Oil skimmers keep oil out of places it does not belong. Whether this means keeping oil out of coolant to extend tool life, or keeping oil out of wastewater so it isn’t discharged into the environment, a properly functioning skimmer can save you a lagoon full of dollars. Here are the 11 easy tips to skim oil from water or coolant.

1. Make sure the skimmer is level. (A skimmer with a free-hanging belt must be mounted level for the belt to track properly over the pulleys.)
   
2. Proper positioning of wiper blades is essential—not too tight, but still touching the belt. (Over-tightened wiper blades cause premature wear on blades. Under-tightening leads to poor recovery results, as the oil collected by the belt is not fully recovered.)
   
3. Run the unit when oil is present. This will lessen any possibility of picking up coolant or water. Use of a timer is recommended for greater efficiency.
   
4. The unit is most effective when there's no turbulence. Operating it during quiet times will give oil the chance to rise to surface.
   
5. Keep a spare belt and wiper blades on hand.
   
6. Choose a belt that is long enough so that the tail pulley is submerged when the liquid level is at its lowest point.
   
7. Properly size the skimmer to the size of tank. Use a skimmer that will maximize the removal of oil for the size of tank.
   
8. If skimmer must be run when little or no oil is present, use an oil concentrator, which will eliminate the removal of coolant and water.
   
9. Choosing a proper belt for the application is important. It will maximize life of the skimmer belt and the efficiency of skimmer.
   
10. Position the skimmer so that the down stroke of the belt is facing the bulk of the floating oil and is not within 2 feet of a wall or a tank side.
    
11. Always remember that the friendly support staff of Abanaki Corporation is just a phone call a way to help you with any of your skimming needs.

Abanaki has emerged as the world leader in oil skimming solutions, serving industries as diverse as iron and steel, wastewater, paper, food processing, automotive, environmental remediation and recycling. With a guiding principle that has become a corporate motto, “Clean Our World” is the philosophy we have in mind when servicing our customers. If you have any questions about your oil skimming application, please call us at 440-543-7400. We are here to help!

Oil Skimmers Get the Dirty Jobs Done

To learn more about oil skimmers, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.abanaki.com

You are just one step away from downloading Abanaki's most detailed resource on our oil skimming equipment. Simply click at the button to get your ultimate guide now.

Tube oil skimmer can be used in wastewater applications that are shallow in depth. Plus, tube oil skimmer is a great fit where a belt skimmer is too big.

The Abanaki Oil Viper tube oil skimmer 

The Abanaki Oil Viper tube oil skimmer is a surface oil skimmer that effectively removes floating oils by means of an oleophilic (oil attracting) ¾-inch diameter continuous looped tube. Due to the sleek design of the Oil Viper tube oil skimmer, it can skim in just inches of water compared to a belt skimmer which could need one to two feet of water to skim from.

The Oil Viper tube oil skimmer works off the same principle of the belt skimmer, the tube breaks the surface tension of the water, the oil is then collected and skimmed off by its unique wipe clean design. Two tube materials are available, the standard tube is great in a wide variety of applications; the high temperature tube is best suited for high temperature or caustic applications.

Oil Viper tube oil skimmer features:

• Compact design fits almost any tank or pit
• Explosion proof motors available
• Tubes with up to 100-foot reach
• Safety shut-off switch for safe operation
• Simple and effective drive design for lasting performance
• Unique wiping system for more effective oil skimming

Where to Use the Oil Viper?

The Oil Viper is a compact, versatile Abanaki skimmer. Its size and removal capacity make it suitable for most applications. From a mere shimmer on top of water to a heavy oil slick, the Oil Viper performs efficiently, removing up to 100 gallons of oil per hour.

