Oil skimmers, sometimes called oil separators, provide a cost effective way of removing ‘free’ or ‘tramp’ oils from the surface of solution tanks. They are typically used in ground sumps, machine coolant trays, cooling tanks and on industrial degreasing machinery (giant washing machines).

When choosing a method of oil skimming, care should be taken to ensure that both the oil skimmer and the belt or rope selected is able to withstand the chemicals and temperatures that they are likely to be subjected to in service. Some applications are not too arduous, such as the removal of tramp oil from machine coolant trays, where attack from the coolant solution is the only real consideration. Applications such as aqueous degreasing and plating equipment however can provide a very tough environment for oil skimmers, with temperatures typically around 75°C with acid etching fumes, caustic solutions, detergents as well as oils, all potentially taking their toll. Careful product selection is vital to ensure reliable operation of your chosen oil skimmer, as well as low ongoing costs of consumables, i.e. skimmer belts, which can be very costly.

Be aware that not all oils float! We are developing a new product which is specifically designed to remove heavy or sinking oils from environments where oils are likely to collect in the bottom of process or cooling tanks. If you require more details about this new product then please contact us for more details.