CA2036396C - Process to solidify oil on land and sea - Google Patents
Process to solidify oil on land and sea Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2036396C CA2036396C CA002036396A CA2036396A CA2036396C CA 2036396 C CA2036396 C CA 2036396C CA 002036396 A CA002036396 A CA 002036396A CA 2036396 A CA2036396 A CA 2036396A CA 2036396 C CA2036396 C CA 2036396C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- oil
- wax
- paraffin wax
- mixture
- method defined
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
- Y02A20/20—Controlling water pollution; Waste water treatment
- Y02A20/204—Keeping clear the surface of open water from oil spills
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- Fats And Perfumes (AREA)
- Removal Of Floating Material (AREA)
- Lubricants (AREA)
Abstract
A method of controlling oil spills in water or on land comprises the steps of applying paraffin wax particles to an oil spill so as to form an oil/wax mixture, and removing the oil/wax mixture. The paraffin wax particles preferably comprise powdered paraffin wax or a granulated paraffin wax. The powdered paraffin wax may comprise a mixture of paraffin and a polymer.
Description
' Title: PROCESS TO SOLIDIFY OIL ON LAND AND SEA
Field of the invention [0001] This invention provides a preventive approach to the problem of oil spills at sea and on land.
Background of the invention [0002] The most abundant liquid on earth is water; followed by oil.
Both water and oil are extremely valuable to sustaining life on this planet.
But when oil and water are combined at sea, the value of the loss cannot be measured simply in billions of dollars, it must be measured in the marine life that is destroyed, or forced to vacate to unsuitable habitat.
Field of the invention [0001] This invention provides a preventive approach to the problem of oil spills at sea and on land.
Background of the invention [0002] The most abundant liquid on earth is water; followed by oil.
Both water and oil are extremely valuable to sustaining life on this planet.
But when oil and water are combined at sea, the value of the loss cannot be measured simply in billions of dollars, it must be measured in the marine life that is destroyed, or forced to vacate to unsuitable habitat.
[0003] The inventor would like to quote the late Albert Einstein:
"The measure of a system's ability to retrieve and use the energy exchanged in the interaction with its environment is called efficiency. The measure of the system's lack of ability to retrieve this energy is called entropy.
"Entropy is the measure of the disorder in a system. The entropy of the Earth is increasing. It is the objective of technology to control it."
"The measure of a system's ability to retrieve and use the energy exchanged in the interaction with its environment is called efficiency. The measure of the system's lack of ability to retrieve this energy is called entropy.
"Entropy is the measure of the disorder in a system. The entropy of the Earth is increasing. It is the objective of technology to control it."
[0004] Environmentalists everywhere are fighting entrophy now, more than at any time in the past century, yet little has been achieved to prevent, or to repair the lasting damage of a massive oil spill which engulfs everything in its wake.
[0005] Current technology cannot control an oil spill's devastation.
Once areas such as inner-tidal zones, pools and beaches have been coated in oil the chances of restoring the area using present systems, are poor.
Once areas such as inner-tidal zones, pools and beaches have been coated in oil the chances of restoring the area using present systems, are poor.
[0006] The details of this invention show how spilled oil can be altered to a non-adhesive, non-contaminating solid, eliminating danger to birds, sea life and coastlines, and how once treated, the oil can be safely removed from land and sea.
[0007] A hot wax method previously patented by the inventor has been used in the past to stabilize oil on land and water. It should be noted that carrying hot wax containers, and the gas containers used to heat the wax, can be hazardous to personnel and also that high temperature wax can scorch plant vegetation in areas being treated. Due to the high temperature needed for a successful hot wax application the cost of the product is high.
Therefore, this method should be limited to areas such as hidden tidal pools within rocky shores, and on sand.
Therefore, this method should be limited to areas such as hidden tidal pools within rocky shores, and on sand.
[0008] It is advisable not to apply hot wax on certain oils containing highly toxic substances such as PCB oils. The high heat of the wax causes vaporization and partial emission into the surrounding environment. This could be lethal to anyone using this procedure.
Summary of the invention [0009] This invention involves a process of applying paraffin wax to spilled oil on land or water to prevent oil's contamination and to prepare it for removal and disposal.
Summary of the invention [0009] This invention involves a process of applying paraffin wax to spilled oil on land or water to prevent oil's contamination and to prepare it for removal and disposal.
