Companies actively seek effective oil removal methods from water or coolant to reduce costs, liability, and environmental impact. By removing oil, they can extend the lifespan of water or coolant, reducing the need for frequent and expensive replacements and disposal. Moreover, this practice creates a safer and cleaner work environment, fostering employee well-being and productivity while adhering to environmental regulations.

The use of an oil skimmer in various industries offers numerous advantages and benefits. Here are some of the benefits achieved by using an oil skimmer.

Reduction of Disposal Costs

The cost of disposing of oil-laden coolant is typically higher compared to the cost of disposing of oil alone. This is primarily due to the classification of oil-laden coolant as a hazardous waste, which requires special handling and compliance with stringent disposal regulations. The disposal of oil-laden coolant often involves additional steps, such as containment, transportation, and treatment, which contribute to the overall higher cost.

Recycling Opportunities

In certain situations, companies have the opportunity to repurpose the skimmed oil obtained through oil skimming in other applications or sell it for recycling, showcasing their commitment to environmental stewardship. By opting to re-use or recycle the skimmed oil, companies actively contribute to waste reduction and demonstrate their dedication to maintaining a cleaner environment. This approach not only aligns with responsible resource management practices but also has the potential to create additional revenue streams while reducing the overall ecological impact.

Extend Coolant Life

Oil-free coolant extends its usefulness and effectiveness, resulting in reduced maintenance and coolant replacement expenses. It ensures optimal machining performance by maintaining the coolant's original properties for a longer period. The minimized need for maintenance interventions and less frequent coolant replacement leads to cost savings and improved operational efficiency.

Esthetic Benefits:

By effectively removing oil from a machine coolant tank, there is a significant reduction in the amount of smoke generated when the cutting tool interacts with oil-laden coolant. This reduction in smoke production contributes to a visibly cleaner workplace environment. Not only does it enhance the aesthetics of the workspace, but it also improves air quality by minimizing the release of smoke and potentially harmful particles into the air. This cleaner workplace fosters a healthier and more pleasant atmosphere for employees while promoting safety and productivity in machining operations.

Extend Tool Life

The process of removing floating surface oils from coolant while simultaneously aerating and refreshing it brings the added benefit of extending tool life. By removing the oils, the coolant maintains its intended composition and properties, ensuring optimal performance during machining operations. This reduction in oil contamination helps prevent the buildup of residues and deposits on cutting tools, minimizing friction, heat generation, and tool wear.

Hygienic Benefits

By actively maintaining an oxygenated and oil-free coolant, notable benefits arise, including the reduction of the unpleasant "rotten egg" odor commonly associated with coolant degradation. The presence of oxygen in the coolant helps inhibit the growth of bacteria, which contributes to a cleaner work environment. With lowered bacterial levels, the risk of biofilm formation and related issues, such as foul odors and potential health hazards, is significantly diminished, promoting a more pleasant and hygienic workplace for employees.

How Do Industrial Belt Oil Skimmers Work?

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.

Choosing the right oil skimmer for machine coolant involves considering several factors to ensure that the skimmer is effective and efficient in removing oil and other contaminants from the coolant. Here are some steps to follow when choosing an oil skimmer for machine coolant:

1. Determine the type and amount of contaminants: Machine coolant can contain a variety of contaminants, including oil, grease, and metal shavings. Understanding the type and amount of contaminants in the coolant will help you choose the right type of oil skimmer.
   
   
2. Consider the operating conditions: The operating conditions of the machine coolant system will also play a role in selecting the right oil skimmer. Factors to consider include the size of the coolant tank, the fluid viscosity, and the fluid temperature.
   
   
3. Evaluate different types of oil skimmers: There are several types of oil skimmers that can be used to remove oil and other contaminants from machine coolant, including belt, tube, and disk skimmers. Each type of skimmer has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider which type of skimmer will be most effective in your specific application.
   
   
4. Look for additional features: Some oil skimmers may have additional features that can enhance their performance, such as oil concentrators or timers that can be used to automate the skimming process.
   
   
5. Consult with a skimming expert: Consulting with an oil skimming expert or the manufacturer of the skimmer can help ensure that the right skimmer is selected for the specific application. These experts can provide guidance on the most effective skimming methods and can help with the installation and maintenance of the skimmer.

By following these steps, you can choose an oil skimmer for machine coolant that is effective, efficient, and customized to meet the specific needs of your application.

How Do Industrial Belt Oil Skimmers Work?

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.

Choosing a high-quality belt oil skimmer for removing tramp oil from machine tool coolant is challenging.

Belt oil skimmers use an endless belt of corrosion resistant steel or synthetic medium, which is lowered into the tank or vessel to be skimmed. The belt passes through resilient wiper blades where the oil is removed from both sides of the medium.

Despite many belt oil skimmers looking similar, quality and versatility can vary. This video shows what to look for. 

How Do Belt Oil Skimmers Work?