Typical Applications:

• Wastewater sumps
• Coolant systems
• Food processing plants
• Parking lots, garages and service facilities
• Outdoor ponds, lakes and basins
• Underground tanks
• Ships bilges
• Aircraft service areas and tarmac runoff
• Truck, locomotive and other mobile equipment washing facilities
• Steel Manufacturing Plants

Rugged Construction for Harsh Conditions

The Oil Viper is designed to last for many years. With the proper configuration it can handle liquid temperatures up to 212°F, and the pH of the fluid can range from 3 to 13. The skimmer drive includes an oil filled gear reducer with bronze gears and ball bearings. The motor, gear reducer, and powder coated finish of the weldments give the Oil Viper exceptionally long life, even under the harshest conditions.

To learn more about oil skimmers, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.abanaki.com

See the Oil Viper tube oil skimmer in action!

It is a common question asked every day by people in all fields of industry. Machine shops, steel mills, industrial manufacturers, and many others are faced with the problem of removing oils from coolants and wastewater on an everyday basis. They are faced with high disposal and maintenance costs. Some manufacturers are charged extreme amounts to have their contaminated water treated properly by their local water treatment facility.

Why Remove Oil from Coolant or Water?

Companies look for effective ways to remove oil from coolant or water to reduce costs and the liability of proper disposal. Another reason for removing the oil is a better work environment. Letting oil remain in the coolant tank allows anaerobic bacteria to grow. Anaerobic bacteria break down the components of coolant, causing it to need changing more frequently. Oil-laden coolant with a high anaerobic bacteria content has two other drawbacks as well. The first drawback is an unpleasant odor caused by the bacteria. The second drawback the smoke generated from the oil-laden coolant coming in contact with the operating cutting tool. One of the easiest ways to remove hydrocarbons from water or coolant is by using a belt oil skimmer. It is a low maintenance, easy to use tool for removing oil from water or coolant. 

Why Belt Oil Skimmer?

Belt oil skimmers work because of the differences in specific gravity between oil and water. Water has a specific gravity of one. Most oils have a specific gravity of less than one. Because of these differences, oil floats to the top of the water where it can be removed. A belt oil skimmer uses oil oleophilic material, (usually made of stainless steel or plastic), in the form of a belt to break the surface tension of the water to attract and collect the floating oil.

The belt passes through a set of wiper blades via a motorized head pulley where the oil is wiped off both sides of the belt. The oil then flows through the skimmer troughs and into a proper disposal container. Because the belt materials used do not attract water, very little coolant or water is picked up.

Advantages of Using Belt Oil Skimmer

Some of the advantages of using a belt oil skimmer over other methods to remove oil are the lower initial cost compared to coalescers and other filtration systems, low maintenance, no filters to change, and no mess involved as with absorbent booms or pads. With an oil skimmer, virtually the only required maintenance is replacing a belt and wiper blade set as needed.

Next, Abanaki oil skimmers require very little operating space, usually with no modification to the tank. Finally, our oil skimmers have pick-up rates of up to 200 gph with minimal water or coolant content. Other forms of oil removal cannot perform as well.

Wide Variety of Abanaki Belt Oil Skimmers

Abanaki Corporation manufactures a wide variety of oil skimmers to meet any size application. From a small coolant tank in a CNC lathe to a scale pit in a steel mill, Abanaki Corporation can supply a skimmer to do the job. We manufacture skimmers that can remove from 1 gallon per hour to 200 gallons per hour. We offer turnkey systems with a variety of motors, heat options, stands, and oil concentrators. Our skimmers are used on parts washers, in car washes, wells, steel mills, and any other industry where hydrocarbons need to be removed.

To learn more about oil skimmers, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.abanaki.com

How to Successfully Implement Oil Skimmers

When deciding on what oil skimmer is right for your application, there are many things that need to be considered and addressed before purchasing. Knowing what size skimmer to buy all depends on specifics of the application at hand. If you think buying the biggest skimmer available is the right choice because it will get the job done faster or buying the smallest skimmer will be more cost-effective, then you would be a fool. Don’t be a fool. Let us help you pick out the right size!

