Particulate oil spill recovery. I,Oil sorption properties of plastic foams

Reusable, reticulated, polyurethane foams are broadcast at sea, absorb oil in the presence of water, are recovered, oil removed and foam particles rebroadcast. Combining dimensional and mathematical analysis with experimental data, a mathematical model of foam sorption efficacy and rate is developed showing the system to be practical. Oil viscosity, wave height, recovery ship speed, and system geometry influence foam selection.