GB2521745A

GB2521745A - Device for removal of surface contamination on water

Info

Publication number: GB2521745A
Application number: GB1419376.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Robert Britner; Edward James Canning
Original assignee: BC INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Current assignee: BC INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Priority date: 2013-10-31
Filing date: 2014-10-31
Publication date: 2015-07-01
Anticipated expiration: 2034-10-31
Also published as: GB201802540D0; GB201419677D0; GB2549361A; GB201419376D0; GB2557494A; GB2557494B; GB201621938D0; GB2549361B; GB2521745B

Abstract

A water surface contaminant removal device comprises a T-junction 2 whose arms are connected to the insides of one or more tubular members 3, wherein the tubular members each have a plurality of holes 4 through its wall to its interior. The T-junction has a third connection to a further duct, through which water and any surface contaminants, such as oils, flowing through the holes into the interior of the tubular members are pumped away. In one embodiment, the device comprises a hollow handle 1 and two tubular members each closed at one end and open at their other end which communicates with the T-junction. The interior of the handle is connectable to a pump (41, Fig. 6) to pump water and surface contaminants from the interior of the tubular members. In another embodiment, the ends of one or more tubular members are joined end to end to form a tubular main body (7, Fig. 2). In a third embodiment, the device is part of a boom for containing contaminants, each device having an upper lip or flange (19, Fig. 3) aligned with the axis of the tubular member, the upper lip or flange extending above the water line.

Description

Device for removal of surface contamination on water [0001] This invention relates to the problem of removal of contamination such as oils, fuels, chemicals effluents and the like in either fluid or particle form, floating on the surface of water especially inland.

[0002] Contamination can come from a number of sources such as boats and ships, storage tanks, accidental discharges, area flooding or during transfer and fuelling operations, or from illegal dumping.

[0003] The problem is especially severe where the underlying water depth is less than approximately one metre and a half. Above this depth there are devices known, utilising various means of separating and collecting the contamination for disposal, such as weirs, rope mops, disc, brush and drum skimmers. A situation where access to a polluted site is limited due to the weight of the machines available can also be a problem. Typically in such situations the water surface is smooth or very nearly smooth.

[0004] According to the present invention a water surface contaminant removal device comprises a T-junction, whose arms are connected to the insides of one or more tubular members, said tubular members each having a plurality of holes though its wall to its interior the T-junction additionally having a third connection to a further duct through which to a water, air and any contaminant flowing through the holes may be pumped away by a pump from the tubular members interior, the buoyancy of the device being such that in still water the holes are aligned with the surface of the water.

[0005] Preferably, the buoyancy is such that the surface of water and any contaminant is between the bottom and top of the hole.

[0006] Preferably the device being symmetrical about an axis extending from the central axis of the stem of the T-junction. This arrangement allows the device more easily to assume and retain its desired alignment.

[0007] In most instances the device would also have at least one buoyancy and/or ballast aid associated with the tubular members. The buoyancy and orweighting of the aid chosen to suit the natural buoyancy (or lack of natural buoyancy) of the tubular member(s). In appropriate cases buoyancy/ballast aid could be provided simply by the materials of construction and profile of the tubular section [0008] Ideally the tubes are circular in cross section, although elliptically cross sectioned tubes can be employed, and may be more stable when the semi-major axis is aligned roughly with the water surface.

[0009] The tubular member(s) may be straight, curved, including sinusoidal, or joined end to end in a loop.

[0010] Preferably buoyancy/ballast aids support one or more of the tubular members such that the tops of the holes are aligned with or are just above the surface of the water with any contaminant layer and the bottoms of the holes are below the surface of the water with any contaminant layer.

[0011] To allow for deployment in different situations the holes can be fitted with interchangeable eyelets and/or nozzles.

[0012] In a number of situations the holes are rectangular slots, the longest sides of the rectangles being parallel to the axis of the tubular member though whose wall the hole passes.

