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Funnel-Shaped Floating Vessel Oil Skimmer with Joule Heating Sorption Functionality
Blake Herren1, Mrinal C Saha1, M Cengiz Altan1
1School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
Polymers
|June 10, 2022
Summary
A novel sorbent-based oil skimmer (SOS) efficiently removes oil from water using a specialized sponge. This reusable device offers a promising solution for large-scale oil spill cleanup, reducing manual labor and improving energy efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Oil spill cleanup often relies on sorbent materials requiring significant labor and resources.
- Existing oil skimmers can be inefficient and lack continuous extraction capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sorbent-based oil skimmer (SOS) with a novel design for efficient, continuous oil extraction from water surfaces.
- To optimize a carbon black (CB) embedded polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge for enhanced oil absorption and reusability.
Main Methods:
- A novel funnel-shaped sorbent and vessel design was developed for the SOS.
- A carbon black (CB) embedded polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge was synthesized and optimized for porosity, hydrophobicity, and absorption rate.
- Joule heating was explored to enhance the absorption of viscous oils.
Main Results:
- The optimized nanocomposite sponge (15 wt% CB loading) demonstrated high porosity and rapid oil absorption.
- Large-scale tests showed the SOS effectively cleaned oil from water surfaces.
- The SOS achieved a maximum extraction rate of 200 mL/min for gasoline and maintained performance after reuse.
Conclusions:
- The developed sorbent-based oil skimmer (SOS) offers an efficient and reusable solution for oil spill cleanup.
- The novel design and optimized sponge material significantly improve oil extraction rates and reduce manual labor.
- This technology presents a promising approach for energy-efficient oil spill response.
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