OIL SPILL CLEAN UP USING A COTTON SORBENT

Abstract : A 19-month study was conducted to develop a sorbent dispersal, retrieval, and disposal system using cotton wastes to combat oil pollution. A test program developed the design data base required to evaluate the concept as well as the system components. Major variables studied included crude oil type, sorbent to oil weight ratios, sorbent contact time, removal efficiencies, squeezing techniques, disposal via incineration, and air pollution parameters. It is concluded that the concept of using cotton as an oil spill clean-up agent is viable and that the system as operated was capable of retrieving approximately 95 % of the oil confronted for water velocities of 2 feet per second or less and dispersion ratios of 0.05 (or greater) pounds of cotton per pound of oil.