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They do it using a device called an oil water separator. Its really pretty simple. Water is heavier than oil so oil will rise to the top. That's the reason you can see the oil spill on the water in the gulf right now. If you have a container with a bottom drain and you fill it with a water and oil mixture the oil will float to the top and you drain the water from the bottom.

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Can lightning ignite crude oil on the top of sea water?

No, lightning is not typically strong enough to ignite crude oil on the surface of the sea. The high water content of the oil would prevent it from catching fire even if struck by lightning.


Why is crude oil in the Earth's crust a problem?

We can not get to the Crude oil easy, and you normaly find it under the sea, and as you are digging under the sea and the oil spills it will cause pollution and kill the sea creatures. -Bethany Wilden-


How do you separate oil from sea water?

One way to separate oil from seawater is through the process of skimming, where a barrier or device is used to collect the oil floating on the water's surface. Another method is using absorbent materials like booms or pads to soak up the oil. Additionally, advanced techniques like centrifugation or chemical dispersants may be used for more efficient separation.


Can sea water be physically separate?

no


What is the viscosity of crude oil in compared to sea water?

At present, the composition and viscosity of the oil is not known other than it is a relatively light oil. Oil and Gas Journal stated the crude is about 35 degrees API, so this would put it in the 3 to 5 cp range at atmospheric pressure and 70 degrees F, however this is not the viscosity that would wash up on the beaches, it could be much higher if the light ends have evaporated off and emulsions have formed. Dispersants should reduce viscosity particularly if they prevent emulsions. Sea water is about 0.9 cp.

Related Questions

Can lightning ignite crude oil on the top of sea water?

No, lightning is not typically strong enough to ignite crude oil on the surface of the sea. The high water content of the oil would prevent it from catching fire even if struck by lightning.


What is the main purpose of a distill?

The purpose of the distillation process is to separate mixtures of different components by boiling, this is done physically and can be applied to processes like crude oil, salt from sea water.


Why is it called brent crude oil?

Brent crude oil is named after the Brent oil field in the North Sea. The field was discovered in 1971 and became a significant source of crude oil. The term "Brent" is widely used to refer to the benchmark oil price for the North Sea crude oil.


Does crude oil float?

Yes, because the oil is less dense than the sea water.


Where in britain is crude oil found?

Crude oil reserves in Britain are primarily found offshore in the North Sea, specifically in the areas around Scotland and England. The North Sea has been a significant source of crude oil production for the UK for several decades.


Why is crude oil in the Earth's crust a problem?

We can not get to the Crude oil easy, and you normaly find it under the sea, and as you are digging under the sea and the oil spills it will cause pollution and kill the sea creatures. -Bethany Wilden-


What did bp discover in the North Sea in 1965?

crude oil


What is brent crude oil?

Brent crude oil is a type of sweet light crude oil that is extracted from the North Sea. It is a benchmark used to price two-thirds of the world's internationally traded crude oil supplies. Brent crude oil is known for its high quality and low sulfur content, making it desirable for refining into gasoline and diesel fuel.


What are the properties of Brent Crude oil?

Brent Crude oil is a light, sweet crude oil with low sulfur content, making it ideal for refining into diesel fuel and gasoline. It is a benchmark for oil prices in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, with delivery points in the North Sea. Brent Crude oil is known for its high quality and stable production.


How do you find crude oil?

it is made from tiny body's of sea organisms that once lived in the sea and were trapped under rocks and became oil


Why crude oil iscalled fossil fuel?

Crude oil is a fossil fuel because. It was made from the dead bodies of microscope plant and animals that once lived in the sea


What are some of the properties of Brent Crude oil?

Brent Crude oil is a light, sweet crude oil extracted from the North Sea. It is known for its low sulfur content, which makes it easier to refine into gasoline and diesel fuel. Brent Crude is a benchmark for pricing other crude oils worldwide.