Oil Spill Recovery Research Articles

Scaleable two-component gelator from phthalic acid derivatives and primary alkyl amines: acid-base interaction in the cooperative assembly.

A series of phthalic acid derivatives (P) with a carbon-chain tail was designed and synthesized as single-component gelators. A combination of the single-component gelator P and a non-gelling additive n-alkylamine A through acid-base interaction brought about a series of novel phase-selective two-component gelators PA. The gelation capabilities of P and PA, and the structural, morphological, thermo-dynamic and rheological properties of the corresponding gels were investigated. A molecular dynamics simulation showed that the H-bonding network in PA formed between the NH of A and the carbonyl oxygen of P altered the assembly process of gelator P. Crude PA could be synthesized through a one-step process without any purification and could selectively gel the oil phase without a typical heating-cooling process. Moreover, such a crude PA and its gelation process could be amplified to the kilogram scale with high efficiency, which offers a practical economically viable solution to marine oil-spill recovery.

Cellulose nanofibers from bamboo and their nanocomposites with polyvinyl alcohol: Preparation and characterization

Bamboo cellulose nanofibers (BCNFs) having an average diameter of 15.02 nm were isolated from moso bamboo by chemical pretreatments combined with subsequent ultrasonic treatments to remove the hemicellulose and lignin and split the cellulose bundle into BCNFs. The isolation of BCNF is proved by transmission electron microscope (TEM), FTIR, XRD, and thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) characterizations. The BCNF was used as the reinforcing agent in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) along with crosslinking agents to prepare crosslinked nanocomposite aerogels. The resulting BCNF/PVA aerogel, treated with methyltrichlorosilane using a chemical vapor deposition technology, was rendered both hydrophobic and oleophilic. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), FTIR, and TGA results showed the characteristics of BCNF/PVA aerogels with or without silane coating. Finally, these low‐density hybrid aerogels proved to be efficiently absorbing organic solvents (e.g., hexane) and oils (e.g., pump oil) with an excellent selectivity, thereby making them potentially useful for spilled oil recovery and environmental protection. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2611–2619, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

Alkyl bicarbamates supramolecular organogelators with effective selective gelation and high oil recovery from oil/water mixtures

A series of alkyl bicarbamates supramolecular organogelators were synthesized with different structures and lengths of alkyl chains. The driving forces for the self-assembly of small molecules, including the intermolecular H bonding, π-π stacking and van der Waals interactions, played an important role in the formation of different 3D network structures, i.e., fibers, ribbons, sheets, and prisms. And a probable formation process of the gel networks was proposed. Furthermore, the phase-selective gelling performances were investigated for oil removal from aqueous solution. Interestingly, the gelling properties were found to be affected by the length and structure of alkyl chains, while some gelators with intermediate alkyl chain lengths could effectively gel all the tested oils from water surface within 15 min, such as Russian crude oil, diesel, gasoline, soybean oil, peanut oil, olive oil, cyclohexane, hexane and ethyl acetate. Advantageously, fast gelation, high rate of oil removal (>95%) and excellent oil retention rate (close to 100%) were realized in the recovery of oil spills from water surface. This kind of supramolecular gelators demonstrates good potential applications in the delivery or removal of organic pollution from oil/water mixtures.

Continuous preparation of polyHIPE monoliths from ionomer-stabilized high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) for efficient recovery of spilled oils

We present a facile and continuous approach to prepare polyHIPE monoliths for efficient reclamation of spilled oils. The polyHIPE monoliths were produced from a light induced polymerization of an ionomer, namely sulfonated polystyrene stabilized high internal phase emulsions (SPS-HIPEs). The SPS-HIPEs consisted of seawater as the dispersed aqueous phase and inexpensive monomers such as butyl acrylate and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as the continuous phase. Sulfonated polystyrene was from used foams, realizing a sustainable transformation of waste polystyrene. PolyHIPE monoliths from SPS-HIPEs (SPS-polyHIPEs) reached a high gel fraction of 93% with exposure to UV light for only 5min, providing a possibility to produce them continuously. SPS-polyHIPEs are much greener in comparison to those from surfactant- or particles-stabilized HIPEs, and no purification is required prior to use. SPS-polyHIPE monoliths exhibit interconnected macro-porous structures, and the sizes of pores as well as pore throats can be controlled simply by the volume fraction of the dispersed phase. These monoliths are hydrophobic with a water contact angle over 140°. Excellent performances have been verified for oil spill reclamation, including high absorption capacity to a series of organic solvents or oils, high absorption rate of reaching saturated absorption in 3–5min, a high recovery rate over 85% and a high reusability over 20 times. A continuous process has been illustrated using SPS-polyHIPEs as absorbents for oil spill recovery.