[0010] The invention is directed to a method of controlling oil spills, comprising the steps of applying paraffin wax particles to an oil spill so as to form an oil/wax mixture, and removing the oil/wax mixture. The paraffin wax particles may comprise a granulated paraffin wax or a powdered paraffin wax.
The powdered paraffin wax may comprise a mixture of paraffin and a polymer.
The powdered paraffin wax may comprise a mixture of paraffin and a polymer.
[0011] The powdered paraffin wax may be formed by cooling granulated paraffin wax, adding the polymer to the cooled granulated paraffin wax to create a mixture of paraffin and polymer, and pulverizing the mixture to form a powder.
[0012] Another aspect of the invention is a method of controlling oil spills in water, comprising the steps of spreading a floating mesh net over a portion of an oil spill, applying paraffin wax particles to the oil spill so as to form an oil/wax mixture that adheres to the net, and removing the net from the water. Alternatively, the paraffin wax particles can be applied to an oil spill to form an oil/wax mixture, and the mixture can be removed by spreading a floating mesh net over the mixture and removing the net from the water, or by skimming an oil capturing device such as a screen or a net over the oil/wax mixture.
Detailed descriation of the invention [0013] The details of this invention show how spilled oil can be altered to a non-adhesive, non-contaminating solid, eliminating the danger to birds, sea life and coastlines, and how once treated, the oil can be safely removed from land and sea.
Detailed descriation of the invention [0013] The details of this invention show how spilled oil can be altered to a non-adhesive, non-contaminating solid, eliminating the danger to birds, sea life and coastlines, and how once treated, the oil can be safely removed from land and sea.
[0014] Powdered and Granulated Wax:
The methods described for this patent pertain to the application of cold granulated and powdered wax to oil. Both of these waxes will solidify oils, fuels and any liquid hydrocarbons spilled on water or ground surfaces. The oil/wax mixture can be easily removed.
The methods described for this patent pertain to the application of cold granulated and powdered wax to oil. Both of these waxes will solidify oils, fuels and any liquid hydrocarbons spilled on water or ground surfaces. The oil/wax mixture can be easily removed.
[0015] Powdered wax will achieve these objectives more quickly than granulated wax as the setting time of powdered wax is less than that of granulated wax. Granulated wax can be used under circumstances when a slower solidification rate is sufficient.
(0016] Factors:
When wax comes in contact with most oils or fuels it instantly begins to dissolve due to the solvent properties of oil. Uniting wax with oil forms a non-adhesive, non-contaminating solid. Ambient temperatures affect the rate of solidification. Where there is no sun or when the weather is cold the oil will dissolve the wax but the rate of complete solidification is lowered.
When wax comes in contact with most oils or fuels it instantly begins to dissolve due to the solvent properties of oil. Uniting wax with oil forms a non-adhesive, non-contaminating solid. Ambient temperatures affect the rate of solidification. Where there is no sun or when the weather is cold the oil will dissolve the wax but the rate of complete solidification is lowered.
[0017] Wax can be obtained from oil refineries in three states:
1 ) as a liquid which is transported in tankers, rail cars or tank trucks;
2) in a solid state which is transported in pallets on open rail cars, plane, truck, or by ship;
3) in a granulated state which can be obtained in 50 Ib bags and transported on open rail cars, planes, trucks, or by ships.
1 ) as a liquid which is transported in tankers, rail cars or tank trucks;
2) in a solid state which is transported in pallets on open rail cars, plane, truck, or by ship;
3) in a granulated state which can be obtained in 50 Ib bags and transported on open rail cars, planes, trucks, or by ships.
[0018] There is an abundance of wax in the USSR, the Middle East, Canada, and the USA.
[0019] Granulated wax is the smallest particle in which wax can be purchased from a refinery. A smaller particle wax cannot be purchased as it compacts and therefore is not produced by the refinery.
[0020] Producing a Non-Compacting Powdered Wax:
Granulated wax and C02, or dry ice, is blended in a blender. C02 is used in order to avoid the heating affects of friction from the blender blades which cause the wax to clot and collect in compacted lumps. While the particles of wax are in a cold state the wax remains incompressible. It is at this stage that a polymer is added. (The ratio of polymer to wax may vary according to the types of oil being treated. The chemical name of the polymer is Polynorbornene a Cycloolefin with the chemical formula of C7 H,o.) The three ingredients are then pulverized to a dust or powder. Upon evaporation of the C02, the wax and polymer remain in the powdered state and will not compress. A fine, sand-sized wax particle is thus achieved.
