ABSTRACT
A system has been developed for recovering spilled oil from water, under a wide variety of environmental conditions and for all types of oils, at rates up to 9,000 gal/hr. This system is based on the use of polyurethane foam, foamed on the job site, as a sorbent for the spilled oil. The foam is recirculated to increase efficiency and to lower unit costs. Equipment needed includes collection booms, an open-mesh chainlink belt for harvesting the oil-soaked sorbent, and a roller-wringer to remove oil and water from the foam. The foam is initially comminuted and distributed onto the water by means of a hay blower (mulcher), and recycled pneumatically or by mechanical conveyor. Recovered oil and water are transported to shore for further treatment prior to disposal. Used foam is disposed of by incineration.