Goal
Continuously collect floating debris and oil from marinas, ports, and other water bodies to reduce marine pollution.
Problem
Marine and freshwater water pollution caused by floating garbage, oil, and other contaminants.
Concept Summary
A floating container fixed to a dock uses a shore-powered pump to draw water through a natural-fibre catch bag. The bag captures debris while the water is returned to the marina. An optional oil/water separator can be added.
Detailed Description
The Seabin is installed just below the water surface on a floating dock. A shore-based electric pump creates a flow of water into the bin, pulling in floating rubbish. The debris is trapped in a natural-fibre catch bag attached to the top of the container by elastic fastenings. Water is then suctioned out the bottom of the bin and pumped back to the marina. The system can be equipped with an oil/water separator to collect fuel oil, gasoline, or other fluids. The device is designed for marinas, ports, yacht clubs, lakes, rivers, and ponds, and operates 24/7 with low maintenance.
Principles
- Suction pump fluid dynamics
- Filtration using a catch bag
- Buoyancy and floating basket motion
- Oil/water separation (optional)
Scientific Domains
Materials
- Natural fibre (catch bag)
- Plastic or metal container
- Elastic material for fastenings
- Electric pump components
Mechanisms of Action
- Water suction creates flow through container
- Floating basket lowers and rises, dragging debris into bag
- Filtration captures solid particles
- Optional oil/water separator isolates hydrocarbons
Energy Sources
Applications
- Marina and port waste removal
- Oil/fuel spill mitigation in harbors
- Lake and river surface cleaning
Claimed Performance
Continuous 24/7 operation; low cost and low maintenance; effective at capturing floating debris; optional oil/water separation.
Experimental Evidence
Four years of testing with no fish caught; prototype testing performed at Real Club Nautica marina in Palma Mallorca; demonstrated ability to collect debris and operate continuously.
Replication Status
Prototype tested in a real marina; pre-order campaign launched; production planned for late 2016.
Limitations
- Requires shore power or external electricity source
- Designed for relatively calm water conditions
- Capacity limited by size of catch bag
- Maintenance needed to empty and clean bag
Red Flags
- Performance claims such as "very effective" lack quantitative data