[0013] In a first embodiment of the invention the a water surface contaminant removal device comprises a hollow handle and two tubular members each closed at one end and open at their other end with a hollow 1-junction connector at one end of the hollow handle connecting to the open ends of the tubular members which extend from the connector laterally with respect to the handle, said tubular members each having a plurality of holes though their surfaces to their interiors, the interiors being connected through the hollow connector to the hollow inside of the handle, the other end of the handle connectable directly or indirectly through one or more further ducts to pump water and any contaminant flowing through the holes away from the interiors of the tubular members, the buoyancy of the device being such that in still water the holes are aligned with the surface of the water.

[0014] Preferably, the buoyancy is such that the surface of water and any contaminant is between the bottom and top of the hole.

[0015] Preferably the device being symmetrical about an axis extending from the central axis of the stem of the T-junction. This arrangement allows the device more easily to assume and retain its desired alignment.

[0016] The buoyancy/ballast aid of each of the tubular members is ideally provided at the closed ends of the tubular members away from the hollow connectors, the buoyancy aids for each tubular member balancing one another to maintain the device on the surface of the water with the holes aligned as required. In appropriate cases the buoyancy/ballast aid could be provided simply by the materials of construction and profile of the tubular section [0017] This first embodiment conveniently provides a device which can be hand-held where the operator can adjust the relationship of the holes to the surface of the water and any contaminant by applying more or less downward or upward pressure on the hollow handle.

[0018] In second embodiment of the invention, the ends of one or more tubular members are joined through the arms of the 1-junction end to form a tubular main body which in plan is symmetrical about an axis extending from the central axis of the stem of the T-junction, with one or more buoyancy aids associated with the main body, one at least of said tubular members having a plurality of holes though its surface into its interior, and the 1-junction having an external connection to its stem through one or more ducts through which water, air and any contaminant may be pumped from the interior of the main body.

[0019] For maximum stability the main body is substantially circular in plan view.

[0020] In such a second embodiment one or more buoyancy aids may be mounted on the periphery of the main body.

[0021] A buoyancy/ballast aid may also be mounted at the centre of the main body, although in appropriate cases the buoyancy/ballast aid could be provided simply by the materials of construction and profile of the tubular section [0022] Furthermore the main body may be braced to maintain its shape.

[0023] In the case of a braced main body with one or more buoyancy aids mounted on its periphery, a buoyancy aid at the centre of the main body may be weighted to a degree to provide ballast to the device to stabilise it in the water.

[0024] In a device of the second embodiment the external connection may be to a flexible duct to allow the device to rotate and to move up and down and side to side with respect to a pump connection.

[0025] In the device of the second embodiment, normally the holes are directed outwards from the main body, but this would not preclude, for some purposes, the possibility of holes being directed inwards towards the centre of the main body.

[0026] Normally the tubular main body would be circular in cross section, but this second embodiment is not limited to this configuration, although tubular members with a symmetrical cross section are preferred to help alignment of the main body on the surface of the water.

[0027] In third embodiment of the invention, one more tubular members form part of a boom for containing contaminants, each such tubular member having an upper lip or flange aligned with the axis of the tubular member, the upper lip or flange extending above the waterline. In addition, for use with heavy pollution, a lower apron, also aligned with the axis of the tubular member may be provided. Such tubular members may be joined end to end to form a tubular loop as a closed boom which is used to contain any contaminant, holes in the tubular member walls are directed toward the containment area of the boom; water and contaminants pass through the holes in the tubular member and are pumped from there in a similar manner to that described above. Buoyancy aids may be mounted on the tubular members to maintain the holes at the correct level with respect to the water and any contaminant surface within the boom thus formed.

[0028] In one arrangement of the third embodiment, the buoyancy aids are mounted in pairs on outriggers extending perpendicularly from above the tubes into the area contained by the boom and outside said area, with the buoyancy aids mounted on the outriggers balancing one another against any wave movement. In some cases the buoyancy/ballast aid could be provided simply by the materials of construction and profile of the tubular section.

[0029] All the embodiments may be connected to a manifold to enable multiple devices of the invention to be connected to a single pump.

