An oil skimmer is a device that is used to separate oil from water in a variety of industrial applications. The device works by floating on the surface of a liquid and collecting oil as it passes through. The collected oil is then removed from the water, leaving it clean and free of contaminants.
Oil skimmers are commonly used in the oil and gas industry to remove oil from the surface of water in oil storage tanks, separators, and other equipment. They are also used in the manufacturing industry to remove oil from coolant and lubricant tanks, and in the marine industry to remove oil from the surface of harbors and ports.
There are several different types of oil skimmers available, each with its own unique design and features. The most common types include:
- Belt skimmers, which use a belt or chain to collect oil as it passes through.
- Disc skimmers, which use a rotating disc to collect oil as it passes through.
- Drum skimmers, which use a drum or cylinder to collect oil as it passes through.
- Tube skimmers, which use a tube or hose to collect oil as it passes through.
Oil skimmers are typically made of materials that are resistant to corrosion, such as stainless steel or plastic. They are also designed to be durable and able to withstand the harsh conditions of industrial environments.
Will help reduce disposal costs. The cost of disposing of oil-laden coolant is more expensive than disposing of oil. In fact, in some instances, companies may be able to re-use the oil elsewhere or sell it for recycling. Having oil free coolant can also extend its usefulness and effectiveness, reducing the expense on maintenance and coolant replacement. As the research on the different types of oil skimmers begins, a person will find that there are a variety of skimmers available to them. Separating oil from water based coolants has been made easy by oil skimming equipments.
The skimmers also use various types of skimming media such as belts and disks :
OIL SKIMMER - BELT TYPE
Using a belt skimmer are as follows. With its compact size, it requires very little operating space. Belt skimmers have good oil pick up rates (up to 20lph depending on belt width). This type of skimmer can handle fluctuating coolant levels while still maintaining minimal operating space and maximum pick up capacity.
OIL SKIMMER - DISK TYPE
The Disk Skimmer provides an inexpensive way to remove unwanted tramp oils from CNC coolants and parts washers. Disk skimmers can offer a slightly more cost-effective and higher pick up rate compared to belt skimmer.However disk skimmer equipment requires a larger operating space to accommodate the disk and a steady fluid level for optimal efficiency
MODEL | DISK SIZE | CAPACITY |
DSKD 225 | 225 mm | 20lph |
DSKD 350 | 350 mm | 30lph |
MODEL | BELT WIDTH | CAPACITY |
BS 50 | 50 mm | 10 lph |
BS 10 | 100 mm | 18 lph |
BS 150 | 150 mm | 25 lph |
BS 200 | 200 mm | 35 lph |
- Skimming head – the component separating oil from water
- Transfer system – built-in pump or vacuum unit, discs, brushes, belts, tubes or ropes, hoses and couplings
- Containment unit – Tank or container for recovered oil
Removing the oil from a machine coolant tank will initiate some aesthetic benefits such as cutting down on the amount of smoke generated from the cutting tool coming into contact with oil laden coolant.
When a machine is shut down for the weekend, oil has a chance to come to the surface of the coolant tank. Bacteria that are living in the coolant tank use up the dissolved oxygen in the coolant mix, a process that is sped up by having a layer of oil on the surface. This allows odor causing anaerobic bacteria to thrive, giving off that familiar “rotten egg” smell.
Contrary to popular belief the common types of bacteria found in metalworking fluids do not cause dermatitis. However, if the skin is broken, bacteria that normally inhabit the skin may enter and cause infection. The presence of phosphates and carbonates that increase alkalinity in the coolant, however, can cause dermatitis. These impurities are found in the water being used in the coolant mix.
There are also many factors that need to be considered when choosing the correct type of oil skimmer to fit the appropriate application. Factors such as water level fluctuation, water temperature, pH level, the use of rust inhibitors, the amount of oil to be skimmed, quality, and cost, must all be considered when selecting an oil skimmer.
The Disk Skimmer provides an inexpensive way to remove unwanted tramp oils from CNC coolants and parts washers. Disk skimmers can offer a slightly more cost effective and higher pick up rate compared to belt skimmer.
However disk skimmer equipment requires a larger operating space to accommodate the disk and a steady fluid level for optimal efficiency.
There are also many factors that need to be considered when choosing the correct type of oil skimmer to fit the appropriate application. Factors such as water level fluctuation, water temperature, pH level, the use of rust inhibitors, the amount of oil to be skimmed, quality, and cost, must all be considered when selecting an oil skimmer.
Oil skimmers include their ability to separate oil from water quickly and efficiently, their low maintenance requirements, and their ability to handle large volumes of liquid. They are also relatively easy to operate and can be automated for continuous operation.
The effectiveness of an oil skimmer depends on several factors, including the type of oil being separated, the viscosity of the oil, and the flow rate of the liquid. In general, oil skimmers are more effective at separating lighter oils, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, than they are at separating heavier oils, such as crude oil. They also perform better with higher flow rates, as the increased movement of the liquid helps to keep the oil in contact with the skimmer
- Most inexpensive way to remove oil from Water.
- Saves coolants by removing tramp oil.
- Conserves parts wash Water by removing oily wastes.
- Prevents plugging of spray heads and filters.
- Reduces fluid disposal costs.
- Skimmed oil can be recycled and reused as a lubricant or fuel.
Disadvantages include their relatively high cost and the need for skilled personnel to operate and maintain the equipment. Additionally, oil skimmers are not suitable for liquids that contain dissolved gases or other impurities that would be carried over with the oil.
In terms of maintenance, oil skimmers require regular cleaning and replacement of parts. The skimmer and the oil collection system should be cleaned regularly to remove any debris or build-up that can affect the performance of the machine. Additionally, the skimmer should be serviced by a trained technician at regular intervals to ensure that it is operating at peak efficiency.
It is also important to note that oil skimmers should be used with appropriate safety measures in place. The skimmer should be equipped with safety features such as overfill protection, and the oil collection system should be properly secured to prevent spills or leaks. Additionally, the skimmer should be protected against overloading and other potential hazards.
In conclusion, oil skimmers are an effective way to remove oil from water in a variety of industrial applications. They are typically efficient, low maintenance and can handle large volumes of liquid. However, they also have certain disadvantages such as high cost and need of skilled personnel. With proper maintenance and operation, oil skimmers can provide a reliable and efficient method of separating oil from water. It is important to consider factors such as cost, maintenance requirements, and safety measures when deciding whether an oil skimmer is the right choice for your specific application.