Patent ID: 6143170
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: B01D,B01J,B04B,B08B,Y10S

Abstract:
A system for recovering oil-based fluids, the system comprising reusable sorbent articles having an inner hydrophobic foam core and at least one outer polymeric fiber cover having random fibers defining voids sufficient to entrain oil therein, a motor vehicle containing a power supply, a self-balancing centrifuge having a housing and connected to the power supply for powered operation thereof, the centrifuge being positioned on the vehicle for transport to a remote site containing the reusable sorbent articles, the centrifuge including a housing cover and a rotatable basket received within an interior portion of the centrifuge defined by the housing and cover and configured for receiving a plurality of the sorbent articles, wherein rotation of the basket during use of the system applies centrifugal forces to the sorbent articles for extractive removal of oil-based fluids therefrom such that the fluids travel from the basket into an annular area between the basket and the housing, a spray conduit connected through the cover to a spray nozzle, the conduit and nozzle being in flow communication with a source of pressurized liquid for introducing a flow of liquid into the basket, and a collection tank in flow communication with the annular area for receiving the fluids removed from the sorbent articles.