[0030] The present invention provides a device or range of devices which can operate in very shallow pools, down to around 2 centimetres in depth, which are light in weight, easily transported by small vehicle or manually, and capable of simple and economical construction.

[0031] The device works with an ancillary suction pump and filtration system, of a commonly known standard type. It is the design and shape of the device here shown which provides the claimed benefits.

[0032] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention suited for manual use; [0034] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention particularly suited to rapid deployment; [0035] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention formed as part of a containment boom; [0036] Figure 4 illustrates a manifold connection device for use with the invention; [0037] Figure 5 shows the device of figure 1 fitted with a protective mesh; and [0038] Figure 6 shows the device of figure 1 with a break tank.

[0039] In Figure 1 is shown a first version of the device, designed to be used manually, similar to the use of a yard broom, for sweeping the surface of the water. The operator could stand in a small boat or in shallow water in boots orwaders. The device has a handle of suitable size 1, fitted at one end to the stem socket of a "T" shaped hollow connector, forming T-junction 2 in a manner ensuring a water tight fit such as a screw thread, adhesive or filler, or a tight push fit.

[0040] Into the arms sockets of the "T" shaped hollow connector are placed two lengths of suitably shaped section tube 3 also in a watertight manner.

These two tubes are sealed at their outer ends by plugs or caps. Along the length of tubes 3 are a series of holes 4 forming the intake ports of the device. At each outer end of tubes 3 is attached a flotation device, 6, of such buoyancy to maintain the tubes 3 at the correct level with the surface of the water and any contaminant being the top and the bottom of the holes, whilst allowing small adjustment to this by a small upward or downward pressure applied through handle 1 by the operator.

[0041] At the open end of the handle 1 is fitted a standard quick-release hose connector 5. To this connector can be fitted a length of flexible hose (not shown) giving a fast assembly time of the device. To the other end P of this hose is connected a standard pump of suitable capacity (not shown) which will then pump the contaminated water through a suitable standard filtering device, before finally returning the filtered clean water to its source, or other storage as required.

[0042] In figure 1 the holes 4 are rectangular slots, the longest sides of the rectangles being parallel to the axis of tubes 3.

[0043] In Figure 2 is shown a further embodiment of the invention for removing contaminates from the surface of water. This embodiment has been designed to offer a rapid response to floating environmental hazards and may be constructed either from a length of suitable flexible hose, or a manufactured moulding.

[0044] The device has a tubular member whose open ends are joined together through the arms of T-junction 2 to form tubular main body 7 of a cross section suited to its use, but preferably round or ovoid in cross section which can incorporate a number of flotation or ballast devices 8 at the outer extremes of the main body (only one is shown here) and/or inboard flotation or ballast device 9 of a suitable shape for stability but preferably of a circular shape. The tubular main body 7 of the device is provided with holes 10 of a suitable size around the outer edge to allow pollutants to be drawn into the device, or it may be provided with a number of nozzles 11 for this purpose.

[0045] The device is provided with a very flexible connection, such as a convoluted hose 14, connected in a water-tight manner to the stem of the T-junction 2 at one end, such that the main body 7 can rotate with respect to the convoluted hose, and at the other end to a length of standard hose 12 which has flotation devices 13 attached at intervals. Flexible hose 12 may be connected direct to a suitable standard pump P and filtration unit, or be connected with a multiplicity of other devices via a manifold unit which is shown in figure 4 and described later.

[0046] The preferably symmetrical cross section of the tubular main body 7, together with its swivel connection I-junction 2 to the convoluted hose 14, and, as can be seen, the device is symmetrical about an axis extending from the central axis of the stem of the T-junction, ensures that the device will automatically place itself flat on the water surface, and can function either way up, and so can be thrown quickly and easily onto a body of water and carry out its function whichever way it lands on the water.

[0047] In Figure 3 is shown a further embodiment of the invention where it is incorporated into a containment boom system, thus providing an enhancement of these devices. Normally a passive boom as known at present is employed to encircle an area of floating contamination from oils, fuels, dusts, granular particles or other substances so that it can be prevented from spreading over a wider area. When this is achieved, other separate means are then employed to remove the contamination from the enclosed area.

