Vortex mediated droplet transport for oil spillage control

Oil spillage remains a persistent and menacing environmental hazard, causing long-term damage to marine ecosystems, and biodiversity. Traditional methods do not offer solutions to address the dispersion of spilled oil in an efficient way. Using vortex rings as a transport mechanism, we effectively mobilize oil droplets of various sizes from the spillage site to the target site where the damage potential is minimum. Further, this vortex ring aids in the controlled transport of rogue droplets generated from the previously established method of cleaning oil-impregnated surfaces through vortex ring impingement.

We generate vortex rings of various strengths propelling in a long horizontal water tank. The oil spillage is modelled using a pressurized system of underwater nozzle. By modulating the pressure and actuation time via a solenoid valve, we produce a wide spectrum of droplet sizes ranging from micro to macro. The efficiency is quantified in terms of volume of oil transported and the distance travelled before the droplets are ejected out of the vortex core. The method provides an effective way of targeted oil removal, providing a promising tool for mitigating the environmental impact of oil spills, particularly in ecologically sensitive zones.