Size of the Skimmed Area

First thing to remember when selecting a size is that oil skimmers should be selected by the size of the area that needs to be skimmed, not just by the amount of oil needing to be removed. Choosing an oil skimmer that has the capacity to remove at least 2 times the capacity needed by the application should be the deciding factor.

Other Factors to be Considered

Oil skimmer capacities are based on optimum conditions and homogeneity of oil. Viscosity, temperature of the water, and other factors can affect the amount of hydrocarbons picked up by an oil skimmer, and thus need to be taken into consideration.

Plus, you need the proper media on your skimmer in order to ensure the best results. And if you think all belt types or materials operate the same or that simply picking the cheapest option will suffice, you’re wrong and you’d be setting yourself up for failure. You can have a skimmer that is top of the line, but if you have the wrong belt, tube, or disc material on it then it won’t matter how great of a skimmer you have in that tank. Your results will be less than stellar.

It is impossible to accurately predict how fast your oil will be picked up. So don’t even try, wise guy.

The most important rule to follow when choosing a size is to purchase a skimmer that is rated at least twice the capacity needed. If you’re still having questions download our 7 Pitfalls of Oil Skimming. This handy guidebook helps you through the sizing and buying process.

How to Successfully Implement Oil Skimmers

To learn more about oil skimmers, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.abanaki.com

You are just one step away from downloading Abanaki's most detailed resource on our oil skimming equipment. Simply click at the button to get your ultimate guide now.

The use of an oil skimmer in the machine shop setting holds many benefits. Removing the oil from a machine coolant tank will initiate some esthetic benefits such as cutting down on the amount of smoke generated from the cutting tool coming into contact with oil laden coolant. 

“Rotten Egg” Smell in 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.

Cost of Separating Oil from Coolant

Separating the oil from the coolant will also 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. The most common types are the belt, disk, and tube skimmers. Each type of coolant skimmer has its advantages and disadvantages. 

Choosing the Correct Oil Skimmer

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 use of rust inhibitors, high temperatures, and variable pH levels can affect the oil skimmer’s ability to pick up oil. Most skimmer manufacturers use a variety of materials for the skimming medium such as plastic, stainless steel, or poly blends to match the solution in which they will be used.

There are a multitude of oil skimmers on the market today. One of the most important things to be considered is the quality of the unit to be purchased. Points of interest should include construction materials, motor design, and the type of warranty that is offered. Is the skimmer housing made of metal or plastic? Is the motor fan-cooled? Does the motor use needle bearings or bronze bearings? How long does the warranty last and what does it cover? Most oil skimmers will perform as advertised, but remember the old adage that “you get what you pay for”.

To learn more about oil skimmers, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.abanaki.com

How To Tell What Skimmer You Need For Your Machine Coolant

Industrial wastewater pits are treacherous. Nasty, bubbling, caustic black ooze swirling about in water is something nightmares are made of. The thought of having to remove all of that nasty seems like a daunting task and for some plant operators, it is. Keeping the wastewater clean is crucial for steel mills.

Contaminated water can result in sludge formation, producing environments for bacteria to grow and thrive, the production of rust and corrosion, and a list of other horrific things that will cause pain and misery to the equipment and application as a whole. Some facilities just need to keep the wastewater clean, while others need to keep it clean and reclaim the used oil. It’s a big job to take on and not all oil skimmers are cut out for the challenge.

Oil Removal Problems in Big Tanks

We had a customer contact us about a steel mill operation that didn’t seem to be running as it should. We visited the location to get a better understanding of what was going right or wrong. The company was using a competitor’s tube skimmer and this particular model was just not able to handle the grime and muck in a manner that was productive for the operators. The oil removal rates were low and recovery of the waste oil was not as efficient as they were hoping.

These are big tanks that need a big oil skimmer to tackle the jobs at hand, both cleaning the wastewater and a way to reclaim used oil. After going over the specifications of the tanks and getting a better understanding of what kind of results the plant operators were trying to achieve, we knew that the operation would benefit immensely from implementing a Model MB Oil Grabber.

