BIOMASS-BASED ABSORBENT PAD FOR OIL SPILL CLEANUP

Abstract

BIOMASS-BASED ABSORBENT PAD FOR OIL SPILL CLEANUP ABSTRACT Numerous industries face significant environmental concerns as a result of oil spills demanding the need for effective treatment. Conventional absorbent materials tend to contain synthetic components, which might have a detrimental impact on the environment. Biomass based oil spill absorbent pad has been developed in the present study for the efficient clean-up and recovery of oil spills. Absorbent pad is constructed from a composite material comprising palm shell biochar, palm coir, and pectin which are all derived from natural and sustainable sources. Palm shell biochar obtained through pyrolysis of palm shell is a key component which contributes to porous nature and improved surface area that enhances the absorbent’s capacity to absorb and retain large quantities of oil. Palm coir fibres sourced from oil palm fruits provide necessary structural durability and integrity to absorbent pad. The pectin used in the process is a natural polysaccharide derived from pomace which acts as a binder forming a cohesive like network within the pad. The biomass absorbent pad offers a sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic absorbents providing an effective and eco-friendly solution for oil spill clean-up.

Specification

FORM - 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(see Section 10& rule 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION : BIOMASS-BASED ABSORBENT PAD FOR OIL SPILL
CLEANUP
2. APPLICANT:
S.No NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
1 Saveetha Institute of Medical and
Technical Sciences
INDIAN Saveetha Nagar, Thandalam,
Chennai - 602 105,Tamil Nadu,
India
20-Nov-2024/138528/202441089927/Form 2(Title Page)
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:
The following specification describes the invention and how it is to be performed.
4. COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is tobe
performed. ....................... Separate sheet is attached.....................................
5. DESCRIPTION
Separate sheet is attached______
6. CLAIMS
Separate sheet is attached______
DATE: ___J O****t-•
SIGNATURE: Dr. B.RAMESH
PRINCIPAL
NAME SIMATS ENGINEERING.
1. ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION SAVEETHA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAl
TECHN1AL SCIENCES
Separate sheet is attached-

Note:-
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Bank : INDUSIND BANK
Branch : NUNGAMBAKKAM
( SAVEETHA UNIVERSITY )
DD No : 402595
DD Date: 14/11/2024
DD Amount: 8,900/-

BIOMASS-BASED ABSORBENT PAD FOR OIL SPILL CLEANUP
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRPTION

THE FIELD OF INVENTION (WATER AND OIL TREATMENT INDUSTRY)
The invention focuses on the development of biomass-based absorbent pad for oil spill cleanup, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic absorbents in environmental protection, marine pollution control, and industrial waste management.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Oil spills represent a major environmental concern that lead to widespread negative impact on marine and aquatic ecosystem. Conventional materials for managing oil spills are derived from non-biodegradable polymers like polypropylene. Despite being efficient oil absorbent, these materials contribute to environmental pollution leading to its persistence in environment causing significant disposal issues. The innovation features an absorbent pad made of biomass that is intended for clean up oil spills. The pad is composed of pectin, palm coir fibers, and biochar from palm shells. Castor oil is added for increased hydrophobicity. Palm coir fibers give the material durability and structural stability, whereas palm shell biochar is a porous substance with good hydrocarbon absorption capacity. The cohesive matrix formed by pectin acts as a binder to keep the coir and charcoal fibers together. Castor oil is added to the pad to increase its hydrophobic qualities and increase its applications in wetland and coastal areas. This organic material that repels water makes sure the pad absorbs oil alone and locks out water. This biodegradable pad provides an environmentally friendly and effective solution for oil spill remediation by mitigating the functional limitations and environmental concerns associated with conventional synthetic absorbents. This reduces the environmental impact and encourages the use of sustainable materials in the management of ecological crises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Biomass based absorbent pad is made from pal shell biochar, palm coir and pectin with castor oil for the eco-friendly oil spill clean-up.

BIOMASS-BASED ABSORBENT PAD FOR OIL SPILL CLEANUP
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

Specifications
• Biomass absorbent pad is composed of palm shell biochar impregnated onto oil palm coir which
contributes to the oil absorption from contaminated sites.
• The high porosity of pyrolysed palm shell biochar enables effective hydrocarbon absorption and palm coir fibers offer structural stability and durability. The binder pectin combines to form a cohesive matrix that binds the charcoal and fibers together.
• The absorbent pad is enhanced with castor oil, a naturally occurring hydrophobic material, to enhance its
capacity to absorb oil specifically while repelling off water, which is highly beneficial in wetland and coastal areas.
• In the study experiment, around 97% of oil was absorbed from the contaminated sites denoting the better
absorbent ability of biomass based absorbent pad.
• The biodegradable nature of the absorbent pad offers a sustainable and effective way to clean up oil spills lowering the pollution and disposal problems.

BIOMASS-BASED ABSORBENT PAD FOR OIL SPILL CLEANUP
DESCRIPTION
In the synthesis of biomass based absorbent pad, the material has been engineered for better oilspill cleanup with emphasis on oil absorption capacities of palm shell biochar and palm coir fibers. Palm shell pyrolysis produces palm shell biochar, which has a large surface area and is very porous for its type, which makes it an
excellent absorbent of hydrocarbons. Large volumes of oil may be trapped inside the microstructures of this biochar, which serves as the pad's primary oil-absorbing component. The use of palm coir fibers, which are fibrous and hydrophobic, enhances oil absorption while also adding to the pad's mechanical strength and longevity. These fibers create a network that captures and retains oil, working synergistically with the biochar
to boost overall absorption efficiency. Pectin provides the structural cohesion of the absorbent pad by binding the biochar and coir fibers together forming a stable matrix withstanding the oil contaminated environment. Additional hydrophobic properties is imparted by the addition of castor oil in a minimal ratio thereby selectively absorbing oil and making it effective in challenging environments like coastal and wetland areas.

BIOMASS-BASED ABSORBENT PAD FOR OIL SPILL CLEANUP

CLAIM
We Claim

1. Claim: Biomass based absorbent pad claim that pyrolysed palm shell biochar serves as a
primary oil-absorbing material due to its high porosity and surface area.

2. Oil palm coir fibers provide structural integrity through synergistic effect with biochar which enhances the oil absorption and oil retention ability.

3. Pectin, used as a binding agent ensures the mechanical integrity of the absorbent pad during
the oil absorption process.

4. Castor oil coating allows selective oil absorption making it effective in both soil and water contaminated environment.

5. The absorbent pad made of biomass is biodegradable, which reduces disposal problems and
makes it an environmentally beneficial absorbent.

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