1. A.I. and the Automation of Oil Clean Up
Introduction
The E.P.A estimates that there are about 70 oil spills per day. Oil spills can cause a multitude of problems to the environment, and their quick spread makes it much harder to clean. The impact on an ecosystem can be severe, and many plants and animals are usually killed within a short time. In addition, organized efforts to clean them and reestablish ecosystems are expensive, time-consuming, and unsafe for people when they make contact with the compounds. My innovation seeks to provide a cheaper, more convenient solution that can quickly be set into the water and clean the spilled oil before it causes severe damage. It’s use of an automated process will be greatly beneficial as people won’t have to risk health issues anymore.
Results
Conclusion
“Top Ten Oil Spill Settlements by Restoration Cost”
NOAA’s Response and Restoration Blog
Buoyancy tests were conducted to ensure that the device would float with ease and that the weight of all components was distributed evenly. The device is expected to cut costs on cleaning efforts for oil spills by using an effective, automated mechanism for cleanup with minimal human involvement. It has the ability to stay in a confined area of contaminated water where it will pickup up skimming oil until the flasher indicates it has reached maximum capacity. Due to its small size and powerful motors, it can quickly move in the water. With an easy interface for control of the device, the user can maneuver it and be alerted when it is full.
This innovation is one of the most cost-effective and safest methods for oil clean-up as it can quickly clean oil spills before they cause serious consequences to ecosystems. Its light weight and small size make it faster and floatable in the water. The automated mechanism and oil storage method it uses allows the device to reel up toxic compounds and collect it until it’s full. It allows the user to easily control and steer it, then retrieve it once the device alerts them that the limit has been reached. Oil pollution at sea is one of the most critical consequences due to human activity in marine areas, but its impact on the environment can be dramatically reduced with the implementation of this device.
Materials & Methods
After finalizing the most efficient method that should be used in cleaning oil spills, the design and specifications were drafted, dimensions were chosen for the structured pipe measurements were also selected. Electronic and structural components were decided upon.
PVC pipes were measured, cut, and glued to dimension. PVC glue and foam spray was added for extra support and buoyancy force. A ramp was created for the pickup mechanism.
Ramps and pumps were secured on to the structure, and paint was added. A container for electronics and oil storage were attached. The structure, wire connections, floaters, and attachments were stabilized. A GPS module was attached to the container and connected to the microcontroller. An Arduino was connected to all four pumps and a 12-battery pack. A flashing strobe light was also attached on top of the container.
Design Prototype
Future Modifications
A digital fencing system using GPS coordinates will be improved upon to make the device more automated and increase efficiency. The user can enter coordinates for its confined area where it will quickly clean skimming oil. A fluid sensor in the container will detect when the device has reached its maximum storage limit. The device will then pause its task and return to a pre-programmed home base to be emptied out. In addition, thermal and turbidity sensors will be added to collect data on water quality and environmental effects from the spill. Solar panels and alternate energy sources will be applied to increase energy efficiency and further cut costs. An oil detection system will be configured to automatically detect the presence of toxic compounds so that they can quickly be collected before further damage. The addition of these features to the innovation will make it even more efficient in oil clean up and convenient in collecting data about water quality so that the correct procedures can be taken.
Picture of Device
02/23/2018
GPS Module
Electronics
Oil Storage Container
Bilge Pumps
Floater
Building Process (2017)
Original Designs (2017)
Electronics (02/23/2018