SAIL HERO PRC Passive Hydrocarbon Skimmer

Overview

The SAIL HERO PRC Passive Hydrocarbon Skimmer is an engineered, gravity-driven oil recovery device designed for long-term, energy-free operation in low-flow or intermittently contaminated groundwater monitoring wells and shallow sump environments. Operating on the principle of selective hydrophobic affinity and buoyancy-driven fluid displacement, the PRC skimmer utilizes a floating oleophilic intake assembly that dynamically tracks the oil–water interface—regardless of fluctuating water levels—ensuring continuous, selective uptake of free-phase hydrocarbons (e.g., gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and light crude fractions) while excluding bulk water. Its passive architecture eliminates dependence on electricity, compressed air, or mechanical pumps, making it suitable for remote, unattended, or intrinsically safe zones where spark hazards or power infrastructure are prohibited. The system is optimized for applications involving thin oil layers (<5 mm thickness) and low oil flux conditions typical of chronic UST (underground storage tank) leaks, fuel dispenser sumps, and remediation monitoring points.

Key Features

• Oleophilic floating intake with vertical travel range: 30.5 cm (12″) for 2″-diameter model; 40.6 cm (16″) for 4″-diameter model—enabling adaptive positioning across variable aquifer levels
• Selectable intake filter mesh: 60 or 100 micron hydrophobic membrane, certified for ASTM D4176-compliant hydrocarbon selectivity and resistance to biofouling
• Transparent (2″ model) or opaque white (4″ model) polyethylene collection reservoir with calibrated volume markings and integrated drain valve for controlled effluent discharge
• 25-foot (7.6 m) adjustable-length safety rope with stainless steel tension clamp for secure well deployment and retrieval
• Optional protective accessories: stainless-steel perforated guard screen (4″ model) or fine-mesh nylon filter sleeve (2″ model) to mitigate clogging from suspended solids, iron precipitates, or organic debris
• Corrosion-resistant HDPE housing and UV-stabilized components compliant with ISO 4427 for extended field service life (>5 years in typical subsurface conditions)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PRC skimmer is validated for recovery of non-viscous, low-surface-tension hydrocarbons with densities <0.89 g/cm³ and kinematic viscosities ≤10 cSt at 20°C—including BTEX compounds, aliphatic fuels, and refined petroleum distillates. It is not intended for emulsified oils, heavy fuel oils (No. 6), or high-viscosity tars. Deployment complies with EPA Method 8015M (hydrocarbon analysis) sample integrity requirements when used as a pre-concentration tool prior to GC-FID analysis. Units meet CE marking directives for non-electrical environmental equipment and conform to ISO 9001:2015 manufacturing controls. Documentation supports GLP-compliant field sampling protocols per ASTM D5092 and EPA SW-846 Chapter Two guidelines.

Software & Data Management

As a fully passive mechanical system, the PRC skimmer requires no embedded firmware, data logging, or connectivity. Field operators record deployment depth, retrieval time, collected volume, and visual oil layer characteristics using standardized EPA Form 5500-14 or site-specific LIMS-compatible templates. Optional digital logbooks (e.g., EnviroData™ or EQuIS® integrations) support traceable metadata tagging—including GPS coordinates, well ID, date/time stamps, and operator signature—for audit-ready reporting under RCRA Subpart F or state-level corrective action programs.

Applications

• Long-term passive monitoring of free-product plumes at UST release sites (per ASTM E2856 and EPA OSWER Directive 9300.2-01)
• Fuel dispenser sump surveillance in retail gasoline facilities (NFPA 30A and IFC Chapter 57 compliance)
• Pre-treatment step prior to ex-situ thermal desorption or activated carbon polishing
• Source control during monitored natural attenuation (MNA) verification campaigns
• Emergency response triage for minor hydrocarbon seeps in stormwater retention basins or drainage trenches

FAQ

What is the typical fill time for the collection reservoir?

Fill time varies with oil thickness and flow rate: 4–6 hours under baseline conditions (oil layer ~2–5 mm); as little as 15 minutes during acute releases with >10 mm free product. Reservoir capacity is 1.2 L (2″ model) and 3.8 L (4″ model).

Can the PRC skimmer operate in low-permeability or confined aquifers?

Yes—the passive design imposes negligible hydraulic drawdown and does not require recharge rates typical of pumped systems, making it ideal for clay-rich or fractured bedrock settings where active recovery would fail.

Is calibration required before deployment?

No field calibration is needed. Units are factory-tested for oleophilic selectivity and buoyancy tolerance per ISO 10303-21 mechanical validation standards. Users verify float travel range and valve function prior to each installation.

How often should the intake filter be replaced?

Under moderate sediment loading, replacement is recommended every 6–12 months. In high-turbidity wells, inspection every 30 days is advised; fouled membranes reduce recovery efficiency by up to 40% as measured by gravimetric yield testing.