Granulated wax and C02, or dry ice, is blended in a blender. C02 is used in order to avoid the heating affects of friction from the blender blades which cause the wax to clot and collect in compacted lumps. While the particles of wax are in a cold state the wax remains incompressible. It is at this stage that a polymer is added. (The ratio of polymer to wax may vary according to the types of oil being treated. The chemical name of the polymer is Polynorbornene a Cycloolefin with the chemical formula of C7 H,o.) The three ingredients are then pulverized to a dust or powder. Upon evaporation of the C02, the wax and polymer remain in the powdered state and will not compress. A fine, sand-sized wax particle is thus achieved.
[0021] Methods of Application:
1 ) Air delivery of the wax particles may be achieved with the use of low flying light aircraft, similar to crop dusters, using equipment like that of a sand blaster which utilizes air pressure. Wax particles can be bombarded at high altitudes in bulk quantities. The height of the drop would determine the spread of particles on the water's surface.
2) Wax particles can be sprayer from boats using air pressure.
3) Application of wax particles can be distributed by hand on land in areas which are not accessible by boat or plane but can be reached on foot, such as areas where oil is lodged in tidal pools or trapped in inner tidal zones and areas of inaccessible beach or pocket coves.
The wind speed and direction would be factors to consider in all applications but particularly when wax particle delivery is made from the air.
1 ) Air delivery of the wax particles may be achieved with the use of low flying light aircraft, similar to crop dusters, using equipment like that of a sand blaster which utilizes air pressure. Wax particles can be bombarded at high altitudes in bulk quantities. The height of the drop would determine the spread of particles on the water's surface.
2) Wax particles can be sprayer from boats using air pressure.
3) Application of wax particles can be distributed by hand on land in areas which are not accessible by boat or plane but can be reached on foot, such as areas where oil is lodged in tidal pools or trapped in inner tidal zones and areas of inaccessible beach or pocket coves.
The wind speed and direction would be factors to consider in all applications but particularly when wax particle delivery is made from the air.
[0022] Applying cold granulated or powdered wax onto oil is the most economical and efficient method of solidifying oil on water and land. When granulated or powdered wax comes into contact with the highly solvent crude oil the wax is rapidly dissolved and forms, in combination with the oil, a non-adhesive, non-contaminating solid which can be lifted and removed. If the mass cannot be removed immediately the oil/wax solid can remain in place without danger to animals and birds. Wax treatment prevents the spreading of oil. Immediate wax application after a spill would dramatically reduce the threat of contamination.
[0023] Oil Retrieving Procedure:
1 ) Skids pulled by light machinery can be used to remove the oil/wax solid from beaches.
2) Nets or screens attached to boats would act as skimmers to collect and remove the floating wax/oil solid on the water.
3) Light, floating, one inch mesh nets can be spread over oil-coated water prior to, or shortly after, wax application. The wax/oil conglomerate will adhere or cling to the net while in the semi-solid stage.
These nets may then be winched onto a barge through rollers or ringers; or winched from the shore into containers through rollers or ringers; and the net reused again and again. This method is superior as very large sections of oil can be removed from the water's surface.
1 ) Skids pulled by light machinery can be used to remove the oil/wax solid from beaches.
2) Nets or screens attached to boats would act as skimmers to collect and remove the floating wax/oil solid on the water.
3) Light, floating, one inch mesh nets can be spread over oil-coated water prior to, or shortly after, wax application. The wax/oil conglomerate will adhere or cling to the net while in the semi-solid stage.
These nets may then be winched onto a barge through rollers or ringers; or winched from the shore into containers through rollers or ringers; and the net reused again and again. This method is superior as very large sections of oil can be removed from the water's surface.
[0024] Quantities of wax needed to solidify crude oil is a ratio of approximately 1 wax to 7 oil. One thousand Ibs. of wax will solidify 7,000 sq.
yds. of oil-coated beach or water surface.
yds. of oil-coated beach or water surface.
[0025] Uniting wax with oil renders the oil a non-adhesive, non-toxic semi-solid.