Belt oil skimmers utilize the differing specific gravities between oil and coolant/water to remove tramp oils. A motor driven belt that is typically constructed of an oleophilic, or oil attractant material, is placed into a coolant sump or reservoir. As the belt moves through the coolant, it attracts tramp oils. The oil is scraped off by a wiper and deposited into a container.

Belt oil skimmers provide a simple, dependable and cost-effective method for removing oil, grease and other hydrocarbons from water.

Mighty-Mini Belt Oil Skimmer

Belt oil skimmers can really help in extending the life of your costly coolant. Belt oil skimmers help remove oils that leak from machines or parts to keep your coolant clean. By removing the oil with coolant skimmer, you can significantly increase the life of your coolant.

The stainless-steel Mighty Mini is a compact belt oil skimmer designed for parts washers and machine tool coolant sumps. With its large discharge trough and small operating space, the Mighty Mini fits almost anywhere.

The stainless-steel construction resists rust and corrosion in harsh environments. It is lightweight and requires minimal assembly. With its durable stainless-steel construction, it is built to give long lasting performance. The removable trough makes cleanup fast and easy.

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.

Abanaki offers industrial wastewater skimmers specially designed for steel mills where plant maintenance engineers are looking for the lowest cost, most reliable method of removing greases and heavy oils from the steel-mill scale pit. Abanaki oil skimmers use the difference in specific gravity and surface tension between grease and water, allowing the belt to attract grease and oil as the belt passes through the surface of the water. The simple belt-and-motor approach is proven to operate unattended and reliably for decades with little maintenance.

Abanaki Grease Grabber® Belt Oil Skimmer

To avoid fines from government and municipal sewer districts, steel mills must limit the amount of grease in wastewater discharged into the environment. The Grease Grabber® oil and grease skimmer provides a continuously operating belt and wiper that can remove up to 160 gallons per hour of heavy greases and oils. Depending on the characteristics of the liquid, the oil/grease skimmer is capable of reducing grease content to fewer than five parts-per-million in water. Reclaimed grease and oil can be re-used or used as furnace fuel, avoiding sucker truck disposal costs.

How Does Grease Grabber® Belt Oil Skimmer work?

Using a double drive roller and tail pulley system, the grease skimmer belt runs through wastewater to pick up grease and heavy oil from the surface. The belt travels over the head pulley and then passes through tandem wiper blades, from which oil is scraped off both sides and discharged. A heated hopper keeps grease flowing in cold outdoor temperatures.

The tail pulley features flanges that allow the pulley to roll freely on the inside of the belt without becoming dislodged in turbulent applications. No bearings are needed; the unit does not need to be fastened to the tank. An optional tether and cage assembly is offered to prevent the tail pulley from being dislodged. The Grease Grabber oil skimmer can be used in pits with depths as shallow as one foot or as deep as 100 feet.

To find out which of our skimmers would suit your application the best, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400, or click the button below to get more information about Grease Grabber.

Removing Grease and Oil from Water | Grease Oil Skimmer

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.

A common misconception is that you can buy a smaller skimmer based on gallons-per-hour skimming capacity for a big job to save money. However, purchasing a small or mini unit instead of an industrial sized skimmer can be an ineffective method of oil skimming.

Oil Skimmers Selected by Size of the Area

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.

Oil Skimmer Capacities

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 oil picked up by an oil skimmer. It is impossible to accurately predict how fast your oil will be picked up. Therefore, as a rule of thumb, purchase an oil skimmer that is rated at least twice the capacity needed.

Make the Right Decision

Paying a cheap price up front might result in you paying more in the long run. It’s best to invest in a quality skimmer that is from a reputable vendor from the start. Oil skimmers are simple in design, but you will still be better off with a skimmer that is manufactured with the highest quality. It will operate efficiently and consistently for a longer period of time. Removing oil from water is a necessary practice in most industrial applications. Spend your money wisely to get the job done right.

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.

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.

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

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? 

Sometimes, an important technological advance begins with a small step-back! Such is the case with remediation of hydrocarbons from groundwater utilizing existing recovery and monitoring wells.

For the past few years, state government has based decisions on the amount of clean up that they require by the risk posed to the environment. Risk Based Corrective Action, commonly called “Rebecca” (RBCA), is a process that utilizes the principles of exposure assessment, toxicity and mobility to make corrective action decisions on sites that are cost effective while still protecting human health as well as that of the environment. Many times, all they require is removal of the free-phase product, allowing any emulsified contaminant to degrade with time. RBCA has saved many millions of dollars both for taxpayers and for businesses. With state regulatory agencies taking this approach, oil skimming devices have emerged as one of the most cost-effective groundwater remediation equipment choices.

