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Crying over spilt oil inspires uk inventor

Oil spillages from the Erica tanker off the coast of France in 2000, and the Prestige tanker off the coast of Spain in 2002, are both examples of catastrophic incidents involving vessels of dubious seaworthiness. The sight yet again of oil-sodden birds, fishing villages in despair as their livelihoods disappear beneath a black shroud, and the desecration of hitherto unspoilt coastline, reminds us only too starkly how badly we need an effective method of collecting leaking oil before it can take its devastating toll. Such tragedies have inspired British inventor James Alien-Jones, who has devised an effective new system for recovering oil from the sea after such devastating events.

This invention addresses two key requirements for dealing effectively with the aftermath of a tanker disaster. First, the oil needs to be prevented from reaching the shore, and, secondly, as much of the spill as possible must be recovered before it can damage the bird life and the marine environment.

Unlike existing methods that are not effective when speeds exceed one knot, Alien-Jones' inflatable booms - recovering oil at speeds of up to five knots - can mop up 60 per cent of oil spilt in comparison with only 10 per cent achieved by existing technology. Indeed current methods may only collect three per cent of the spilt oil if the sea is choppy, a most likely scenario in winter in the waters of the Bay of Biscay or Cape Finistere.

An added advantage of the new system is that it avoids the use of dispersants which, in themselves, are potential pollutants and whose use is often banned near coasts. As well as its value in helping protect the environment, the system is cost-effective. If oil can be recovered at sea before it reaches the shore, the costs are in the region of 10 times lower than those of cleaning up contaminated beaches.

Alien-Jones conceived this idea when he was carrying out research, initially for a doctoral thesis in naval architecture at the University of Glasgow. He wanted to investigate a "curtain-type" oil boom. He examined the possible design problems and eventually came up with a new technique for the mechanical containment of the crude oil layer: SLySaR (Surface Layer Separation and Retention).

SlySaR works in conjunction with up to three vessels and a workboat and can operate even in choppy waters (up to Beaufort force five). The system can be deployed from land or sea and plans are under way to allow it to be available by air from a fixed wing aircraft by low-level airdrop.

The road from academic research to practical technological achievement is long and arduous and the project has met many challenges along the way. Among the most persistent technical hurdles has been reducing the turbulence of the flow but, says Alien-Jones, "We know how to solve that now."

Since completing his research he has worked with chartered accountant, Stewart Fleming, who took charge of the project's financial and commercial development through their company Slysar Ltd. Their perseverance paid off in 2002, when their efforts were recognised with an award of 75,000 pounds sterling from NESTA (the UK's National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts).

NESTA, established in 1998, supports and promotes talent, innovation and creativity in the fields of science, technology and the arts. It is a strategy to counter perceptions that British innovation, while vibrant and creative at the drawing-board stage, often lacks the tangible support that can turn a good idea into a practical reality.

In Slysar's case the money will help develop the units and keep the project on track. The detailed design is on the point of completion and a prototype will be tested in coastal and offshore trials over the next few months.

The first sale of products is expected by mid 2003. For production purposes Slysar Ltd. will be working with Vikoma International Ltd, a Southampton-based company that already manufactures equipment for cleaning up oil spills.

Joe Meaney, NESTA's press officer, said: "NESTA is delighted to be funding a difficult project that has massive potential benefit to the environment. Severe pollution and ecological damage could be prevented by this innovative new approach."

(By Brenda Townsend Hall)

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