[0026] All environmentalists must be made aware of wax's application in the control of oil pollution and that existing equipment such as skimmers and slick tickers can be used to remove the wax-treated oil.
[0027] It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the methods described herein, without departing from the subject invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims.
Claims (16)
1. A method of controlling oil spills, comprising the steps of applying paraffin wax particles to an oil spill so as to form an oil/wax mixture, and removing the oil/wax mixture.
2. The method defined in claim 1, wherein the paraffin wax particles comprise a granulated paraffin wax.
3. The method defined in claim 1, wherein the paraffin wax particles comprise a powdered paraffin wax.
4. The method defined in claim 3, wherein the powdered paraffin wax comprises a mixture of paraffin and a polymer.
5. The method defined in claim 4, wherein the powdered paraffin wax is formed by cooling granulated paraffin wax, adding the polymer to the cooled granulated paraffin wax to create the mixture, and pulverizing the mixture to form a powder.
6. The method defined in claim 5, wherein the granulated paraffin wax is cooled by blending the granulated paraffin wax with dry ice.
7. The method defined in claim 6, wherein the polymer comprises Polynorbornene Cycloolefin having a chemical formula of C7H10.
8. The method defined in claim 1, wherein the paraffin wax particles are applied to the oil spill at a rate of approximately 1 lb. of wax particles for each 7 sq. yds. of oil spill area.
9. The method defined in claim 1, wherein the paraffin wax particles are applied by spraying using air pressure.
10. A method of controlling oil spills in water, comprising the steps of:
(a) spreading a floating mesh net over a portion of an oil spill;
(b) applying paraffin wax particles to the oil spill so as to form an oil/wax mixture that adheres to the net; and (c) removing the net from the water.
(a) spreading a floating mesh net over a portion of an oil spill;
(b) applying paraffin wax particles to the oil spill so as to form an oil/wax mixture that adheres to the net; and (c) removing the net from the water.
11. A method for controlling an oil spill in water comprising the steps of:
(a) applying paraffin wax particles to an oil spill to form an oil/wax mixture;
(b) spreading a floating mesh net over the mixture; and (c) removing the net from the water.
(a) applying paraffin wax particles to an oil spill to form an oil/wax mixture;
(b) spreading a floating mesh net over the mixture; and (c) removing the net from the water.
12. A method of controlling an spill in water comprising the steps of:
(a) applying paraffin wax particles to an oil spill so as to form an oil/wax mixture; and (b) removing the oil/wax mixture by skimming an oil capturing device over the oil/wax mixture.
(a) applying paraffin wax particles to an oil spill so as to form an oil/wax mixture; and (b) removing the oil/wax mixture by skimming an oil capturing device over the oil/wax mixture.
13. The method defined in claim 12, wherein the oil capturing device is a screen.
14. The method defined in claim 12, wherein the oil capturing device is a net.
15. The method defined in claim 1, wherein the wax particles are applied from a low-flying aircraft.
16. The method defined in claim 1, wherein the wax particles are applied from a boat.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002036396A CA2036396C (en) | 1991-02-15 | 1991-02-15 | Process to solidify oil on land and sea |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002036396A CA2036396C (en) | 1991-02-15 | 1991-02-15 | Process to solidify oil on land and sea |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2036396A1 CA2036396A1 (en) | 1992-08-16 |
| CA2036396C true CA2036396C (en) | 2006-05-02 |
Family
ID=4147003
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002036396A Expired - Lifetime CA2036396C (en) | 1991-02-15 | 1991-02-15 | Process to solidify oil on land and sea |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2036396C (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5476993A (en) * | 1993-11-05 | 1995-12-19 | 1002599 Ontario Limited | Pre-treatment of hydrocarbons for preventing spills |
| JPH10292358A (en) * | 1997-04-16 | 1998-11-04 | Ishikawa Giken Rubber Kk | Recovering method of oil |
| CN115557277A (en) | 2016-03-07 | 2023-01-03 | 加拿大国家铁路公司 | Method and pellets for dry bulk transport of bituminous material, method and transport container for obtaining bituminous pellets |
-
1991
- 1991-02-15 CA CA002036396A patent/CA2036396C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2036396A1 (en) | 1992-08-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed | ||
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) |
Effective date: 20121202 |