USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

David M Robinson

Robert Parker

Jason M Pappafotis

Anthony Simpson

Daniel J Flisek

A system for cleaning up an oil spill and recovering the spilled oil includes frames supporting superhydrophobic oil-absorbing nanowires. A first container supports the frames with the nanowires. A mixture of oil and water is pumped into the first container where the oil from the mixture is absorbed by the nanowires as water is separated from the mixture and deposited in the first container where it is then pumped therefrom. A second container supports the frames with the oil so-absorbed by the nanowires. The frames with the oil so-absorbed by the nanowires are heated whereby the oil so-absorbed separates from the nanowires and is deposited in the second container. The oil so-deposited in the second container is then pumped therefrom.

System for oil spill clean up and oil recovery

The invention in one variation is a pressure vessel having a pair of hemispheres with a wall and a circular edge, a pair of sealing elements, and an intervening mounting plate with circular groove on both sides of the plate. The hemispheres are mounted on opposite sides of the plate. Each groove has an sealing element and the circular edge. A seal is formed between the plate and a hemisphere when the hemisphere is pressed against the sealing element. Pressure can be generated by creating a partial vacuum in the sealed hemispheres or by using clamps. When exposed to higher pressures, such as when the vessel is used underwater, the pressure on the hemispheres is conveyed to the sealing element forming an even tighter seal. The vessel has interface connections that enable communication to and from devices mounted inside. The vessels are modular and can be ganged to provide redundancy or different functions.

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Panama City, FL, United States of America

David M Robinson