Electromagnetic boom and environmental cleanup application for use in conjunction with magnetizable oil

A method and system for efficient oil spill cleanup are disclosed. Inserting magnetic filings in the oil magnetizes the spilled oil. An electromagnetic boom associated with an oil spill cleanup apparatus are used to create a magnetic field proximate to the electromagnetic boom. The magnetic field draws the magnetized oil toward the boom. The magnetic field is periodically switched on and off to create a pumping effect and draws the magnetized oil to a collection apparatus. The electromagnetic boom is directed through the effected environment using a thruster on the distal end of the boom.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/368,123, which was filed on Jul. 27, 2010 and is entitled “Electromagnetic Boom and Environmental Cleanup Application for Use in Conjunction with Magnetizable Oil”. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/368,123 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This patent Application also claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/356,319, which was filed on Jun. 18, 2010 and is entitled “Methods and Systems for Remediating Environments Contaminated by Oil”. U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/356,319 is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments are generally related to the field of oil spill dean up. Embodiments are also related to methods and systems for cleaning oil from water, surfaces, and wildlife. Embodiments are additionally related to the use of an electromagnetic boom for cleaning magnetizable oil from surfaces and water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Human release of oil into the environment is an ongoing environmental concern. An oil spill is generally understood as an evacuation of liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment due to human activity. This may be from oil tankers, offshore platforms, drilling rigs, wells, or a number of other sources. Public attention is often drawn to marine oil spills, where oil is released into the ocean or coastal waters.

Oil spills are known to cause numerous environmental problems. Seabirds and marine mammals that are exposed to oil spills may suffer from a number of conditions. Oil reduces the insulating capacity of plumage and fur, and the ingestion of oil can cause various internal complications. Oil also affects marine flora because it reduces the penetrating depth of sunlight thus retarding the process of photosynthesis for underwater plants.

A number of approaches are presently used to cleanup oil spills. The techniques used depend on many factors including the type of oil spilled, the temperature of the water, and the affected environment. Known cleanup methods include the use of microorganisms or biological agents to breakdown or remove oil, controlled burning, the use of dispersants and dredging, skimming, and vacuum and centrifuge techniques where oil is sucked up with water and then separated from the water with a centrifuge.

Current methods and systems are not adequate to quickly cleanup oil spills, and thereby minimize the environmental impact of those spills. Current boom apparatuses are passive meaning they are only used to passively contain an oil spill but fail to actively aid in cleaning the oil. It is therefore necessary to develop an active boom method and system for cleaning oil spills.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is, therefore, one aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide for a simple and environmentally safe method to cleanup, recover, and manipulate oil.

It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide for a method and system for magnetic or electromagnetic cleanup of oil.

It is yet another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide for an enhanced method and system for an electromagnetic boom for cleanup of oil spills.

The aforementioned aspects and other objectives and advantages can now be achieved as described herein. A method and system for oil spill clean up. An electromagnetic boom apparatus can comprise solenoids and buoys alternately linked on a tether. A thruster can be connected to the distal end of the tether for sweeping the tether through an environment. A collection apparatus can be formed at the origin of the tether so that the solenoids can produce a driving magnetic field that pumps spilled oil to the collection apparatus. The solenoids can each include pole pieces on each respective end of the solenoids. The apparatus can also include a power source connected to the origin of the tether so that the tether provides power to the thruster and solenoids thereby creating an electromagnetic field. Mixing iron filings with the spilled oil can magnetize the spilled oil.

In an alternative embodiment, the electromagnetic boom apparatus can further include a magnetic box fitted over the source of spilled oil wherein a pipe can be fitted to the magnetic box so that the magnetized spilled oil is pumped into the magnetic box creating a magnetic gasket to control the flow of oil from the source.

