(CNN) -- BP officials have turned to a new source for help with their oil cleanup efforts: actor Kevin Costner.
The oil giant announced Monday that it had ordered 32 machines from Costner's company, the actor told AC360 in an exclusive interview.
The machines use a centrifuge mechanism to separate oil from water and recycle the crude at the same time, Costner said.
"This is the key, it's the linchpin to people going back to work. It's certainly a way to fight oil spills in the 21st century," he said. "It creates an efficiency where there are no efficiencies out there, and it's been a long time coming".
Costner said he had been working on developing the machine since 1992 or 1993 with the help of his brother, a scientist.
Each machine ways about 4,000 pounds, he said, and will allow crews to collect more oil.
