Beads - Нефть и Газ O&G

[LyudmilaSh]

Помогите, пожалуйста, перевести слово "beads" в данном отрывке (нефть и газ):

The methods also include mixing a plurality of beads into the slurry. The beads have a specific gravity that is less than about 0.95. The beads are used in lieu of air. The beads have an outer oleophilic surface for retaining oil, thereby aiding in the separation process. The beads are substantially coated with bitumen prior to introduction to the slurry. The method then includes separating the slurry into a first solution comprising primarily bitumen and the oleophilic beads, and a second solution comprising primarily water and sand.

С моей точки зрения, ни один из стандартных вариантов перевода (валик металла, борт, бурт, стеклянная дробь) не подходит, буду очень рада подходящему варианту перевода.

[Leonidson]

Внимательно прочитав нижеследующий абзац из патента, вы поймете, что эти самые "beads" можно называть так. как заблагорассудится: бусины, шарики, сферы, гранулы, диски, капли и т.д.
" the buoyant beads (or free bodies) may take any suitable or desired form keeping in mind the purpose thereof. Thus the buoyant beads may be in the form of spheres, spheroids, pebbles, teardrops, rods, discs, saddles, or of another shape, simple or complex, which is effective in searching out dispersed phase particles in the mixture. The buoyant beads (e.g. free bodies) may be solid, hollow, or apertured. They are preferably of a smooth non-porous surface. The buoyant beads (e.g. free bodies) may be cast, molded, formed or fabricated in other ways. Oleophilic free bodies may be made with oleophilic materials or they may be made from other materials and then covered with a (solid) layer of an oleophilic material."

[LyudmilaSh]

Leonidson, спасибо! Отличное объяснение!