Facile preparation of nitrogen-doped graphene sponge as a highly efficient oil absorption material

A superoleophilic and hydrophobic Nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) sponge with three-dimensional (3 D) structure is fabricated through a facile hydrothermal method without further surface pretreatments or modification. The as-prepared NG exhibited a high specific surface area (132m2/g), low density (0.501cm3/g) and good porosity. Interestingly, NG demonstrated very strong absorption capacities (up to 200 times as its own weight) in a short time (5s) for a broad spectrum of oil and organic solvents with a good recyclability of 5 times. The research results suggest that practical application of NG in the field of spilled oil recovery is feasible, cost-effective and scalable.

Superhydrophobic P (St-DVB) foam prepared by the high internal phase emulsion technique for oil spill recovery

Poly (styrene-divinylbenzene) (P (St-DVB)) foams with porosity as high as 98% were prepared by the method of high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) in one-step process. The materials exhibited superhydrophobicity and excellent oleophilicity, with the water contact angle (WCA) even exceeding 150° and oil contact angle approaching 0°. The materials fabricated with different types of Fe3O4 particles had varied hierarchical pore structures. And the adsorption capacity of the monolithic foam towards chloroform was as high as 57g/g. Importantly, the materials soaked with oil could be regenerated effectively by means of centrifugation with oil recovery rate reaching 90%. More importantly, the monolithic PolyHIPEs (polymers obtained by the polymerization of the HIPEs) were subjected to 20 adsorption-centrifugation cycles and superior reusability was demonstrated. These features achieved with PolyHIPEs made them ideal candidates for practical oil removal applications.

A Sugar-Based Gelator for Marine Oil-Spill Recovery.

Marine oil spills constitute an environmental disaster with severe adverse effects on the economy and ecosystem. Phase-selective organogelators (PSOGs), molecules that can congeal oil selectively from oil-water mixtures, have been proposed to be useful for oil-spill recovery. However, a major drawback lies in the mode of application of the PSOG to an oil spill spread over a large area. The proposed method of using carrier solvents is impractical for various reasons. Direct application of the PSOG as a solid, although it would be ideal, is unknown, presumably owing to poor dispersion of the solid through the oil. We have designed five cheap and easy-to-make glucose-derived PSOGs that disperse in the oil phase uniformly when applied as a fine powder. These gelators were shown to selectively congeal many oils, including crude oil, from oil-water mixtures to form stable gels, which is an essential property for efficient oil-spill recovery. We have demonstrated that these PSOGs can be applied aerially as a solid powder onto a mixture of crude oil and sea water and the congealed oil can then be scooped out. Our innovative mode of application and low cost of the PSOG offers a practical solution to oil-spill recovery.

流出油による海洋汚染と油防除関連技術の特集によせて

流出油による海洋汚染と油防除関連技術の特集によせて

A novel multi-stimuli responsive gelator based on D-gluconic acetal and its potential applications.

We construct a simple-structured super gelator with multi-stimuli responsive properties, among which anion responsiveness follows the Hofmeister series in a non-aqueous system. Versatile applications such as being rheological and self-healing agents, waste water treatment, spilled oil recovery and flexible optical device manufacture are integrated into a single organogelator, which was rarely reported.

Facile and tunable synthesis of carbon–γ-Fe2O3 submicron spheres through an aerosol-assisted technology and their application in oil spill recovery

Magnetic carbon submicron spheres possessing good sorption abilities and easy collection are of interest in environmental engineering including oil spill cleanup.

冰区溢油漂移及数值模拟方法研究综述

近年来，海上石油勘探和开发活动迅速发展，在石油的开采、储藏、运输过程中，都有可能发生溢油事故，给海洋生物和环境带来严重的危害，同时引起一定的经济损失。另外，海上溢油会经历复杂的物理化学变化，包括蒸发、溶解、乳化、扩散、光学氧化和生物降解等，使溢油性质发生改变，从而影响溢油漂移规律。尤其是在有冰海域，溢油漂移受到冰的限制与影响，溢油漂移范围更难预测，使得对溢油事故的回收处理更为困难。本文针对冰区溢油漂移规律和数值模拟方法进行研究。 In recent years, with the rapid development of offshore oil exploration activities, oil spill accident can occur in the process of oil extraction, storage and transportation, which is seriously harm to marine species and environment and causes economic losses. In addition, oil will experience com-plex physical and chemical changes, including evaporation, dissolution, emulsification, and spreading, oxidation and biological degradation. These progresses change the nature of the oil spill, and influence oil spill drift pattern. Especially in sea with ice existing, oil spill drifting is affected by the restrictions of ice, which make it more difficult to predict oil drift trajectory. Therefore, it is more difficult for oil spill recovery processing. In this paper, oil spill drift rule and numerical simulation method in water with ice covered were studied.

