An Oil Recovery System Utilizing Polyurethane Foam. A Feasibility Study.

摘要

A system has been developed for recovering spilled oil from water surfaces under a wide variety of environmental conditions and for all types of oils. The system is designed to recover oil at rates up to 9,000gal./hr. The system is based on the use of polyurethane foam,foamed on the job site,as a sorbent for the spilled oil. The foam is recirculated to increase efficiency and to lower unit costs. Equipment needed includes collection booms,and open-mesh chain-link belt for harvesting the oil-soaked sorbent,and a roller-wringer to remove oil and water from the foam. The foam is initially comminuted and distributed onto the water by means of a hay blower (mulcher),and recycled foam is distributed by an open-throat centrifugal blower. Recovered oil and water are transported to shore in large fabric bags for further treatment prior to disposal. Used foam is disposed of by incineration.