Oil Skimmer is the Solution in Groundwater Remediation

Wastewater engineers in industrial settings have, for many years, understood the value of oil skimmers in the removal of hydrocarbons from water. Food processing plants, the metals industry, machining firms and utilities have all used oil skimmers with great success for wastewater treatment. Recently, oil skimmer manufacturers have modified their product as groundwater remediation equipment. The belt oil skimmer’s ability to get into tight spaces and remove relatively large amounts of hydrocarbons lends itself perfectly to groundwater remediation.

Since most oils, fuels and other hydrocarbon liquids have the tendency to float on water, oil skimmers are designed to remove only the top, free-phase, product layer. With only product being removed, the cost and maintenance of other down-well and water treatment equipment can be eliminated. Another cost advantage to oil skimming is that in many cases the product can be salvaged for reuse – further reducing the overall price by eliminating the disposal cost.

Belt Oil Skimmers are the Most Cost-Effective Method

The options for remediation equipment through recovery wells are practically unlimited since these wells come in a variety of sizes; any of the available technologies such as pump and treat of bio-remediation can be used in the correct size recovery well. Monitoring wells, however, are small, typically less than 4 inches in diameter. Initially installed for the monitoring of groundwater they are cheaper to construct and just large enough to allow a baling device or oil/water interface detector to pass through. As a cost savings measure, these small diameter wells are increasingly being used for product removal. With the increase in this new use, it is only natural that a number of devices are showing up claiming the ability to remove product through monitoring wells.

With the requirements for groundwater remediation systems becoming more reasonable, the use of skimming devices in lieu of pump and treat systems is increasing. The enormous expense involved with treating millions of gallons of water including the remediation equipment, monitoring and related maintenance is being replaced with a much more common-sense attitude. Oil skimmers, especially belt oil skimmers, as a means of remediation equipment, not only meet the challenge but, most times exceed. Pump and treat still has a place in this industry, but the small step “backward” to time proven skimming, a more reasonable and cost-effective method, cannot be overlooked.

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? 

Removing oil from water is a crucial step in many processes across numerous industries. From extending tool life to staying in compliance with government agencies, oil skimmers provide a cost-effective solution to removing oil from water or coolant.

Companies always look for effective ways to remove oil from water or coolant. Here are few more easy tips to skim oil from water or coolant.

If the skimmer must be run when little or no oil is present, use an oil concentrator

Under most operating conditions, skimmers pick up oil with only small traces of water. However, as surface oil is reduced to a thin layer (1/16 inch thick or less), more water (or coolant) may be picked up along with the oil. When used in tandem with an oil skimmer, the oil concentrator solves this problem by providing final phase separation. The result of this is optimal levels of water or coolant becoming available for recycling, and virtually water-free oil for is collected by the skimmer.

Choose the right belt for your application

Take the time to study which belt best fits your application – it will maximize the life of the skimmer belt and optimize the efficiency of skimmer. This applies to both length of the belt and the material of which it is constructed. As mentioned previously, choose a belt length that assures contact with the liquid at its lowest level. Belt materials are wide ranging and need to be selected based on variables such as the type of oil being collected, the liquid media that the oil is being collected from, and whether the skimmer is being used in an interior or exterior application. Any good skimmer dealer should be able to offer assistance when it comes to belt selection. Testing different belt materials prior to final selection is always a wise course of action.

Choose the optimal location for the skimmer to be mounted

Power availability and accessibility for routine maintenance need to be considered when selecting the location of the unit. Once that locale has been narrowed down, the skimmer should be mounted 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. This will ensure that the belt will be positioned to attract the maximum amount of oil, without allowing any dead zones where oil can be allowed to become stagnant.

Always remember that the friendly support staff of Abanaki Corporation is just a phone call away 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. We are here to help!

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.

Oil skimming usually beats ultra-filtration systems in many applications. More often than not, installing large, complicated systems to remedy oil problems will not provide ideal results. You can save costs by using a relatively inexpensive oil skimming system to handle the free-floating oil and then a smaller treatment system to handle the oil that has remained suspended in the wastewater.

Bigger isn’t always better and smaller isn’t always cheaper. Choosing a skimmer based on size speculation can be a costly mistake. Buying the smallest skimmer available because it is the cheapest or purchasing the biggest skimmer because you think it will work faster will not lead to successful skimming results.

What Size to Buy?

• 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 two times the capacity needed by the application should be the deciding factor.
• 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 oil picked up by an oil skimmer.
• It is impossible to accurately predict how fast your oil will be picked up.
• Therefore, as a rule of thumb, purchase an oil skimmer that is rated at least twice the capacity needed.

Make A Plan!

• Planning is important! Before spending money on a concrete pad and mounting arrangements, check where the oil actually collects in your process.
• Oil skimmers should be located opposite from the inflow and the tail pulley should be submerged two inches below the surface of the liquid in order to be as effective as possible.
• Using a tank that does not allow enough time for the oil to rise and float will not permit successful oil skimming.
• Always make sure your tank gives enough residence time for the oil to float.
  

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