In an embodiment, a method can be provided for collecting spilled oil. Such a method can comprise magnetizing oil associated with an oil spill, deploying an electromagnetic boom in the oil spill, inducing a magnetic field around the electromagnetic boom, and driving the magnetized oil along the induced magnetic field to a collection point, thereby removing the magnetized oil associated with the oil spill from an environment. In another embodiment of such a method, operations can be implemented for thrusting a distal end of the electromagnetic boom with a thruster, and sweeping the electromagnetic boom through the oil spill. In yet another embodiment of such a method, operations can be provided for configuring the electromagnetic boom with a plurality of alternating links of floats and solenoids connected by a power carrying tether to a collection apparatus, and capping the plurality of solenoids with a pole piece on each end of the solenoid.

In still another embodiment, operations for magnetizing the oil associated with an oil spill can further comprise an operation for inserting a plurality of iron filings in the oil associated with the oil spill. In another embodiment, operations can be provided for pumping the magnetized oil into a magnetic box formed to cover a source of the oil spill, inducing a magnetic field in the magnetic box, and creating a magnetic gasket within the magnetic box to control a flow of the oil spill. In an additional embodiment, the operation for driving the magnetized oil can further comprise an operation for activating the plurality of solenoids periodically to create a pumping effect on the magnetized oil. Additional embodiments may include, for example, deploying the electromagnetic boom from a dock, or deploying the electromagnetic boom from a boat. The aforementioned environment generally comprises an aquatic environment.

In another embodiment, an electromagnetic boom apparatus can comprise a plurality of solenoids and a plurality of buoys alternately linked on a tether, a thruster connected to a distal end of the tether for sweeping the tether through an environment, and a collection apparatus formed at the origin of the tether wherein the solenoids produce a driving magnetic field that pumps a spilled oil to the collection apparatus. In another embodiment of such an apparatus, a plurality of pole pieces can be formed on the each end of the plurality of solenoids. In yet another embodiment of such apparatus, a power source can be connected to the origin of the tether wherein the tether provides power to the thruster and the tether provides power to the solenoids thereby creating an electromagnetic field. Additionally, in another embodiment, mixing a plurality of iron filings with the spilled oil can magnetize the spilled oil.

In another embodiment, the aforementioned electromagnetic boom apparatus can further comprise a magnetic box fitted over a source of the spilled oil and a pipe fitted to the magnetic box wherein the magnetized spilled oil is pumped into the magnetic box thereby creating a magnetic gasket to control a flow of the spilled oil.

In another embodiment, a system can be provided for collecting spilled oil. Such a system may include a plurality of solenoids and a plurality of buoys alternately linked on a tether, and a thruster connected to a distal end of the tether for sweeping the tether through an environment. Such a system embodiment can further include a plurality of iron filings mixed with the spilled oil thereby rendering the spilled oil magnetic. Such a system embodiment can further include a collection apparatus formed at an origin of the tether wherein at least one solenoid among the plurality of solenoids produced a driving magnetic field that pumps the magnetized spilled oil to the collection apparatus.

In yet another embodiment, such a system can be configured to include a magnetic box fitted over a source of the spilled oil and a pipe fitted to the magnetic box wherein the magnetized spilled oil is pumped into the magnetic box to create a magnetic gasket within the magnetized box for controlling a flow of the spilled oil. Additionally, in another embodiment, a plurality of pole pieces can be formed on each end of the plurality of solenoids. In still another embodiment of such a system, a power source can be connected to the origin of the tether wherein the tether provides power to the thruster and the tether provides power to the solenoids thereby creating an electromagnetic field. In another embodiment, the plurality of solenoids can be activated periodically to create a pumping effect on the magnetized spilled oil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1depicts a section of an exemplary electromagnetic boom apparatus100, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. It should be appreciated thatFIG. 1is only exemplary and is not intended to assert or imply any limitation with regard to the environments in which aspects or embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted environments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments.