Abanaki Model MB Oil Grabber

The Model MB utilizes continuous belts and wipers to remove up to 200 gallons of oil per hour from the fluid surface. The belts, operating on a motor and pulley system, run through contaminated liquid to pick up oil from the surface. After traveling over the head pulley, the belts pass through tandem wiper blades where oil is scraped off both sides of each belt and discharged. The tail pulleys have flanges which allow them to roll freely on the inside of the belts without becoming dislodged. These lower pulleys require no bearings and do not need to be fastened to the tank. If turbulent conditions exist, an optional tether and cage assembly prevents the tail pulleys from being dislodged.

The Model MB was designed for applications like this. When removal capacities are not being achieved in an application, you bring out the heavy-duty equipment. The Model MB is available in multiples of 2, 3, or 5 belts. Wastewater sumps, coolant sumps, outdoor lakes, ponds, or basins, underground tanks, food processing plants, parking lots, garages, service facilities, truck, locomotive, and other mobile equipment washing stations have all benefited from using the Model MB as a wastewater cleaning system.

This skimmer was built to last for years in harsh environments. It can handle temperatures up to 212°F and in pH levels ranging from 1-13. The belts are made up of corrosion-resistant steel, carbon steel, or a specially engineered polymer. The Model MB requires very little space in the tank or sump, easily mounts, and requires very little maintenance.

After replacing the former skimmers with the Model MB, the company reported the recovery rates are 4x higher than before. 

To learn more about oil skimmers, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.abanaki.com

Abanaki Model MB Oil Grabber In Operation

Oil skimmer selection can be a very complex process. There are numerous factors that go into selecting the right oil skimmer for your particular application. If the oil skimmer vendor does not know what chemicals or heat you have in your application, the wrong oil skimmer and belt materials could be selected, and the job will not get done correctly.

It is important that you gather as much information about your application as possible when you’re ready to consult a vendor. Describing every component of your process and all the contents of the tanks is crucial. Tell us everything!

Consider:

• Temperature of the water
• pH level
• Area size being skimmed
• Type of oil being skimmed
• Water level
• Any turbulence
• Electric requirements

These are all conversation points that your vendor should inquire about and you should have answers to. Remember: in order to make the most out of your oil skimmer, the right skimmer and belt material needs to be selected to work perfectly with your application!

Remember…

Selecting an oil skimmer can be a complex decision-making process. There are various factors you have to consider about your application when choosing the right skimmer. Abanaki oil skimmers are durable and built to last, even in harsh applications. They have been proven in thousands of applications and are an environmental solution to unwanted oil in water. Abanaki sales reps have a vast knowledge on a wide variety of industrial applications. They are always available for phone calls, emails, or on-site consultations to help you find the right skimmer for your application.

To learn more about oil skimmers, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.abanaki.com

Abanaki has a new reference that can help you choose the right skimmer and the right size to ensure years of worry-free operation.

Click button below to access our “How to Successfully Implement Oil Skimmers” webinar to learn how to get the most out of your skimmer.

Difficult to remove and dangerous to the health of the environment and humans, DNAPLs are a persistent thorn in the side for many areas. Still, there are many ways to treat DNAPLs; the key is to find the correct method for the individual site.

What is a DNAPL?

DNAPL is short for dense non-aqueous phase liquid. Common DNAPLs include creosote, coal tar, and heavy oils; common DNAPL applications include degreasing and acting as a solvent. On the other hand, DNAPLs can also be the byproduct of industrial processes; in particular, a form of DNAPL known as multi-compound waste is a common type of waste oil.

Which method is best for Treating DNAPLs?

Each of the following methods have their advantages and disadvantages. The conditions present in each treatment site determine the effectiveness and cost of individual methods and is the largest factor in choosing treatment method. As such, a good working knowledge of the treatment site is key to effective remediation.

Excavation

Excavation, where an environmental remediation firm will dig to the DNAPL and remove the pollutant, is by far the most effective method and has close to 100% efficiency. Excavation is also expensive and impractical, since the DNAPLs are often deep underground and require significant amounts of manpower and machinery to reach the aquifer.

