Environmentally-neutral processing with condensed phase cryogenic fluids
First Claim
Patent Images
1. 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.
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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.
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Citations
66 Claims
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1. A system for remediating an immiscible pollutant comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38)
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39. A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (40, 41, 42)
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43. A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (44, 45, 46)
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47. A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (48, 49, 50)
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51. A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (52, 53, 54)
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55. A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (56, 57, 58)
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59. A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (60, 61, 62)
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63. A system for applying a cryogenic fluid to a pollutant, the system comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (64, 65, 66)
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Specification