Electromagnetic boom apparatus100can be configured to include a series of floatation buoys120-122arranged between a series of solenoids110-113. The solenoids are capped on each end by pole pieces130-137. For example, solenoid110is capped by pole piece130on one side and pole piece131on the other side. Electromagnetic boom apparatus100can be bound together by a tether140. A tether140may also be used to supply power to the solenoids110-113.

A solenoid, for example, solenoids110-113, can be a loop of wire wrapped around a magnetic core. When an electric current is passed through the wire, a magnetic field is produced. Such a current can be provided from a power source via a tether140. Thus, by passing a current through solenoids110-113, each solenoid is an electromagnet. Because a user can control the current provided to the solenoids110-113, the strength and direction of the magnetic field produced can also be controlled. While solenoids110-113are preferably configured as described above, any electromagnet may be used in an alternative embodiment.

When an electric current is provided to solenoids110-113, a longitudinal magnetic field is produced. This magnetic field attracts magnetized oil to the electromagnetic boom apparatus100and pumps the magnetized oil toward one end of the electromagnetic boom100. In a preferred embodiment, solenoids110-113can be subject to a current periodically, thereby switching the magnetic field on and off. Such an arrangement can serve to prevent the accumulation of material on the poles of the electromagnet and thereby prevent shorts. The solenoids can be wired in three groups, which can be sequenced to create a traveling field. Switching the magnetic field on and off according to this sequencing fosters the pumping of magnetized oil to a collection point.

Electromagnetic boom apparatus100can be utilized in some embodiments as a temporary floating barrier used to contain and dean an oil spill. While boom100can be utilized in a marine environment, the apparatus100may alternatively be implemented for oil spill containment and dean up in a non-marine environment such as on land or on a water free surface. Electromagnetic boom apparatus100may also be used to divert oil-contaminated water to a collection point or to change the course of the contamination. Alternatively, electromagnetic boom apparatus may be used to block an environmentally sensitive area from contamination. One skilled in the art will appreciate that in many cases the use of a single boom may not be effective in containing and cleaning a contaminated environment. Thus, in an alternative embodiment, a number of electromagnetic booms100may be used simultaneously to effectively contain and dean oil from an environment.

FIG. 2illustrates a diagram of an oil spill cleanup apparatus200in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.FIG. 2shows an electromagnetic boom apparatus100connected to a power supply210and a collection apparatus220. A power supply210is used to provide power to the solenoids associated with electromagnetic boom apparatus100as shown inFIG. 1.

A collection apparatus220is located at one end of the electromagnetic boom apparatus100. In a preferred embodiment, a collection apparatus220may be a vacuum type device that sucks the oil driven to the collection device via the electromagnetic boom apparatus100. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any number of collection devices are known in the art anyone of which may be implemented as a collection apparatus200.

InFIG. 2, the distal end of the electromagnetic boom apparatus100is fitted with a thruster240. A thruster240is used to sweep the electromagnetic boom apparatus100through an environment250. A thruster240may be provided power via a tether140(shown inFIG. 1) or alternatively maybe self powered. A thruster240may also be controlled by a user. A user may use a thruster240to direct the electromagnetic boom apparatus100to a certain location or sweep the electromagnetic boom apparatus100through an environment250as shown.

In a preferred embodiment, the oil associated with the oil spill is rendered magnetic by adding iron filings, ferrite dust filings, or magnetite260to the viscous oil. The filings260are allowed to mix with the oil and form a colloidal suspension that floats on water. The filings260are generally between 0.1 μm-10 μm in size. A skilled artisan will appreciate any known material and/or method may be used to magnetize spilled oil. In an alternative embodiment, a magnetic mixture may be pumped directly into the source of an oil spill. The resultant oil that is produced is either magnetized or readily magnetizable.

Once the oil has been magnetized, it will be responsive to the magnetic field created proximate to the electromagnetic boom apparatus100. Arrow230illustrates the travel path of magnetized oil toward a collection apparatus220once it is subjected to the magnetic field proximate to the electronic boom apparatus100. Oil spill cleanup apparatus200is thus used to pump magnetized oil to a collection apparatus220.