[0048] Tubular member 15 is constructed from suitable material such as a moulding or standard hose may be of such a length which combines optimum portability to the site with efficiency in operation. The tubular member 15 have a T-junction 2 formed therein whose stem 16 is connected to a flexible hose to connect the device to a suitable pump P and filtration unit as shown with the preceding embodiments. Tubular member 15 is provided with holes 17 or nozzles 18 allowing the contaminants to be drawn into the tubular member 15, and then drawn away by the pump P through outlet connection 16. In addition, an apron 26 may be added to the lower portion of the tubular member 15 to aid containment of pollutants. Further, the height of the boom may be increased by addition of a top lip or flange 19 in order to cope with thicker deposits of contaminants.

[0049] In order to ensure that the device is oriented correctly with regard to the surface of the water, there are provided flotation and/or ballast devices 20.

These are shown as separate units attached to the tubular member 15 by a outriggers 21 extending transversely to the tubular member 15 generally parallel to the water surface; but the floatation/ballast devices could with advantage be incorporated onto the tubular member 15 as an integral part.

As can be seen, the device is symmetrical about an axis extending from the central axis of the stem of the I-junction.

[0050] The device as shown is designed to operate either as a single unit or as one in a connected series. When operated as a connected series, male connector, 22 will mate with a corresponding female socket 23 at the opposite end of the next device in the series. It will be appreciated that through these means a linear series of the device can be connected to form an extended straight or curved floating boom, which may be towed through the polluted area, or connected back onto itself to form a continuous barrier which can be arranged to completely encircle the area of pollution. In all applications except complete encirclement, the male connector 21 and its female socket 23 at the opposite end of the tubular member 15 or connected series of tubular members will be sealed with water tight plugs, stoppers or caps. In addition not all tubular members in a connected series need have external connections and unused stem connectors 16 would be sealed.

[0051] In the device described in figure 3 the tube is shown as circular in cross section; however, it could be elliptical, square or rectangular, or semi-circular cross section with flat section at either top or bottom. Having a flat section at bottom may give advantage in removing some contaminants.

[0052] In figure 4 is shown an additional accessory to the main invention. This is a manifold unit, comprising a means of connection of a multiplicity of the above-mentioned devices, which can be all of the same type or a mixture of types, to allow more exact provision of pollutant removal technique according to the form of the pollutant and circumstances in which the device is to be used.

[0053] The manifold unit consists of a main body 24 constructed from suitably robust and water proof materials, and though shown as rectangular can be of any shape to allow its most efficient use.

[0054] Attached to the main body 24 is a connector 25 allowing a pump P to draw fluid out of the main body, and a number of similar connectors 26 with through internal communication in the main body between them and the pump connector, allowing the pump P to be connected via the main body 24 and draw contaminated fluid from any desired number of devices of the type above mentioned.

[0055] The connectors communicating with the devices are provided with individual isolating valves 27 which enable the operator to select some or all of the connected devices, as the circumstances dictate.

[0056] With advantage, the manifold device will be provided with a flow rate meter 28 providing the operator with a means of monitoring the device's operation.

[0057] It will be appreciated that any or all of the embodiments of the device could simply and easily be provided with illumination of the working area, utilising fibre optic cable with attendant luminaires or low voltage electrical cable powering light emitting diodes or lamps, A supply cable can easily be clipped to the extraction hoses, and the luminaire affixed to the operating head of whichever type described, conferring the great advantage of convenient self-contained working ability in conditions of darkness.

[0058] The tubular member(s) described may be made from very many materials ranging from plastics to rubbers to metals. Ideally however the material should have a degree of flexibility and for this purpose reinforced rubbers (natural or synthetic) are ideal materials for the tubular members.

[0059] A number of other features that may be included in a system design are described below.

[0060] In some situation, such as for example if the device is uses in a wooded area, debris such as leaves and twigs may block the holes of the device.

