AT510892A1 - METHOD FOR REMOVING OIL OR OILY SUBSTANCES OF WATER SURFACES - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus (1) for removing oil and oil-like substances from a water surface comprising the application of sand.

Description

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The present invention discloses a method for removing oil or oily substances from water surfaces.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a device for carrying out such a method, comprising a storage container for bulk material, which has at least one outlet opening closable by means of a closing device.

Petroleum products in the form of fuels and lubricants as well as raw materials for the chemical industry are of high economic importance. However, in most industrialized countries, there is insufficient crude oil to meet the growing demand for petroleum products in these countries. Therefore many countries import crude oil or products from oil-producing countries. A considerable part of these products are transported by ship to the consumer countries. In the event of accidents or other unforeseen circumstances, oil may escape in larger quantities. In addition, oil or oil-like substances may also leak due to carelessness or inaccurate consideration of, for example, maintenance work on ships. This results in the release of the oil or oil-like substance on a water surface or on a water surface, if the oil can get into the water, to an oil spill. The result is a significant threat to water biology and the riparian regions, especially because even small amounts of oil produce a relatively large oil spill. For this reason, it is important to have effective methods and apparatus for removing oil sludge. to remove the oil from the surface of the water after any mistakes, mistakes or disregard

In order to achieve this goal, various solutions are proposed in the prior art: both chemical or mechanical processes and combinations thereof. In purely chemical processes, it is usually attempted to fume the oil. In this process, oil-receiving materials are applied to the surface of the water in a complex manner individually in a discontinuous manner, and the oil is then removed therefrom, with possible subsequent re-wetting being possible under certain circumstances. The others are also kor. For example: ierli che arbeouve: - drive to remove oil with ingestion ien and get rid of la-teri all known. ,

Object of the present invention io it, a method for - 2 I * · * · • ·

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To provide, which makes it possible to remove oil or oil-like substances without using environmentally hazardous chemical substances and substance mixtures of water surfaces.

Therefore, the present invention relates to a process for removing oil and oil-like substances from a water surface comprising the application of sand.

It has been found that sand is particularly well suited to remove oil or oil-like substances from water surfaces. To make this possible, sand is applied to the surface. As soon as the sand comes into contact with the oil or oily substances, the oil or oily matter binds to the grains of sand and the grain of sand sinks in the water until it reaches the bottom {e.g. Seabed, seabed). This allows oil and oil-like substances to be quickly and efficiently removed from a water surface.

The process according to the invention is particularly suitable for the removal of oil and oil-like substances from the sea surface. Especially in the sea, it is crucial to remove such substances from the surface as quickly as possible. On the one hand, to prevent oil on the surface of the water from reaching the land, thus polluting the beaches and animals living there, and, on the other hand, to curb the spreading of the oil on the surface.

According to the present invention, " oil and oil-like substances " Oil of any origin (synthetic and natural) and their products, which have oil-like properties. In particular, petroleum (in the form of crude oil) as well as all products of water surfaces directly producible from crude oil can be removed from the process according to the invention.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sand is throw scattered and / or poured and / or applied to the water surface. In order to apply the sand to the water surface, various methods can be used. Corresponding devices and Vertan; On are errrt state of the art sufficiently described.

If the water surface is widened, kan; preferably a flieger advises, in particular ^ i.n helicopter od · ..:

Fluo.zeug be used. In this case, the vehicle is being used with an aircraft for attachment; .rt; spent and the band on water surface laugh distributed. - 3 - • • • • «- 3 - • · •

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least 90% of the sand grains have a size of less than 2 mm, preferably at least 70% of the sand grains have a size of less than 0.2 mm, more preferably at least 50%. a size of less than 0.02 mm, most preferably at least 30%, a size of less than 0.002 mm.

The inventive method is particularly advantageous when sand is used which has a certain particle size distribution.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the sand comprises a proportion of quartz sand of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, even more preferably at least 95%.

According to the invention, it is preferred to use sand which comprises a relatively high proportion of quartz sand (SiO 2). For example, quartz sand is the largest component in desert sand.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sand is applied with the apparatus described below. The container is first filled with sand and brought to the discharge, the sand is finally applied to remove oil or oil-like substances.

From EP 0 314 858 B1, a container which can be closed by means of a movable plug is known in another context, namely in a device for the continuous supply of material to be melted into a crucible. This container would be: however, not suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention as described above.

In contrast, the present invention provides a device for discharging bulk material, in particular sand, in which the closing device has at least one closure part which tapers wedge-shaped in the direction of the outlet opening and which extends between a closing part inserted into the outlet opening, in which the orifice is completely closed, if the most open opening, and at least part of the outlet opening, is superfluous.

