Chinese scientists have designed a high-tech barrel that is capable separating oil from water, and could offer a cheap and effective solution to oil spills. The new device, which was unveiled at the International Conference on Oil Spills in London this week, uses an innovative technology called "liquid chromatography" -- or LC/MS for short -- to separate The outer surface of the barrel is hydrophobic, meaning that only oil will pass through the holes, while the inner section is hydrophilic, preventing the oil from escaping the container. The equipment can be used again immediately once the oil is siphoned from the barrel.
Chinese scientists have designed a high-tech barrel that is capable separating oil from water, and could offer a cheap and effective solution to oil spills. Called the Janus barrel, it collects oil from water using microscopic holes on its side. The outer surface of the barrel is hydrophobic, meaning that only oil will pass through the holes, while the inner section is hydrophilic, preventing the oil from escaping the container. The equipment can be used again immediately once the oil is siphoned from the barrel.