Scientists plan Arctic test of new device, removing oil from water

KHANTY-MANSIISK. KAZINFORM A special device - an air sensor, designed by biologists of the Tomsk State University, which is used to lift oil off water reservoirs' bottoms - will undergo tests in winter conditions. The scientists plan tests in Komi, a part of which is to the north from the Polar Circle, Director of the University's Biology Institute Danil Vorobyev told TASS.

"We offer new solutions of how to clear the objects in winter times, <...> and now we are in search for clients," he said during an IT exhibition at the X International IT form in Khanty-Mansiysk. "Most probably, we shall have tests in Komi for Lukoil."

The air sensor is unique, it does not have analogues in the world. Its work is based on air spraying, thus oil sticks to the air bubbles and gets up to the water surface, when researchers may use a 6-rate scale to see how much the water is polluted. The scientists have been using the air sensor in the Khanty-Mansi Region jointly with the Lukoil Company, TASS reports.

According to the institute's director, as sediment regulations are adopted in the Khanty-Mansi region, scientists would continue their work more effectively. "As yet, the producer cannot realize how deep the cleaning should be, and what conditions should be observed," the expert said.

"We have been working on the cleaning problem quite actively, and we have complexes both for streaming and for still water."

The IT exhibition in Khanty Mansiysk opened on Tuesday. The show's participants present best achievements, including Russian IT products.