An apparatus and a method for aggregate collection from a water body are provided. The apparatus includes a floatable structure which includes a body having a substantially spherical surface and a storage space within the body. The floatable structure further includes an opening that forms a passage to the storage space. The apparatus further includes a control assembly coupled to the body. The control assembly controls a collection of an aggregate present in the water body, into the storage space through the opening. The collection is controlled when the floatable structure is at least partially immersed in the water body.

Embodiments disclosed here include a containment system and methods of containment which may include a segmented buoyant rim. Certain embodiments also include an inflatable rim with at least one inflation/deflation valve in the rim segments and ballast in the rim segments. Additionally, certain embodiments include material connected to the rim segments, to enclose a void created in the rim and to hang below the buoyant rim.

A spill vacuum apparatus having a container having a cavity and a fluid inlet, the lower portion of the cavity including a fluid outlet closed by a check valve, the upper portion including a vacuum port and a fluid-level actuated release valve, the release valve cooperating with the upper portion to seal the cavity from the atmosphere until the release valve is actuated by a high fluid level reached within the lower portion by fluid volume, wherein coupling a vacuum source to the vacuum port depressurizes the cavity when the release and check valves are closed, and wherein when fluid is received in the lower portion through the inlet so as to reach the high fluid level, the release valve is actuated to unseal the cavity to the atmosphere, thereby releasing the weight of the fluid to actuate the check valve and release the fluid through the outlet.

Embodiments disclosed here include a buoyant filtration system and method including a buoyant rim which may be used to encircle a pollution source and attached to a submersible wall and floor. Some embodiments include the detachable filtration systems on or near the buoyant rim. Some embodiments include a bag attached to the buoyant rim where the bag is water permeable but retains the pollution in the water.

An oil fence including an oil filtration membrane includes: a floating member floating on a surface of water; and an oil filtration membrane connected to the floating member, allowing the water to pass therethrough, and rapidly collecting materials such as oil or a hazardous and noxious substance included in the water.

The present disclosure relates to a filter apparatus for oil-water separation, and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the filter apparatus for oil-water separation is mounted in a mixed fluid storage tank for storing a mixed fluid collected in seas or rivers in the event that an oil spill accident occurs, it is possible to drain off only water in the mixed fluid.

In addition, it is possible to increase the storage efficiency of the mixed fluid storage tank by selectively draining and removing only water other than oil and impurities in the mixed fluid stored in the mixed fluid storage tank.

An oil containment system aboard a vessel includes a pneumatic system to provide power to a winch and reel assembly containing boom whereby the pneumatic supply is capable of simultaneously powering the winch-reel assembly for boom deployment through inflatable gas fed to a pneumatic motor while also inflating the boom. The inflation of the boom is accomplished by diverting, all or any portion thereof, the inflatable gas from a pneumatic supply through a hose that runs concurrently on the outside of the boom. The pneumatic supply originates from a single pneumatic system powering both the winch and reel assembly as well as associated brake and feeding inflatable gas pressure to the inflation hose running concurrently with the boom. The system can be utilized to confine a discharge of a floating material such as hydrocarbons floating on the surface from a vessel or structure.

The present invention generally relates to containment and control of an oil spill caused by a damaged or broken riser in deep water. More specifically, the present invention relates to a reusable unit that will contain oil spills to a specific location and will also allow oil to be harvested as it flows to the top of the unit while minimizing or even eliminating any environmental clean-up impact or cost. The unit of the present invention is dropped over a damaged or broken riser in a closed position, the unit is released and stabilized in sections until the surface is reached and the containment unit is completely erected.

A spill vacuum apparatus having a container having a cavity and a fluid inlet, the lower portion of the cavity including a fluid outlet closed by a check valve, the upper portion including a vacuum port and a fluid-level actuated release valve, the release valve cooperating with the upper portion to seal the cavity from the atmosphere until the release valve is actuated by a high fluid level reached within the lower portion by fluid volume, wherein coupling a vacuum source to the vacuum port depressurizes the cavity when the release and check valves are closed, and wherein when fluid is received in the lower portion through the inlet so as to reach the high fluid level, the release valve is actuated to unseal the cavity to the atmosphere, thereby releasing the weight of the fluid to actuate the check valve and release the fluid through the outlet.

A marine apparatus for collecting waste, including a vessel frame; at least one float or ballast tank mounted on the vessel frame; a removable frame configured to receive a waste collector; at least one guide mounted on either the vessel frame or the removable frame; and at least one slide mounted on the other of the vessel frame or the removable frame, said at least one slide including a channel closed at one end and open at an opposite end, the open end forming a receiving end for receiving a respective guide.