To avoid this, a simple mesh can be deployed in form of the holes or nozzles as shown in figure 5. A mesh frame 31 is fitted into recesses 32 of tube 3, the mesh frame 31 of covered with a mesh (omitted for clarity).

Although shown as applied to the device of figure 1, the mesh principle of figure 3 can be applied to the devices shown in figures 2 and 3 just as easily.

[0061] Forsome applications the design would include a break tank/vacuum vessel as shown in figure 6. Here a pump 41 draws a break tank 42 in the form of a vacuum vessel. When the pump is on, the vacuum created in tank 42 sucks contaminant through flexible hose 43 which is to the connector 5 of a device as shown in figure 1. A mixture of contaminant and water 44 is collected in tank 42 so isolating the pump 41 from any contaminant. Contaminant would then be disposed of from the tank. Such an arrangement would also avoid any risk of cavitation in the pump caused by frothing and the like of some potential contaminants. Where no break tank/vacuum vessel is deployed the pump specification would need to be such as to minimise the risk of cavitation for the particular application in mind; this is matter of conventional engineering design. The break/vacuum tank arrangement shown in figure 6 can also be applied to the devices of figures 2 and 4. If a manifold is used as shown in figure 4, a break tank could be fitted between the pump P and main body 24 shown in that figure.

[0062] Other engineering considerations for use of this invention in particualr situations in application of flammable or toxic contaminents and safety include arrangements to prevent explosive vapours commulating in the system and to handle toxic vapours. Likewise if containents are likely to be corrosive, this will have inplecations for material choices in the design of equipment to implement tihe invention.

[0063] The implementing engineering design will also need to acount for viscosity of the contaminants or the possible presence of solids, such as carbon black or other powders. Again this aspect of the design is made easier if a break tank is deployed.

[0064] Generally nozzles, such as descibed as items 11 and 18, wouldl not be used, the more normal arrangement would be the use of holes, shown for example as 4,10,17 lined byan eyelet which is removeable upon wear, or to provide a range of apertures without changing main body.

[0065] It is possible to include a sliding shutter type device, similar to the "hit and miss" ventilator used in windows. This would be clipped over the tube to fully or part cover the holes and slid to alter the size and also shape of the input holes.

[0066] With some contaminents it is possble that a hole or nozzle may block, for this stuation a blow back faility coiuld be incorpoated to blow out the blockage. In some environments too, such as rivers, leaves and twigs may block the holes or nozzles, if this is a risk a screen could be incorpoorated in front of the holes or nozzles. If a manifold is included in the design then the manifold can also be used to selected the particlar devicet to be subject to blow back.

[0067] It is possible to the design the extraction from the tubluar member to be above the device, rather than at the same level as the holes or nozzles, and to lower holes or nozzles to the correct level. This would allow extracting the contaminant in any direction but would negate any-way-up concept for the device as shown in the figures.

[0068] In some cases as the contaminant is removed, the holes or nozzles may lie lower with respect to the underlying water surface. If this is a problem ballast units hich are filled or emptied remotely by operator, or locally by a sensor, for example a ball valve, to achieve automatic level control.

[0069] Some contaminant may coat the inside of the devices. In this case, the device will need cleaning after use.

[0070] Once contaminant has been removed the operator would normally switch off the pump. However, it is possible to incorporate an automatic detection system to turn of the pump, this is an added complication and may not be commecially attractive.

[0071] Where nozzles are used, to increase the suction or provide suction air, or another gas or water or other liquid could be pumped into the device through venturi nozzle (or the like) fitted at the back of the nozzles so that suction is provided at the nozzle. This may have have benefits for corrosive or flammable materials.

[0072] Anti-frothing agents could be introduced into the collection pipe to prevent frothong in the pump or any break tanks.

