Self-propelled floating vehicle collects oil from sea surface - with moving looped endless belt returning through surface and via curved enclosed track

摘要

The self-propelled floating vehicle may be deployed to collect oil from the surface of the sea, and has a supple power-driven endless belt which lifts the oil by adhesion. The belt comprises a closed loop, is driven by friction from overhead pulled wheels and travels in a vertical plane with the basal return loop immersed in the sea. the path of the belt is defined by a duct within a casing and belt to casing friction on the return run assists in lifting the oil. The relationship between the base of the belt and the sea level is adjustable, and the return track defined by the casing is curved. At the head of the run the belt passes through scrapers which remove the oil and deposit it in the hollow interior of the casing. The scrapers are sited immediately prior to the pulley wheels relative to belt motion. The track for the belt may be built onto the hollow interior vessel, and opens out into the interior by means of overhead inlets.