The closure part is at the place of use m the most open liaiv ;: over stirred, whereupon the scoop taken in the reservoir, l.h. In particular, it was found by -the Aust, rittsöf r now: j aus ························································································································ The oil binds to the grains of sand, which sink to the sea or sea bottom, so that within a short time a proper cleaning of the water surface takes place. In order to improve the discharge of the bulk material through the outlet opening of the storage container, the closure part according to the invention has at least one wedge-shaped tapered end region, which normally closes the outlet opening of the storage container. To release the outlet opening, the wedge-shaped tapered closure part is transferred into its open position. This version of the closure part facilitates the metering of the discharged amount of sand. In addition, a stable locking mechanism is provided, which is less susceptible to malfunction and thus particularly well suited for safety-critical operations. The wedge-shaped tapered end region of the closure part can be lowered into the outlet opening, so that a reliable sealing of the reservoir takes place in the closed position. In order to facilitate the lifting of the closure part in the open position, it is advantageous if the wedge surfaces of the closure part form an acute angle; Wedge surfaces with an angle of inclination between 3 ° and 30 ° have proven to be particularly favorable. proved.

For the transfer between closed and open position of the closure part, it is favorable if the closure part is coupled to a lifting mechanism, in particular a cable pull, which; is adapted to transfer the closure part from the closed position to the open position and vice versa. The lifting mechanism can manue.l L or actuated by means of a drive: be to release the inlet opening of the reservoir, if necessary, so that the bulk material is discharged at the site over the surface of the water. As a lifting mechanism a variety of known in the art in principle known executions are conceivable. In a preferred embodiment i tr as lifting mechanism with ei.n. the cable connected to the receiver is prefixed, whereby, by the expression of the item, the following is appended: the conclusion:: e i. ' ! s in his r. , / fe. position and so: ult on Off:: ra:; en de s ostgut s whore d the r, r \ ·. is .: i 11 s o f f o m e n t i n k: will i be returned to c i n c i n c t 3 - S " , £.; , not specified; .er e.inf: see -: n Aus f u. S S -.igengewi honor. of the final: e i: 3. old: e r i, a t i ve: n r.e-b

The lifting mechanism has a power transmission means, for example a rod or the like, coupled in particular to a drive means in order to move the closure part against the resistance of the bulk material received in the reservoir into its outlet opening close closing position. The lifting mechanism is preferably operable by a driver's cab of a vehicle transporting the storage container, in particular by a helicopter. For this purpose, a well-known in the prior art control or control device may be provided, which is adapted to control the lifting mechanism.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the closure part transversely to the direction of the closing movement has elongated wedge surfaces for closing a corresponding, in particular substantially rectangular outlet opening of the reservoir. Thus, the closure member cooperates with a corresponding, elongated outlet opening, which facilitates a flat discharge of the bulk material considerably, so that a comparatively large water surface of oil residues or the like can be cleaned per time interval. The elongated wedge surfaces are also advantageous in terms of a mechanically stable Schiießmechan.ismus, wherein in continuous use malfunctions such as blocking of the Verschiussteils or incomplete sealing of the outlet opening in the closed position can be * significantly reduced or avoided. The wedge-shaped Versch.1 usstei.1 can be executed hollow to achieve a weight-saving design. Particularly advantageous is an embodiment of the Versch1ussteils of a metal sheet, with a wall thickness before. between 1mm and 3mm, in particular substantially 2mm, proved. In order to improve the large-area discharge of the bulk material, it is advantageous if the closure part and the Aistrirtsöffnung in the longitudinal direction of the Vorratsbehäi age, in particular over at least half the length of VorraLsbehälters, to-Cj · "are arranged. In this case, the bulk material can be discharged over a Vv rq: eichsweise large ·· longitudinal extent, whereby in use larger water surface only. Sand versorat who could '' .. m to be able to adjust the discharged amount of sand to the respective Einsatzzwuck is: s low, if a plurality, in particular at least three, closure parts are provided for closing a corresponding number of outlet openings. Accordingly, the amount of sand and the jet geometry of the discharged bulk material can be adjusted by releasing one or more outlet openings to the prevailing conditions, in particular the water surface to be cleaned. The number of closure parts expediently corresponds exactly to the number of outlet openings of the storage container which are to be closed, which have a shape corresponding to the cross section of the associated closure part. By providing a plurality of outlet openings, the amount of the exiting bulk material can be precisely metered by more or fewer openings are opened or remain closed.

To increase the stability of the closing device or to improve the metering of the discharged bulk material, it is advantageous if the closure parts are connected to one another via a coupling device.