Claims

Claims 1. Awater surface contaminant removal device comprises a 1-junction, whose arms are connected to the insides of one or more tubular members, said tubular members each having a plurality of holes though its wall to its interior the T-junction additionally having a third connection to a further duct through which to a water, air and any contaminant flowing through the holes may be pumped away by a pump from the tubular members interior, the buoyancy of the device being such that in still water the holes are aligned with the surface of the water.
2. A water surface contaminant removal device according to claim 1 in which, the buoyancy is such that the surface of water and any contaminant is between the bottom and top of the hole.
3. A water surface contaminant removal device according to claim 1 or 2 which is symmetrical about the axis extending from the central axis of the stem of the T-junction.
4. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 having at least one buoyancy/ballast aid associated with a tubular member.
5. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to any preceding claim in which the tubes have a symmetrical cross section, preferably circular or elliptical.
6. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to any preceding claim in which one or more tubular members are joined end to end in a loop.
7. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to any preceding claim in which the holes are rectangular slots, the longest sides of the rectangles being parallel to the axis of the tubular member though whose wall the hole passes.
8. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to any preceding claim wherein the holes are lined by interchangeable eyelets and/or nozzles.
9. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising a hollow handle and two said tubular members each closed at one end and open at their other end with a hollow connector at one end of the hollow handle connecting to the open ends of the said tubular members which extend from the connector laterally with respect to the handle, the interiors of the tubular members being connected through the hollow connector to the hollow inside of the handle, the interior of the handle connectable directly or indirectly through one or more further ducts to a pump to pump water and any contaminant flowing through the holes away from the interiors of the tubular members.
10. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to claim 9in which the tubular members each having a buoyancy aid at the closed ends of the tubular members away from the hollow connectors, the buoyancy aids for each tubular member balancing one another to maintain the device on the surface of the water with the holes aligned as required.
11. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in which the ends of one or more tubular members are joined end to end to form a tubular main body, with one or more buoyancy aids associated with the main body, one at least of said tubular members having a plurality of holes though its surface into its interior, and the main body having an eternal connection through one or more ducts to which a pump may be connected to pump water and any contaminant from the interior of the main body.
12. A water surface contaminant removal device according to claim 11 in which the tubular main body is substantially circular in plan view.
13. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to claim 11 or 12 in which one or more buoyancy aids are mounted on the periphery of the main body.
14. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to claim 11, 12 or 13 in which the tubular main body is braced.
15. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to any one of claims 11 to 14 having, a buoyancy/ballast aid at the centre of the main body weighted to a degree to stabilise the main tubular main body in water.
16. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to any one of claims 11 to 15 in which the external connection comprises a flexible duct to allow the device to rotate and to move up and down and side to side with respect to the duct leading to the pump.
17. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to any one of claims 11 to 16 in which the holes are directed outwards from the main body.
18. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or 11 being part of a boom for containing contaminants, each device having an upper lip or flange aligned with the axis of the tubular member, the upper lip or flange extending above the water line.
19. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to claim 18 in which one or more tubular members have a lower apron extending beneath the tubular members and aligned with the axis of the tubular member(s).
20. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to claim 18 or 19 in which is one of a number of such devices joined end to end to form closed boom to contain any contaminant, the holes in the tubular member walls are directed towards the containment area of the boom.
21. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to claim 18, 19, or 20 in which each tubular member has a male connector at one end and a female connector at other end, the male connectors being joinable to the female connectors to form the boom.
22. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to any one of claims 18 to 21 having buoyancy aids mounted in pairs on outriggers extending perpendicularly from above the tubes into the area contained by the boom and outside said area, with the buoyancy aids mounted on the outriggers balancing one another against any wave movement.
23. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to any preceding claim additionally comprising a manifold connection between the device and a pump.
24. Awater surface contaminant removal device according to any preceding claim additionally comprising a break tank between the device and a pump.
