oil slick

[andygaff]

would it be possible to use a freeze drying process to separate crude oil from sea water?

[leveni]

would it be possible to use a freeze drying process to separate crude oil from sea water?

 

Everything is possible.

What temp does salt water freeze and what temp does the oil freeze?

How much energy would be needed to freeze the one that would freeze first?

 

What is your plan? I'm interested.

[andygaff]

I am pretty sure that the oil would freeze at lower temp. More importantly it becomes more viscous, whereas the water "vaporizes" into very small separate crystals that could be blown blown back into the sea. I don't know how salt would effect the process or if it could be accomplished at sea. Anyone work for Birds-eye?

[cypress]

Possible? sure, expensive? absolutely, efficient? no way. Skimmers and booms work relatively swiftly and efficiently but nothing is particularly effective. Best not to let it spill. BP opened up Pandora's Box and now we are all paying the price.