ASOC: A Novel Agent-Based Simulation-Optimization Coupling Approach-Algorithm and Application in Offshore Oil Spill Responses

The efficiency of offshore oil spill response not only relies on an efficaciously global decision/planning in devices combination and allocation, but also depends on the timely control for response devices (e.g., skimmers and booms). However, few studies have reported on such decision framework with a timely integration of global planning and operation control to support offshore oil spill response. This study developed an agent-based simulation-optimization approach to provide sound decisions for device combination and allocation during offshore oil spill recovery in a fast, dynamic and cost-efficient manner under uncertain conditions. Meanwhile, the proposed approach aimed at providing operation control schemes for different devices, reflecting the site conditions, and correspondingly adjusting the global planning in a real-time manner. Such functions would be extremely helpful in the harsh environments prevailing in offshore Newfoundland. In the case study, the developed approach was applied to determine the allocation of 3 responding vessels in collecting spilled oil at 7 locations. The routes of the responding vessels for response operation were optimized and reflected by the principle agent-based programming. Furthermore, several oil weathering processes (e.g., evaporation and dispersion) were also taken into account in the optimization. The modeling results indicated that a minimal timeframe of 21 hours was needed for vessel allocation and recovery operation, leading to an oil recovery rate of 90%. By taking evaporation and dispersion into account, the optimal time window was 18 hours, leading to an oil recovery rate of 75%, an evaporation rate of 12%, and a dispersion rate of 3%. The proposed approach can timely and effectively support the optimal allocation of devices, the control of operation, and the real-time adjustment of global decision making for oil recovery under dynamic conditions.

冰区溢油风化过程及性质变化综述

随着海洋石油勘探开发技术不断发展，海上钻探项目越来越多，增加了溢油事故发生的可能性，尤其是海上复杂的环境条件使溢油回收更加困难，导致海洋生物和自然资源的极大灾害。发生在冰覆盖海域溢油事件的应急响应处置，要综合考虑经济效益和应急能力问题，包括溢油风化和移动、应对和清除方法、清除设备有效性、海岸保护活动、法律约束等问题。本文主要针对冰区溢油的风化特性进行研究。 With the continuous development of offshore oil exploration technology, a growing number of offshore drilling projects increase the possibility of oil spill accidents. Especially, the complex en-vironmental conditions in the sea make it more difficult to oil spill recovery and lead great disaster to marine species and natural resources. When oil spill occurs in freezing environment, it ought to consider the economic benefit and emergency response ability, which include oil spill weathering and transporting, response and cleanup methods, effectiveness of removing equipment, coastal protection activities, legal constraints and other issues. In this paper, the weathering characteristics and oil characters of oil spill in cold water were studied.

Bitumen on Water: Charred Hay as a PFD (Petroleum Flotation Device)

Global demand for petroleum keeps increasing while traditional supplies decline. One alternative to the use of conventional crude oils is the utilization of Canadian bitumen. Raw bitumen is a dense, viscous, semi-liquid that is diluted with lighter crude oil to permit its transport through pipelines to terminals where it can then be shipped to global markets. When spilled, it naturally weathers to its original form and becomes dense enough to sink in aquatic systems. This severely limits oil spill recovery and remediation options. Here we report on the application of charred hay as a method for modifying the surface behavior of bitumen in aquatic environments. Waste or surplus hay is abundant in North America. Its surface can easily be modified through charring and/or chemical treatment. We have characterized the modified and charred hay using solid-state NMR, contact angle measurements and infrared spectroscopy. Tests of these materials to treat spilled bitumen in model aquatic systems have been undertaken. Our results indicate that bitumen spills on water will retain their buoyancy for longer periods after treatment with charred hay, or charred hay coated with calcium oxide, improving recovery options.

A Review on Phytoremediation of Crude Oil Spills

Changes in crude oil production and distribution have increased the incidence of oil spills throughout the world. Oil spills often cause destructive effects on aquatic and land ecosystems. The oil spill cleanup and recovery techniques are challenging and usually involve complex mechanical, chemical, and biological methods. Usually, mechanical removal of free oil is utilized as an effective strategy for cleanup in aquatic and terrestrial environments; however, they are expensive and need specialist personnel and equipment. The other commonly used method is the application of chemical materials such as dispersants, cleaners, demulsifiers, biosurfactants, and soil oxidizers. Nevertheless, these reagents can have potential harmful environmental impacts, which may limit their application. As an alternative, bioremediation can offer reduced environment risk; however, the limitations of microbial activity in the soil can make this option unsuitable. One area of bioremediation is phytoremediation, which offers potential for restoring large areas of contaminated ground. Plants are able to remove pollutants through processes such as biodegradation, phytovolatilization, accumulation, and metabolic transformation. This review presents the fate of crude oil spills in aquatic and land ecosystems and their environmental effects. Furthermore, the paper focuses on crude oil phytoremediation and its applications in polluted ecosystems.