For the uniform discharge of bulk material, it is advantageous if the coupling device is set up to move the closure parts synchronously in the open position upon actuation of the lifting mechanism and vice versa. This ensures that in use a consistent amount of sand is discharged through the outlet openings.

In a particularly preferred Ausführungsfarm the coupling device is additionally adapted to move the Ver-closing parts either individually in the open position and vice versa. Accordingly, the individual closure parts can be moved independently of one another between the open and closed positions in order to adapt the amount of sand discharged to the respective requirements.

A particularly preferred practical application of the method according to the invention for the removal of oil and oil-like substances provides for the spreading of sand out of an aircraft, in particular a helicopter. For this purpose, the container may have attachment means for attaching the storage container to the aircraft. As Eefestigungs-ii. For example, trays may be provided on the storage container or on the wing. In action, the helicopter transports. to the amused jars Ler ::: am Einsatzert, wc; : S Bulk material - with an extinguishing agent - 7 • * In the fire fighting veritable - by discharging the Ausrrittsöffriung in the direction of the water surface is discharged. For this purpose, a control or control point is expediently provided in the helicopter, which allows the control of at least the lifting mechanism to selectively transfer the closure part between the open and closed positions.

The invention will be explained below with reference to an embodiment shown in the figures, to which it should not be limited, however.

In detail shows in the drawing

Fig. 1 shows schematically an apparatus for carrying out he inventive method, in which for the removal of oil and öläähnlichen substances from a water surface sand is discharged from a storage container, which has closable with a closing outlet openings;

FIG. 2 shows a view of the storage container of FIG. 1 with a closure device arranged therein, which has three closure parts tapered in the shape of a wedge in the direction of the respective associated outlet opening; FIG.

FIG. 3a is a view of the closure device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; FIG.

3b shows a side view of the closure part; and

3 shows a view of the underside of the storage container from which three rectangular outlet openings extending essentially over the entire length of the premount container are shown.

1 shows a device 1 for carrying out a method for removing oil and oil-like substances, in which: in bulk material, in particular sand, is applied to a water surface in order to bind the oil to the sand grains, which only: together with the bound oil sink to the bottom of the water. This allows a water surface to be efficiently cleaned of oils and oil-like substances. The device 1 comprises: supply tank 2, in which the bulk material is pregluded:. n is. In particular, sand is suitable as a bulk material, with a size of less than a.1 s 2 Π'1: um for at least 90% sand grains. comprises; It has been found to be at least 30% of the: u-nd grains have a size of less than 2.002 mm.

The following is an indication of quartz sanci of preferably at least 95%, ideally about 97%, aut. For discharging the 8 • • *

Bulk goods, the reservoir 2 in a bottom surface 3 on three in particular from Fig. 4 apparent outlet openings 4, which are closable by means of a closing device 5.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the closing device 5 has three closure parts 6 which can be transferred between an open position introduced into the outlet opening 4, in which the outlet opening 4 is completely closed, and an open position releasing the outlet opening 4 and vice versa. The closure parts 6 are designed for the purpose of weight optimization as a hollow body, which expediently have a closed-sided, made of sheet steel wall with a wall thickness of about 2 mm. b i. s 1 1.5 m, SChlU:

As further seen in Fig. 2, the container 2 a Profi1rahmen construction of individual profile parts, expediently profile iron, on. The side walls of the container 2 are formed by comparatively thin plates, in particular plates, with a wall thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm, in particular approximately 2 mm. The sheets are welded to the profile frame at suitable locations, in particular at intervals of about 20 cm. The dimensions of the container 2 depend on the particular use of the device 1, i. in particular according to the volume of the bulk material to be transported; In many cases, it has been found to be useful for combating contaminated water surfaces when the container has a length 1 of m. up to 3 m, in particular about 2 m, a width b of 0.3 m '3 m, in particular about 1 m, and a height h of 0.5 m to more preferably about m. 1e of Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b, the adjustment 6 ke.i Iförmi c are tapered, wherein the converging at an acute angle, converging ends of the closure parts 6 are lowered in the Schiioßste1iung in the outlet openings 4; the versc'r-1 ussoei .1 e 6 of the Ingen enter the exit fnur.gen 4, b? kitchen area. Kehl surfaces of closing parts 6 on the edges of the husfrii inger: 4 strike. The ratio between the height of the V e r s u :. 1 parts 6 parts 1 .. n f, c r upper width urr z "C k: • alternatively 0 ZW 'Cj i η 1; 2 and 1: 4; ;. o L o f a c e a c e s f o u s:. Each piece of rope has a width of approx. 0 cm. 3 u. For the sake of being the most open! iu; 1: ·: is the v BI'SC Π ί I w ei. In this case, let us consider 3 in Fig. 1 Schematis h without Len 9 ** * · Ψ