In an alternative embodiment, ferrite filings260may be coated with an environmentally safe oil absorbent material. Many such materials and methods for coating are known in the art. In this embodiment, a collection apparatus220would be configured to create a magnetic field used to vacuum the magnetized oil from the environment250.

The environment250may be embodied by any surface affected by oil. One such example of the environment250may, for example, be a terrestrial environment, a marine environment, or another water free surface environment. Oil spill cleanup apparatus200may be deployed into the environment250from a dock, a ship, or any other location proximate to the environment250as necessary.

The environment250may also be a living creature. For example, the environment250may be a bird covered in oil. In such an example, a bird covered in viscous oil can be saturated with iron filings260. A scaled version of the electromagnetic boom apparatus100including solenoids110-113can then be used to remove the oil from the bird. In such a case, solenoids110-113may preferably be replaced by a suitable scaled electromagnet.

FIGS. 3(a)-3(b) illustrate a pumping sequence of an electromagnetic boom apparatus100, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.FIG. 3(a) generally depicts four solenoids110-113, as illustrated inFIG. 1. InFIG. 3(a), solenoids110and111are illustrated as “on”. This means a current is being provided to the solenoids thus creating a magnetic field310. Solenoid112is labeled “off” and no magnetic field is therefore propagated. Solenoid113is “on” and magnetic field310is therefore shown.

FIG. 3(b) illustrates the electromagnetic boom100a short period after theFIG. 3(a). Note that in the exemplary illustration depicted inFIG. 3(b), solenoids110and113are “off” while solenoids111and112are “on”. Thus, a magnetic field310is generally present and proximate to solenoids111and112. An electromagnetic field310has propagated along the electromagnetic boom apparatus100.

In combination,FIGS. 3(a)-(c) illustrate that in a preferred embodiment, solenoids110-113are periodically switched on and off. This serves to create the pumping action of magnetic field310shown by arrow230inFIG. 2. Periodically switching solenoids110-113also serves to prevent shorting due to material build-up at the poles of the solenoids. Such a shorting may be caused, for example, by iron filings260if solenoids110-113were not switched on and off. The pumping action is used to actively direct magnetized oil to a collection apparatus such as collection apparatus220.

The solenoids110-113represented inFIGS. 3(a)-(c) are exemplary of a section of solenoids associated with an electromagnetic boom100. The length and design considerations of electromagnetic boom100are both used to determine the total number of solenoids included in the apparatus. The solenoids110-113may also be wired in groups of three via tether140and other necessary wiring equipment as necessary. This wiring arrangement is sequenced as shown inFIGS. 3(a)-(c) to provide a traveling magnetic field as described above, and to collect and pump ferromagnetic infused fluids to a collection point.

FIG. 4illustrates a side view of a magnetic box400apparatus in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. Thus, in accordance with another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, an oil leak can be addressed at its source utilizing the magnetic box400illustrated inFIG. 4. Magnetic box400can be placed in a position around a leaking substance such as leaking oil indicated by arrow410. A colloidal magnetic material420can be pumped from a point outside the affected environment into magnetic box400using pipe430. The colloidal material420will form a magnetic gasket inside the box400as the magnetic filings440separate from the oil and cling to the box walls470and475. The oil will continue to flow through the magnetic gasket toward the surface as indicated by arrow450. However, the rate of flow will be significantly decreased as the oil naturally works through the gasket, thereby allowing for improved control of the flow as the leak is fixed.

Note the colloidal mixture420pumped into the magnetic box400can be the same oil collected from the surface of the environment using electromagnetic boom apparatus100.

