Environmentally-neutral processing with condensed phase cryogenic fluids
OwnerRonald de Strulleinventor
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Abstract
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.
Claims46
A system for remediating an immiscible pollutant comprising:
- a cryogenic fluid source adapted for providing a condensed-phase cryogenic fluid;
- a cryogenic fluid transport structure coupled to the cryogenic fluid source adapted for transporting the cryogenic fluid;
- a low pressure applicator coupled to the cryogenic fluid transport structure adapted for dispensing the cryogenic fluid in a substantially condensed phase, wherein the low pressure applicator comprises a drizzle bar comprising at least one hole array;
- a collector adapted for capturing at some of the immiscible pollutant after exposure to the cryogenic fluid;
- and
- a storage structure, coupled to the collector, adapted for storing the immiscible pollutant.
A system for remediating an immiscible pollutant comprising:
- a cryogenic fluid source adapted for providing a condensed-phase cryogenic fluid;
- a cryogenic fluid transport structure coupled to the cryogenic fluid source adapted for transporting the cryogenic fluid;
- a low pressure applicator coupled to the cryogenic fluid transport structure adapted for dispensing the cryogenic fluid in a substantially condensed phase;
- a collector adapted for capturing at some of the immiscible pollutant after exposure to the cryogenic fluid;
- a storage structure, coupled to the collector, adapted for storing the immiscible pollutant;
- one or more sensors disposed proximate to the immiscible pollutant adapted to generate one or more data signals;
- and
- a controller coupled to the sensors, cryogenic fluid source and cryogenic fluid transport structure, wherein the controller is adapted to control any of the cryogenic fluid source or cryogenic fluid transport structure in response to the one or more data signals, wherein the controller is adapted to adjust the fluid flow rate through the cryogenic fluid transport structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.