Efficient cleaning of oil slicks. Free Technical Library News

NEWS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, NOVELTY IN ELECTRONICS
Free technical library / timeline

Efficient Oil Spill Cleanup

14.10.2012

Researchers Mike Chang and Zuepei Yuan point out that the current methods of cleaning up oil slicks, which were used, for example, to clean up the consequences of a deep-sea disaster in 2010, are in fact low-tech, decades outdated and have many disadvantages. The absorbents used, such as corncobs and straw, absorb only five times their weight, not only oil, but also water. After that, they become industrial waste, which require incineration or disposal in special landfills.

The scientists' solution is a polymeric material that converts the stain into a soft, oily gel that is dense enough to be mechanically collected and transported. In addition, the gel is amenable to liquefaction and subsequent purification similar to conventional crude oil. One kilogram of this substance can absorb about 40 liters of crude oil. At the current market price of crude oil of about $100 per barrel, the cost of this collection method would be only about $15.

The publication of the authors describes a new approach that will comprehensively solve the problem of oil slicks. The technology focuses on a cross-linked polyalkene trimer (x-OS-DVB) containing 1-octene, styrene and divinylbenzene, a superabsorbent petroleum polymer with aliphatic and amino acid compounds. The combination of selective oil absorption (i.e. without water) with high mechanical strength ensures buoyancy, reliability and ease of collection from the water surface. The collected oil gel, consisting of 98% oil and 2% x-OS-DVB, is suitable for conventional oil refining processes - economical, waste-free and with a very low percentage of harmful emissions. In addition, polyalkene is one of the cheapest polymers, the production of which is quite simple to set up around the world.

Overall, this new cost-effective technology can significantly reduce the environmental impact of oil slicks.

<< Back: 10TB HDD is just around the corner 14.10.2012

>> Forward: Production of lasers by printing 13.10.2012

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

Energy from space for Starship 08.05.2024

Producing solar energy in space is becoming more feasible with the advent of new technologies and the development of space programs. The head of the startup Virtus Solis shared his vision of using SpaceX's Starship to create orbital power plants capable of powering the Earth. Startup Virtus Solis has unveiled an ambitious project to create orbital power plants using SpaceX's Starship. This idea could significantly change the field of solar energy production, making it more accessible and cheaper. The core of the startup's plan is to reduce the cost of launching satellites into space using Starship. This technological breakthrough is expected to make solar energy production in space more competitive with traditional energy sources. Virtual Solis plans to build large photovoltaic panels in orbit, using Starship to deliver the necessary equipment. However, one of the key challenges ... >>

New method for creating powerful batteries 08.05.2024

With the development of technology and the expanding use of electronics, the issue of creating efficient and safe energy sources is becoming increasingly urgent. Researchers at the University of Queensland have unveiled a new approach to creating high-power zinc-based batteries that could change the landscape of the energy industry. One of the main problems with traditional water-based rechargeable batteries was their low voltage, which limited their use in modern devices. But thanks to a new method developed by scientists, this drawback has been successfully overcome. As part of their research, scientists turned to a special organic compound - catechol. It turned out to be an important component that can improve battery stability and increase its efficiency. This approach has led to a significant increase in the voltage of zinc-ion batteries, making them more competitive. According to scientists, such batteries have several advantages. They have b ... >>

Alcohol content of warm beer 07.05.2024

Beer, as one of the most common alcoholic drinks, has its own unique taste, which can change depending on the temperature of consumption. A new study by an international team of scientists has found that beer temperature has a significant impact on the perception of alcoholic taste. The study, led by materials scientist Lei Jiang, found that at different temperatures, ethanol and water molecules form different types of clusters, which affects the perception of alcoholic taste. At low temperatures, more pyramid-like clusters form, which reduces the pungency of the "ethanol" taste and makes the drink taste less alcoholic. On the contrary, as the temperature increases, the clusters become more chain-like, resulting in a more pronounced alcoholic taste. This explains why the taste of some alcoholic drinks, such as baijiu, can change depending on temperature. The data obtained opens up new prospects for beverage manufacturers, ... >>

Major risk factor for gambling addiction 07.05.2024

Computer games are becoming an increasingly popular form of entertainment among teenagers, but the associated risk of gaming addiction remains a significant problem. American scientists conducted a study to determine the main factors contributing to this addiction and offer recommendations for its prevention. Over the course of six years, 385 teenagers were followed to find out what factors may predispose them to gambling addiction. The results showed that 90% of study participants were not at risk of addiction, while 10% became gambling addicts. It turned out that the key factor in the onset of gambling addiction is a low level of prosocial behavior. Teenagers with a low level of prosocial behavior do not show interest in the help and support of others, which can lead to a loss of contact with the real world and a deepening dependence on virtual reality offered by computer games. Based on these results, scientists ... >>

Traffic noise delays the growth of chicks 06.05.2024

The sounds that surround us in modern cities are becoming increasingly piercing. However, few people think about how this noise affects the animal world, especially such delicate creatures as chicks that have not yet hatched from their eggs. Recent research is shedding light on this issue, indicating serious consequences for their development and survival. Scientists have found that exposure of zebra diamondback chicks to traffic noise can cause serious disruption to their development. Experiments have shown that noise pollution can significantly delay their hatching, and those chicks that do emerge face a number of health-promoting problems. The researchers also found that the negative effects of noise pollution extend into the adult birds. Reduced chances of reproduction and decreased fertility indicate the long-term effects that traffic noise has on wildlife. The study results highlight the need ... >>

Random news from the Archive

Packaging affects the properties of water 28.09.2013

Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology have found that the properties of the pipeline material affect the viscosity of water. True, this is noticeable only at the nanolevel.

The phenomenon does not affect the speed at which water pours out of the bottle, but at the nanoscale, under specific conditions, differences in the behavior of water are clearly visible. A new study shows that in nanoscopic glass channels, the viscosity of water can be twice as high as in plastic channels. Simply put, in nanoscale glass channels, water behaves like a ketchup-thick liquid.

At first glance, this discovery is of little use, but in fact it is very important, especially in light of the spread of nanotechnologies, such as microfluidic chips, designed to instantly diagnose infectious diseases. In addition, this information is important for developers of micromechanical systems, ultra-precise 3D printers and other devices where liquids have to be forced through tiny holes.

Changing the viscosity of water is another example of amazing phenomena at the nanoscale. It has long been known that the so-called hydrophilic materials attract water molecules and impede their movement, while hydrophobic materials, on the contrary, make it easier. But at the macro level, this is not so noticeable, but at the nano level, when water moves in a layer of only a few molecules, the viscosity increases sharply due to the fact that water molecules “stick” to the hydrophilic surface and move in a closer group.

The researchers studied the behavior of water at the nanoscale on various types of surfaces: mica, graphene oxide, silicon, diamond-like carbon and graphite. Mica, used in the drilling industry, and at the nanoscale, turned out to be the most hydrophilic material, while graphite was the most hydrophobic.

Scientists believe that a sharp increase in viscosity on hydrophilic surfaces will be observed for other liquids, not just water. Thus, developers of miniature machines, metamaterials, nanostructured materials, etc. this factor should be taken into account.

See full Archive of science and technology news, new electronics

All languages of this page

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews