top of page
Search

P.E.N.G.U.I.N.S: Promoting Emulsion Nullification Greenly Using Innovation Nucleation Surfaces

  • Writer: Clearwater Innovation
    Clearwater Innovation
  • Jul 14, 2020
  • 1 min read

Updated: Jan 15, 2021

By Zoe Gotthold


The problem: Oil spills are environmental catastrophes--yet much of the danger comes from the less-famous emulsion that forms between spilled oil and seawater. This emulsion increases the volume of the spill, and floats underwater, threatening animals, especially penguins.

The solution: If we can separate the emulsion, the oil will float back to the surface, where it is far easier to remediate. I developed prototypes to do exactly that: reduce overall emulsion stability (by up to 25%) by passively attracting oil/water particles. Think of emulsions like a card towers, and my demulsifying devices as “card magnets” that pull out certain cards and destabilize entire towers. These devices can then be added to spill areas to protect sea life and the environment.









Comments


Clearwater Innovation

A program of We Impact Corp, a 501(c)(3) non-profit company 

A student-run environmental advocacy program founded by Emily Tianshi and Kyle Tianshi, Clearwater Innovation seeks to raise awareness about the global water crisis, encourage garage lab research, and increase student environmental public policy engagement. 

© 2018 by We Impact Corp

logo1_画板 1.png
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
bottom of page