Oil Spill Remediation Techniques

What is bio-remediation?

The process of bio-remediation uses naturally occurring micro-organisms, which produce enzymes which break down oil into water and carbon dioxide. Although bio-remediation is a commonly used technique, at Richfords we have made an inventive step in the field of bio-remediation. The Richfords bio-remediation dosing machine automatically controls the environmental conditions for the microorganisms ensuring optimum condition for the duration of the bio-remediations.

These bacteria are used in two different ways. The first of these is in-situ bio-remediation. In-situ bio-remediation involves the introduction of the microorganisms, oxygen and nutrient solutions directly to the area where the oil spill occurred. This method of bio-remediation is used to reduce contamination in areas where contamination is moderate.

The second bioremediation technique is ex-situ bio-remediation. This bio-remediation technique is used when contamination is moderate to severe. In this process the worst effected material is removed and transported to our bio-remediation treatment facility. The contaminated material is then placed into a bioreactor, where intensive bio-remediation is carried out. Upon successful completion of this process, the material can often then be returned to site.

Click here to read our Case Study on Bio-Remediation

Removal and treatment methods

Some of the contamination can be removed from concrete by washing and use of suitable detergents. This can displace some of the oil, which is less dense than water and so floats to the surface.

Sometimes contaminated material from an oil spill can be removed for disposal. Concrete slabs are easier to replace than wall foundations or sub-floor materials.

Dry extraction

In the South West many buildings are constructed with traditional building techniques, such as cob walls. These structures can be very delicate and expensive to replace if they are contaminated with oil.

At Richfords, we have 30 years experience working with these delicate structures and therefore have been able to pioneer new techniques to effectively remediate contamination in this situation.

Dry extraction uses powerful suction to extract the oil vapours from the effected wall. As these vapours are removed, the rate with which vapours are produced from the liquid contamination is increased. The oil is extracted in vapour form without the need for partial demolition of the structure. This technique saves significant costs and time to resolve the contamination problem.