Lifting mechanism 7 is connected, which is adapted to the closure parts 6 from the SchließsLellung in the open position to transfer, and vice versa. Conveniently, the closure parts 6 are raised in the transfer to the open position between 5 to 10 cm, whereby a precise dosage of the discharged bulk material is possible. In the embodiment shown, the lifting mechanism 7 is designed as a cable, which by means of a control or control center {not shown) is controlled, which is operated by the driver's cab (shown schematically in Fig. 1) helicopter. The storage container 2 is attached to the helicopter via suitable fastening means (carrying cables, etc.), which can quickly transport the storage container 2 with the bulk material received therein into the area of use. The closing device 5 can also be connected to a guide device (not shown), which is adapted to guide the closure parts 6 in their up and down movement. Thus, the guided closure parts 6 can be reliably and precisely lowered into the outlet openings 4 in order to close the storage container 2.

As is further apparent from FIG. 3, the closure parts 6 are connected to one another via a coupling device 8 which, in the embodiment shown, is formed by struts 3 'which are attached to the upper sides of the closure elements 6. When the lifting mechanism Ί is actuated, the closing parts 6 are synchronously opened in the open position. transferred. In case of alternative, not shown in the figures: In the embodiment, the coupling device 8 is able to selectively separate the closure parts 6 in the following manner: efore, urr. To be able to adapt the discharged amount of sand precisely to the respective conditions.

From Fiq. 4, the container 2 is shown from its underside, wherein it is apparent that the outlet openings 4 are in front of each other. Essence: more: over the entire catches of the stock.sbe-lall.ers 2 he Strecker .. He can get through there: · flat delivery: ces? : hüttguts verbesse: - become.

Claims (12)

Claims 1. A method of removing oil and oily matter from a water surface comprising applying sand. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the sand is scattered by throwing and / or poured and / or applied wind-viscous on the water surface. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sand is applied to the water surface with an aircraft, preferably with a helicopter or aircraft 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized. characterized in that at least 90% of the sand grains are less than 2 mm in size, preferably at least 70% of the sand grains are less than 0.2 mm in size, more preferably at least 50% are less than 0.02 mm in size, most preferably at least 30% has a size of less than 0.002 mm. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sand of a. Silica sand content of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, even more preferably at least 95%. 6. Device (1) for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 5, with a Vorratsbehalter (2) for bulk material, in particular sand, -er at least one by means of a closing device (5) 7 ·. -closable Austr t tsöf opening (4), characterized in that the closing device (5) at least one in the direction of the Austrittsffffnung (4) wedge-shaped tapered Verscniussteii (6), the ersoffrang between Austrians 4) eingeführr.e · Misapplication,: n which he / she disconnected (4 VC lisv. CK;! Ig, ^ SL r u.ad e iner di: Al jstri • asci tion 4) SUIT! _ T6irW6 ise Fre: Landing Offices and vice versa: .r was is. i): ch claim 6, since there r -: aa ei c · net, the same as the conclusion S L:: 1; ( -1) ; t is a Hoerror.eclu η :: smus (7), esp. - • * • * • * * · · «· · · * * · * * * •« ** · * II # • · * * * * * · «··· * * II • other cable, coupled i. st, which is adapted to transfer the closure part (6) from the closed position to the open position and vice versa. 8. Device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the Verschlusstei.! (6) transversely to the direction of the closing movement elongated wedge surfaces for closing a corresponding, in particular. Substantially rectangular outlet opening {4) of the reservoir (2). 9. Device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the Verschlusstei1 (6) or the Austrittsöff (4) in the longitudinal direction of the reservoir (2), in particular over at least half the length of the reservoir (2) , is arranged. 10. Device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that a plurality, in particular at least three, closure parts (6) for closing a corresponding number of outlet openings (4) are provided. 11. Device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the closure parts (6) via a coupling means (8) are interconnected. 12. Device (1) according to claim 11, dadur characterized in that the coupling device (8) is adapted to move the closure parts (8) on actuation of the Hcbemochanisrnus (7) synchronously in the Offenstenυng and vice versa. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling device (8) is adapted to move the closure element (6) 'either individually to the open position and to reverse it. 1 -r. 1): -: one of the annexes 6 to 13, marked: marked.,:! a s s ier supply: i i t e.:. {2 · Attach · .gsrr '~ e to the P rofastening V; r; : tsbehäi t e:. m 3 P. 1? iπ: n r 1 uqaerä t, in particular s e e: e to an '. Hubs ·; h; but, an.fr; -h i s.