The invention relates to a hydrophobed porous oil binder in the form of a nonwoven fabric composed of lignocellulose-containing raw materials having a biologically functionalized surface for removing mineral-oil-based contaminants in seas, rivers, inland waters, and stormwater basins or wastewater treatment plants, wherein the density of the oil binder is 10 to 900 kg/m.sup.3, the oil binder is 1 to 25 mm thick, the broad surface of the oil binder has a dimension of 9 to 200 cm.sup.2, the porosity of the oil binder is 30 to 96%, measured with respect to the total fraction of the oil binder, and the flexural strength of the oil binder is at least 1.5 N/mm.sup.2.

The present invention provides improved methods for purifying and/or removing oily particles, and/or contaminants suspended or dissolved in water. In particular the process relates to an additive composition that has the appropriate surfactant characteristics for effectively removing an oil phase from an oil/aqueous mixed phase via foam fractionation. According to the invention, a hydrophobically modified polymer that acts as an associative thickener is combined with surfactant in appropriate ratios to facilitate oil removal for water purification in any of a number of commercial, environmental and industrial applications.

Process and device for converting hydrocarbons or fatty substances that are in substantially liquid form to solid form, especially for the environmental remediation of surfaces or sites polluted by these hydrocarbons or fatty substances, characterized in that the material to be converted to solid form is brought into contact with a composition heated to the liquid state, comprising, at least in the majority proportion, tallow, and optionally a fluidizing agent, thus obtaining a solid complex material, that is easy to collect, and that can be reprocessed in order to recover the material.

The invention relates to a device for taking up oil from a water surface, comprising a container for receiving the oil and an oil-transporting means, wherein a portion of the oil-transporting means can be brought into fluid communication with the water surface and another portion of the oil-transporting means is disposed within the container, wherein the oil can be transported into the container via the oil-transporting means, wherein the oil-transporting means is formed from a hydrophobic fabric, the surface of which comprises filament-shaped and/or grid-like structures which are designed in such a way that they retain a gas layer on the surface of the hydrophobic fabric under water. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for taking up oil from a water surface.

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.

A sorbent-based oil skimmer is configured to collect oil from an oil layer and passively deposit the oil in an encasing, where the oil can be continuously or periodically removed. The oil skimmer includes an encasing and a sponge that is partially enclosed within the encasing. The sponge has a top sheet in contact with the oil layer and a shell connected to the top sheet, where the shell extends into the encasing. Oil collected by the top sheet is conveyed through the shell, where it is deposited into the encasing under the force of gravity. In some applications, the sponge is manufactured from a silicone-based polymer that has been impregnated with carbonaceous material. The skimmer may optionally include counterweights, ballast tanks, buoyancy adjustment systems and propulsion modules.

A separating arrangement for a device for collecting waste material floating on or near the surface of water is disclosed. The separating arrangement includes a first basin and a separating means. The water containing waste is led to the first basin by a transfer arrangement, such as a pipe. The device is configured in such a way that the water coming from the transfer arrangement has a speed gradient, namely, the cross section of the transfer arrangement has areas where the speeds of the water flow are different. The fastest speed component of the water has the highest concentration of waste. The first basin and the separating means are configured in such a way that when the water arrives at the first basin, most of the waste reaches the separating means and does not clog the walls of the first basin.

In one embodiment, an ice management system is provided for removing an amount of oil from a surface of a body of water. The ice management system includes an ice frame having an ice fence coupled with an ice cage, an oil skimmer device disposed within the ice frame, and an ice deflection assembly coupled with the ice frame. The ice deflection assembly includes an auger coupled with a motor. The auger includes a drum and a deflection mechanism, and the motor is configured to rotate the auger. The deflection mechanism includes a spiral flight or a series of tabs arranged in a corkscrew pattern about the drum. The ice fence includes a plurality of curved vanes. The curved vanes have a bent rectangular plate shape.

A bottom plate for a marine boom includes a main plate extending in a first plane. The main plate has first and second ends with first and second sides extending there between. The first plane is defined by a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends and a lateral axis normal to the longitudinal axis and extending between the first and second sides. Top and bottom surfaces are bounded by the first and second ends and the first and second sides and extend parallel to the first plane. At least one lug is attached to the main plate and extends in a second plane generally perpendicular to the first plane. The lug includes a flange defining an aperture aligned generally parallel with the lateral axis, where radial thickness of the flange increases toward the main plate and decreases away from the main plate.

Systems, apparatus and methods useful for collecting and separating floating debris and water from a body of water on a vessel, the vessel including at least one inflow regulator (IFR) chamber at least partially separated from a main collection compartment and at least one fluid discharge pump.