Bioremediation

Bioremediation is a much more common method. By introducing or encouraging the growth of organisms that can digest the DNAPL, bioremediation breaks down the pollutant into ecologically friendly substances. Bioremediation not only treats the DNAPL effectively, but can also potentially treat other pollutants in the remediation area and does not require the removal of waste.

Belt skimmers

Belt skimmers can be an effective means of DNAPL treatment. Having an oleophilic belt gives the belt oil skimmer an inherent way to attract floating oils and emulsified fluids without relying on pumps or other like means. In addition, a belt oil skimmer like the PetroXtractor requires far less daily maintenance than pumps or other means of collection.

Air sparging

Air sparging involves pumping pressurized air into the groundwater, causing the hydrocarbons in the water to become a gas. This gas is then sucked up by vacuum extraction. Air sparging is unable to function with low air permeability and functions inefficiently when the air permeability is too high.

Soil vapor extraction

Soil vapor extraction (SVE) is similar to air sparging, but focuses on removing contaminants from the surrounding soil rather than groundwater. As such, the technique shares may of its advantages and disadvantages with air sparging. Both techniques are focused on environmental remediation; although some industrial processes may be able to accommodate air sparging, most will find the introduction of gas into a potentially polluted tank will propagate foul smells and potentially harmful gases.

Solidification

Solidification involves immobilizing the contaminant via chemical or physical means. Often, this method relies on trapping contaminants in soil, either reducing contamination of the aquifer or making the contaminant easier to remove. Inorganic pollutants, such as radionuclides, can be collected more easily and with fewer health risks like radiation poisoning.

In situ oxidation

In situ oxidation involves the injection of chemical oxidizers, materials such as oxygen or the halogen family that encourage the loss of electrons, into the contaminated area. The chemical reaction between the chemical oxidizer and the pollutant renders the pollutant harmless. Often, oxidation is used for chemical pollutants. Oxidation still needs to react with the substance; if the pollutant is not easily oxidized, the treatment will have no effect.

In-situ chemical reduction

In-situ chemical reduction is similar in concept to In-situ oxidation. Usually used to treat chromium and the solvent trichloroethene, the method introduces a reducing agent such as zero-valent iron nanoparticles to reduce the number of electrons in a contaminant and change the contaminant to something less harmful.

Pump and treat

Pump and treat refers to the process of pumping out the groundwater from the aquifer and subsequently treating that groundwater through any number of means, including most of the methods listed above. Pumping out the water makes the water easier to treat since the conditions can be adjusted for better collection and the aquifer may not be suited to the optimal method of remediation.

Collecting DNAPLs can be a difficult task but is possible with enough foresight and planning. By understanding the nature of the contamination and the unique environment the treatment occurs in, an effective treatment method can be selected.

To learn more about oil skimmers, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.abanaki.com

How Does a Well Oil Skimmer Work? 

In outdoor applications, the use of heaters may be required to keep skimmed product fluid so it can be effectively removed from the medium and collection tray. This is particularly true for grease skimming, which involves higher viscosity at all temperatures. Polymer materials are limited in their heat tolerance, so oil skimmers equipped with these media may have only tray heaters.

Oil Skimmers Accessories

Oil skimmers with steel media can apply heat to both the tray and the medium, which improves performance in severe winter climates. To resist corrosion, a stainless-steel housing also may be needed. Above ground enclosures and underground manway mounting kits provide additional protection from the elements.

Commonly used materials for wiper blades are nitrile, [CRV] and ceramics. Nitrile is suitable for use as high as 176° F in neutral pH liquids. For higher temperatures and acidic or alkaline liquids, [CRV] wipers work well. Ceramics are resistant to more chemicals, but are prone to breakage.

For hazardous duty locations with ignitable fumes, explosion-proof motors are mandatory. Special corrosion resistant motor housings may be required for sanitary washdown situations in food plants. Different voltages and power frequencies are needed for some plants.

