Environmentally-neutral processing with condensed phase cryogenic fluids
OwnerRonald de Strulleinventor
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims66
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 liquid phase;
- a collector adapted for capturing at least some of the immiscible pollutant after exposure to the cryogenic fluid;
- and
- a storage structure, coupled to the collector.
A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system comprising:
- a cryogenic fluid transport structure coupled to a cryogenic fluid source;
- applicator means for dispensing the cryogenic fluid in a substantially condensed liquid phase, the applicator means coupled to the cryogenic fluid transport structure;
- and
- a collector adapted for capturing at least some of the pollutant after exposure to the cryogenic fluid.
A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system comprising:
- a cryogenic fluid source;
- transport means for transporting the cryogenic fluid from the cryogenic fluid source such that the cryogenic fluid does not reach its saturation point;
- an applicator coupled to the transport means, the applicator adapted for dispensing the cryogenic fluid in a substantially condensed liquid phase;
- and
- a collector adapted for capturing at least some of the pollutant.
A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system comprising:
- means for transporting cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source such that the cryogenic fluid is substantially maintained in the condensed phase;
- means for dispensing the cryogenic fluid in a substantially condensed liquid phase, the means for dispensing coupled to the means for transporting;
- and
- a collector adapted for capturing at least some of the pollutant.
A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system 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 liquid phase;
- and
- a collector adapted for capturing at least some of the immiscible pollutant.
A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system comprising:
- a cryogenic fluid source;
- a cryogenic fluid transport structure coupled to the cryogenic fluid source adapted for transporting the cryogenic fluid at less than or equal to about 50 psi;
- a low pressure applicator coupled to the cryogenic fluid transport structure adapted for dispensing the cryogenic fluid in a substantially condensed liquid phase;
- and
- a collector adapted for capturing at least some of the immiscible pollutant after exposure to the cryogenic fluid.
A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system comprising:
- a cryogenic fluid source;
- a cryogenic fluid transport structure coupled to the cryogenic fluid source and adapted for transporting the cryogenic fluid at less than or equal to about 50 psi;
- applicator means for dispensing the cryogenic fluid at approximately atmospheric pressure such that it is dispensed in a substantially condensed liquid phase, the applicator means coupled to the cryogenic fluid transport structure;
- and
- a collector adapted for capturing at least some of the pollutant.
A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system comprising:
- a cryogenic fluid source;
- a cryogenic fluid transport structure coupled to the cryogenic fluid source;
- and
- applicator means for dispensing the cryogenic fluid at about atmospheric pressure such that it is dispensed in a substantially condensed liquid phase, the applicator means coupled to the cryogenic fluid transport structure;
- and
- a collector adapted for capturing at least some of the pollutant.
A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system comprising:
- transport means for transporting a cryogenic fluid substantially in the condensed phase;
- applicator means for dispensing the cryogenic fluid at about atmospheric pressure such that it is dispensed in a substantially condensed liquid phase, the applicator means coupled to the transport means;
- and
- a collector adapted for capturing at least some of the pollutant.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.