Fe3O4/PS magnetic nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and their application as sorbents of oil from waste water

In this work, Fe3O4/PS composites with a rough surface and different coating rates were successfully designed and synthesized by emulsion polymerization. We carried out some comparative experiments to compare magnetic properties and oil absorption properties of the nano-magnetic materials. It had been found that several prepared groups of magnetic nanocomposites have a core–shell structure and good coating rates. These nanoparticles combined with unsinked, highly hydrophobic and superoleophilic properties. The absorption capacity of Fe3O4/PS composites for organic solvents and the composites could absorb diesel oil up to 2.492 times of its own weight. It is more important that the oil could be readily removed from the surfaces of nanoparticles by a simple ultrasonic treatment whereas the nanocomposites particles still kept highly hydrophobic and superoleophilic characteristics. With a combination of simple synthesis process, low density, magnetic responsibility and excellent hydrophobicity, Fe3O4/PS nanocomposites as a promising absorbent have great potential in the application of spilled oil recovery and environmental protection.

Greasy Raw Wool for Clean-up Process of Marine Oil Spill: from Laboratory Test to Scaled Prototype

Greasy raw wool, as sheared, was proposed as natural, cost effective adsorbent material for oil recovery and remediation of marine surface contaminated by oil spills. In this way, an effective cleaning of sea surface can be coupled with the revaluation of a sheep breeding waste, suitable for the purpose thanks to its oilphilic behaviour. A characterization of wools of different origin was carried out by sorption test of IFO 380 oil, either pure or mixed with Diesel, layered on a water surface. The wool has been characterized in terms of humidity, lipids, adherent and not adherent dirt while viscosity, density and surface tension were evaluated for the different oil mixes. Preliminary tests on the process efficiency, performed with reduced volumes of water and oil in a static system, assessed the sorption kinetics, the yield of the process for fresh wool and the number of sorptionregeneration cycles at which the wool can be submitted without reduction of the original adsorption properties. The obtained results were used to set a scaled up series of tests, on a pilot prototype, suitable for reproduce the real recovery conditions of a ship on the sea. The possible destination of the exhausted wool was also taken into account. The obtained results suggest that wool wastes can be a suitable sorbent material for spilled oil recovery on marine surfaces, with performance that are competitive with the materials of synthetic origin proposed for similar applications.

Fundamental Study on a New Thin Oil-film Recovery Device Based on the MHD Method

The MHD maritime oil spill recovery method has many advantages in tackling the marine thin oil-film. The existing device, in which the MHD channel is arranged horizontally, can’t operate successfully under wave conditions and the oil and air bubbles can’t move through the MHD channel smoothly. A new method with the MHD channel arranged with a slight tilt angle is proposed to improve the effect of the thin oil-film recovery. In this paper, the hydrodynamic characteristics of the seawater and air two-phase flow under the action of electromagnetic force with the MHD channel arranged obliquely were studied numerically and the results show that the static pressure decreases gradually from the MHD channel's inlet to the outlet. The flow rate decreases slightly as the tilt angle increases. The pressure rise and the effective power increase slightly as the tilt angle increases.

Application of Strong Porous Polymer Sheets for Superior Oil Spill Recovery

AbstractThe usage of natural and synthetic sorbents in order to control oil spills is gaining increasing attention due to environmental concerns. In particular, polyolefins including polypropylene and polyethylene are the most commonly used oil sorbent materials because of their low cost but suffer from low oil absorption capacity. Attempts at trying to increase the surface‐to‐thickness ratio for improving uptake capacity makes them vulnerable to breakage and impractical for most oil spill applications. Novel super oil sorbent polymer sheets consisting of porous ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene have been prepared. The presented sorbent exhibits extremely high uptake and retention capacities along with a mechanically strong structure. The combination of these factors as well as the cost effectiveness of the material used makes these sheets viable candidates for widespread production and utilization.

High internal phase emulsion (HIPE) xerogels for enhanced oil spill recovery

High internal phase emulsion (HIPE) xerogels based on charge-driven assembled polymer HIPE organogels were prepared by freeze-drying and examined as oil absorbents for oil spill recovery.