In many applications, oil skimmers can run unattended for days or weeks. This is typical for groundwater remediation applications at remote well sites. When controls are used, they tend to be either manual on/off switches or 24-hour timers to start and stop the unit at predetermined times.

Oil Skimmer Reliability and Maintenance

Oil skimmers require a certain amount of routine maintenance, primarily periodic cleaning and checking wiper blade adjustment. Easy removal of safety covers shielding the moving medium and its pulleys will reduce maintenance time.

In terms of drive designs, those with separate gear reducers tend to be somewhat more robust than unitary gear motor drives. Chain drives, which are found on a few models, need to be lubricated regularly and the chain should be protected from debris and other impediments.

To learn more about oil skimmers, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.abanaki.com

Abanaki Model 8 Belt Skimmer in Operation

As large generators of oily wastewater tighten effluent controls, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is targeting smaller generators. Some of the firms receiving their attention are smaller manufacturing plants, automotive garages, mobile equipment service shops and truck farms. Many of these firms do not have access to a sanitary sewer system that will accept oily wastewater.

Because disposal in storm sewers also is prohibited, they frequently use injection wells, septic system drain-fields, dry wells and ground pits to dispose of oily wastewater; one EPA concern is that oily wastewater will find its way into an underground aquifer that is a source of drinking water.

Many oily wastes contain organic and inorganic chemicals in concentrations that exceed the primary drinking water standards established by the Safe Drinking Water Act. So, the focus of one EPA program is aimed at preventing contamination of groundwater by controlling oily wastewater recycling at the generator’s site.

Getting Rid of Oily Wastewater

If oily wastewater isn’t recycled, it must be disposed of safely. One option is to have it collected and hauled away by a licensed disposal firm. The annual volume of oily wastewater generated by many shops and plants makes hauling too costly.

Even firms connected to sanitary or industrial wastewater sewer systems have limitations on the oil content in their effluent. When oil concentration exceeds a certain level, usually 100 ppm or less, the generator can get hit with hefty surcharges by the local government providing wastewater treatment.

At some level of oil concentration, the oily water effluent is prohibited from entering the sanitary sewer line.

Wastewater Recycling

With wastewater recycling, the most common methods of oil/water separation include decanting tanks, oil skimming, coalescing, membrane separation and various chemical treatments. Any of these methods can be effective. Selection should be based on economic as well as technical considerations.

Although it is a cost-effective method of reducing contamination, oil skimming often is overlooked as a primary technique. Frequently, this results from the misperception that skimming is only suitable as a pretreatment ahead of other oil/water separation devices.

Certainly, skimming is a retreatment method used to prevent oil overloads in downstream membranes, coalescers and sand bed filters. But it can stand alone as an oil removal method in many applications, reducing oil to only a few parts per million concentrations, depending on conditions. In many locales, this is good enough to allow the water to enter a sanitary sewer system without paying connection surcharges.

More exotic methods of oil removal, such as membrane filtration and chemical treatment, are most often required when tight emulsions and other chemicals must be removed. If an emulsion is the water-in-oil type, a skimmer may do the job.

Types of Oil Skimmers

Oil skimmers usually incur a low initial cost, install easily, offer rugged construction, reliable operation and minimal upkeep. Training personnel for operation, monitoring and routine maintenance is nil.

Still, there are different types of skimmers, and each application requires some analysis to make the best selection. Also, the water collection system must be set up properly in order to get maximum performance from the skimmer.

The six major skimmer configurations for industrial plants and service shops are belt, disk, drum, mop, tube and floating suction types. For all types, the oil or other hydrocarbon liquids must be floating on top of the water. For all but the floating suction type, a moving skimmer medium is pulled through or across the surface to attract the oil.

To learn more about oil skimmers, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.abanaki.com

You are just one step away from downloading Abanaki's most detailed resource on our oil skimming equipment. Simply click at the button to get your ultimate guide now.