Magnetic box400includes four outer walls. Because of the perspective ofFIG. 4, only two of the four walls are shown. The lower section of the outer walls460and465can be made of a non-magnetic material. In a preferred embodiment, the lower section of the outer walls460and465are made of lead. The upper section of the outer walls470and475are formed from a magnetic material so that a magnetic field is induced between the walls. The top of magnetic box480can be fitted with a removable choke magnet490. Choke magnet490can be used to provide increased flow control if necessary. Finally, a relief pipe495is provided out of the top of box400to allow a controlled oil flow to a collection point at the surface of the environment.

FIG. 5illustrates a high-level flow chart of operations depicting logical operational steps of a method500for efficient oil clean up using an oil spill cleanup apparatus such as oil spill cleanup apparatus200and magnetic box400, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. As indicated at block505, the method500can begin. Next, as indicated at block510, oil associated with an oil spill in an environment can be magnetized. This can be achieved by inserting iron filings or magnetite in the spilled oil. Alternatively, a magnetic mixture can be pumped into the source of the oil, for example, a leaking oil well so that the produced oil is magnetized. Additionally, a step or operation of magnetizing the oil can be performed by coating the iron filings in an environmentally safe, oil absorbent material and then dispersing it in the oil.

As illustrated next at block515, an oil spill cleanup apparatus including an electromagnetic boom apparatus, such as electromagnetic boom apparatus100, is deployed into an environment. Next, as shown at block520, an electric current is provided to the solenoids, for example, solenoids110-113, thereby creating a plurality of electromagnets.

The periodic current provided to the solenoids110-113creates a pumping action as described at block525. The periodic magnetic field draws the magnetized oil to the electromagnetic boom apparatus100and directs, or pumps, it toward a collection apparatus located at the end of the electromagnetic boom apparatus100.

A thruster located on the distal end of the electromagnetic boom apparatus, for example, thruster240, is then used to sweep the boom through the environment. A user may direct the boom to a specific location or sweep the boom across the entire environment as illustrated at block530. In addition, a magnetic box apparatus400can be used to control oil flow as indicated at block535. These steps allows for the active containment and cleaning of the entire affected environment.

Finally, as depicted at block540, the magnetized oil can be removed from the environment utilizing a collection apparatus such as, for example, the collection apparatus220. The collection may be a vacuum type device as described above. The method then ends at block545. Method500thus provides an active and efficient way to remove oil from an affected environment.

FIG. 6illustrates a high level operational flow chart of operations of a method600associated with step535fromFIG. 5, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. As indicated at block605, operations of method600can be initiated. Thereafter, as indicated at block610, a colloidal mixture of oil and magnetic filings can be pumped from the surface of an environment into a magnetic box such as, for example, magnetic box400.

The magnetic box400can be constructed to include a lower section and upper section. The lower section of the magnetic box400is not magnetized. The upper section of the magnetic box400can be formed from a magnetic material so that a magnetic field is induced within the magnetic box400, as described at block615. As the magnetic filings separate from the oil because they are subject to the magnetic field, a magnetic gasket can be formed within the box400, as indicated at block620.

Oil will continue to flow naturally through the magnetic box400. However, as described at block625, as a result of the magnetic gasket and the effects of gravity, the flow rate will be reduced allowing for a controlled flow to the environment surface where the oil can be collected. The method600depicted inFIG. 6can then terminate, as depicted at block630.

In summation, the disclosed embodiments for an oil spill cleanup can include, for example, an electromagnetic boom apparatus that comprises solenoids and buoys alternately linked on a tether. A thruster can be connected to the distal end of the tether for sweeping the tether through an environment, and a collection apparatus can be formed at the origin of the tether so that the solenoids can produce a driving magnetic field that pumps spilled oil to the collection apparatus. The solenoids can each include pole pieces on each respective end of the solenoids. The apparatus can also include a power source connected to the origin of the tether so that the tether provides power to the thruster and solenoids thereby creating an electromagnetic field. The spilled oil can be magnetized by mixing iron filings with the spilled oil.

