezed out of the sorbents by a wringer. The sorbents are then rebroadcast on the sea for further oil recovery. General equations were developed for basic sorption properties, sorbent broadcasting, sorbent herding, sorbent pickup, recovery of oil from the sorbent and for the total system. Based on the laboratory modeling and general equations, the total system concept was developed. It was concluded that one inch cube sorbent particles distributed in a shrouded rectilinear screw fed system was optimal. A 4/1 compression ratio of the slick by a boom herding the sorbent and oil to the channel would work under virtually any wave condition.

• Corporate Authors:

  Meloy Laboratories, Incorporated

  Springfield, VA  United States 
• Authors:
  • Gumtz, G D
  • Meloy, T P
• Publication Date: 1973-9

Media Info

• Pagination: 148 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Adsorption; Oil spill cleanup; Surface active agents; Water quality management
• Old TRIS Terms: Adsorption processes; Oil recovery systems
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00057208
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: Tech. Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: EPA-68-01-0068
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 16 1974 12:00AM