25. A water surface contaminant removal device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWSClaims 1. A water surface contaminant removal device comprises a T-junction, whose arms are connected to the insides of one or more tubular members, said tubular members each having a plurality of holes though its wall to its interior the T-junction additionally having a third connection to a further duct through which to a water, air and any contaminant flowing through the holes may be pumped away by a pump from the tubular members interior, the buoyancy of the device being such that in still water the holes are aligned with the surface of the water, any contaminant is between the bottom and top of the hole, in which the device is symmetrical about the axis extending from the central axis of the stem of the T-junction and the axes of the arms of the T-junction are in a plane aligned with the surface the water when still.2. A water surface contaminant removal device according to claim 1 having at least one buoyancy/ballast aid associated with a tubular member.LI') 3. A water surface contaminant removal device according to claim 1 or 2 in which the tubes have a symmetrical cross section, preferably circular or elliptical.LCD 4. A water surface contaminant removal device according to any preceding claim in which one or more tubular members are joined end to end in a loop.5. A water surface contaminant removal device according to any preceding claim in which the holes are rectangular slots, the longest sides of the rectangles being parallel to the axis of the tubular member though whose wall the hole passes.6. A water surface contaminant removal device according to any preceding claim wherein the holes are lined by interchangeable eyelets and/or nozzles.7. A water surface contaminant removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising a hollow handle and two said tubular members each closed at one end and open at their other end with a hollow connector at one end of the hollow handle connecting to the open ends of the said tubular members which extend from the connector laterally with respect to the handle, the interiors of the tubular members being connected through the hollow connector to the hollow inside of the handle, the interior of the handle connectable directly or indirectly through one or more further ducts to a pump to pump water and any contaminant flowing through the holes away from the interiors of the tubular members.8. A water surface contaminant removal device according to claim 7 in which the tubular members each having a buoyancy aid at the closed ends of the tubular members away from the hollow connectors, the buoyancy aids for each tubular member balancing one another to maintain the device on the surface of the water with the holes aligned as required.9. A water surface contaminant removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in which the ends of one or more tubular members are joined end to end to form a tubular main body, with one or more buoyancy aids associated with the main body, one at least of said tubular members having a plurality of holes though its surface into its interior, and the main body having an eternal connection through one or more ducts to which a pump may be connected to pump water and any contaminant from the interior of the main body.10. A water surface contaminant removal device according to claim 9 in which the tubular main body is substantially circular in plan view.11. A water surface contaminant removal device according to claim 9 or 10 in which one or more buoyancy aids are mounted on the periphery of the main body.LI') 12. A water surface contaminant removal device according to claim 9, 10 or 11 in 0 which the tubular main body is braced.13. A water surface contaminant removal device according to any one of claims 9 to 12 having, a buoyancy/ballast aid at the centre of the main body weighted to a degree to stabilise the main tubular main body in water.14. A water surface contaminant removal device according to any one of claims 9 to 14 in which the external connection comprises a flexible duct to allow the device to rotate and to move up and down and side to side with respect to the duct leading to the pump.15. A water surface contaminant removal device according to any one of claims 9 to 14 in which the holes are directed outwards from the main body.16. A water surface contaminant removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or 9 being part of a boom for containing contaminants, each device having an upper lip or flange aligned with the axis of the tubular member, the upper lip or flange extending above the water line.17. A water surface contaminant removal device according to claim 16 in which one or more tubular members have a lower apron extending beneath the tubular members and aligned with the axis of the tubular member(s).18. A water surface contaminant removal device according to claim 16 or 17 in which is one of a number of such devices joined end to end to form closed boom to contain any contaminant, the holes in the tubular member walls are directed towards the containment area of the boom.19. A water surface contaminant removal device according to claim 16, 17 or 18 in which each tubular member has a male connector at one end and a female connector at other end, the male connectors being joinable to the female connectors to form the boom.20. A water surface contaminant removal device according to any one of claims 16 to 19 having buoyancy aids mounted in pairs on outriggers extending perpendicularly from above the tubes into the area contained by the boom and to outside said area, with the buoyancy aids mounted on the outriggers balancing one another against any wave movement.LI') 21. A water surface contaminant removal device according to any preceding claim 0 additionally comprising a manifold connection between the device and a pump.22. A water surface contaminant removal device according to any preceding claim 0 additionally comprising a break tank between the device and a pump.23. A water surface contaminant removal device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.