Apparatus and method for removing hydrocarbons from a body of water

Apparatus for removing a demixed organic phase in a contaminated body of water, the demixed organic phase extending from a lower interface surface with a heavier phase to an upper interface surface with a lighter phase, the apparatus comprising:

• a mobile device configured to be immersed in the contaminated body of water, the mobile device comprising:
• a selectively permeable filter comprising a separation cavity,
• a collection tank comprising a collecting cavity configured to contain hydrocarbons filtered by the selectively permeable filter wherein the separation cavity and the collecting cavity are fluidly coupled,
• a suspension and handling control configured to automatically control a position of the mobile device with respect to the demixed organic phase,
• at least one level sensor configured to determine a relative position of the mobile device with respect to the upper interface surface of the demixed organic phase;
• a first phase sensor installed in a first predetermined position relative to the mobile device above an inlet of the collection tank and configured to detect a presence of the demixed organic phase;
• a second phase sensor installed in a second predetermined position relative to the mobile device and below the first predetermined position of the first phase sensor, and
• a surface device comprising:
• a remote control and handling unit coupled to the at least one level sensor, the first phase sensor, and the second phase sensor such that the remote control and handling unit and the at least one level sensor, the first phase sensor, and the second phase sensor are configured to exchange information with one another, and
• a motor configured to be controlled by the remote control and handling unit based on the information from the at least one level sensor, the first phase sensor, and the second phase sensor and coupled to the suspension and handling control.