Apparatus and Method for Picking Up Oil from the Surface of Water

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention concerns a device and method for collecting oil from the surface of water, such as lakes, rivers, or seas, in the event of oil spills. The apparatus consists of a container for collecting the oil, and an oil-transporting component made from water-repellent (hydrophobic or superhydrophobic) sheet material with special filamentous or grid-like surface structures. These structures can trap a gas layer underwater, which is replaced by oil upon contact, allowing the oil to travel along the surface into the container. The process is passive, requires no external power or absorbent material, and the oil-collecting material can be reused after cleaning.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Cleanup of accidental oil spills in oceans, rivers, and lakes.
• Deployment as a preventive measure near oil-handling facilities, pipelines, or ships to capture small leaks before they spread.
• Protection of sensitive areas such as harbors, marinas, or nature reserves from oil pollution.
• Integration into emergency response kits for oil spill management teams.
• Use in laboratory or industrial settings for small-scale removal of oil from water.
• Potentially in environmental monitoring to analyze gathered oil contamination.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Passive and energy-efficient operation, requiring no pumps or external power.
• Minimizes secondary waste, as the oil-collecting material can be cleaned and reused.
• Reduces environmental impact compared to absorbent methods that create additional waste.
• Can operate quietly and without disturbing wildlife, making it suitable for protected areas.
• Works by selective adsorption, targeting oil and not water, thus reducing water contamination.
• Easily adaptable in size and configuration for different scales of oil spill incidents.
• Allows collected oil to be recovered and potentially recycled or properly disposed of.
• No need for chemical additives or consumables, making long-term deployment viable.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for picking up oil from the surface of water, comprising a container for receiving the oil and an oil-transporting device, wherein: a region of the oil-transporting device can be brought into fluidic connection with the surface of water, and a further region of the oil-transporting device is located in the container; the oil can be transported into the container via the oil-transporting device; the oil-transporting device is formed from water-repellent sheet material, the surface of which has filamentous and/or grid-like structures, which are designed such that, under water, they hold a layer of gas on the surface of the water-repellent sheet material. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for picking up oil from the surface of water.