In an alternative embodiment, the electromagnetic boom apparatus further includes a magnetic box fitted over the source of spilled oil wherein a pipe can be fitted to the magnetic box so that the magnetized spilled oil is pumped into the magnetic box creating a magnetic gasket to control the flow of oil from the source.

Thus, in an embodiment, a method can be provided for collecting spilled oil. Such a method can comprise magnetizing oil associated with an oil spill, deploying an electromagnetic boom in the oil spill, inducing a magnetic field around the electromagnetic boom, and driving the magnetized oil along the induced magnetic field to a collection point, thereby removing the magnetized oil associated with the oil spill from an environment. In another embodiment of such a method, operations can be implemented for thrusting a distal end of the electromagnetic boom with a thruster and sweeping the electromagnetic boom through the oil spill. In yet another embodiment of such a method, operations can be provided for configuring the electromagnetic boom with a plurality of alternating links of floats and solenoids connected by a power carrying a tether to a collection apparatus, and capping the plurality of solenoids with a pole piece on each end of the solenoid.

In still another embodiment, operations for magnetizing the oil associated with an oil spill can further comprise an operation for inserting a plurality of iron filings in the oil associated with the oil spill. In another embodiment, operations can be provided for pumping the magnetized oil into a magnetic box formed to cover a source of the oil spill, inducing a magnetic field in the magnetic box, and creating a magnetic gasket within the magnetic box to control the flow of the oil spill. In an additional embodiment, the operation for driving the magnetized oil can further comprise an operation for activating the plurality of solenoids periodically to create a pumping effect on the magnetized oil. Additional embodiments may include, for example, deploying the electromagnetic boom from a dock, or deploying the electromagnetic boom from a boat. The aforementioned environment generally comprises an aquatic environment.

In another embodiment, an electromagnetic boom apparatus can comprise a plurality of solenoids and a plurality of buoys alternately linked on a tether, a thruster connected to a distal end of the tether for sweeping the tether through an environment, and a collection apparatus formed at the origin of the tether wherein the solenoids produce a driving magnetic field that pumps spilled oil to the collection apparatus. In another embodiment of such an apparatus, a plurality of pole pieces can be formed on each end of the plurality of solenoids. In yet another embodiment of such apparatus, a power source can be connected to the origin of the tether wherein the tether provides power to the thruster and the tether provides power to the solenoids thereby creating an electromagnetic field. Additionally, in another embodiment, the spilled oil can be magnetized by mixing a plurality of iron filings with the spilled oil.

In another embodiment, the aforementioned electromagnetic boom apparatus can further comprise a magnetic box fitted over a source of the spilled oil, and a pipe fitted to the magnetic box wherein the magnetized spilled oil is pumped into the magnetic box thereby creating a magnetic gasket to control the flow of the spilled oil.

In another embodiment, a system can be provided for collecting spilled oil. Such a system may include a plurality of solenoids and a plurality of buoys alternately linked on a tether, and a thruster connected to a distal end of the tether for sweeping the tether through an environment. Such a system embodiment can further include a plurality of iron filings mixed with spilled oil thereby rendering the spilled oil magnetic. Such a system embodiment can further include a collection apparatus formed at an origin of the tether wherein at least one solenoid among the plurality of solenoids produce a driving magnetic field that pumps the magnetized spilled oil to the collection apparatus.

In yet another embodiment, such a system can be configured to include a magnetic box fitted over a source of the spilled oil, and a pipe fitted to the magnetic box wherein the magnetized spilled oil is pumped into the magnetic box to create a magnetic gasket within the magnetized box for controlling the flow of the spilled oil. Additionally, in another embodiment, a plurality of pole pieces can be formed on each end of the plurality of solenoids. In still another embodiment of such a system, a power source can be connected to the origin of the tether wherein the tether provides power to the thruster and the tether provides power to the solenoids thereby creating an electromagnetic field. In another embodiment, the plurality of solenoids can be activated periodically to create a pumping effect on the magnetized spilled oil.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.