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.

Tube oil skimmers offer an inexpensive, efficient solution for removing tramp oil from coolant especially if limited overhead space is an issue. Tube oil skimmers can be used on machining centers with little or no access to the coolant sump from above. Plus, tube oil skimmers can remove oil from chip conveyors or enclosed machining centers.

However, finding the best tube oil skimmer for an application can be difficult. This video shows how to use this type-skimmer correctly along with seven features of a high-quality tube skimmer for coolant maintenance.

Why Tube Oil Skimmer?

Tube oil skimmers are great for some specific applications where oil needs to be removed from water or coolant. The basic principle is that the tube will reach into the water and break the oil’s surface tension. This is the same way that the belt skimmers work.

The tube oil skimmer can be easily mounted on the side of virtually any machining center coolant sump. By use of an existing opening or by making a small access cutout, the collector tube runs through the surface of the coolant and collects the unwanted oils. The oil then flows out the discharge tube into any waste oil container for easy disposal.

Many people prefer the belt skimmers when there is direct access overhead, but this is often not the case. Some applications will not have vertical access to the liquid. Tube oil skimmers allow the unit to reach in a side access point and go down to the surface. The tube oil skimmer can be an easy solution to a troubling problem.

Oil Concentrator (Oil Water Separator)

Under most operating conditions, tube oil skimmer picks up oil with only small traces of water or coolant. 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 the tube oil skimmer, the oil concentrator solves this problem by providing final phase separation. The result is water (or coolant) available for recycling, and virtually water-free oil for disposal.

This oil concentrator is non-electrical and contains no moving parts — it simply receives liquid directly from the tube oil skimmer. Water discharge is through a tube that has an open end near the bottom of it, while oil flow is through a separate drain port near the top. As additional liquid enters it, water and oil are forced out through their respective disposal tubes.

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.

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.

Understanding How Skimmers Work

Despite the various designs that oil skimmers have, all of them rely on the same basic principles: Specific gravity and Surface tension and affinity.

Specific Gravity: Most hydrocarbons have a lower specific gravity than water. Without agitation, oil separates from the water and floats to the surface.

Surface Tension and Affinity: Normally, oil bonds more tightly to itself and other materials than to water. This affinity, and differences in surface tension between oil and water, cause oils to adhere to a skimming medium.

Understanding The Different Types of Skimmers

Not All Skimmers Are Alike!

• Belt-type oil skimmers use an endless belt of corrosion resistant steel or synthetic medium, which is lowered into the tank or vessel to be skimmed.
• Tube oil skimmers use a floating plastic hose that snakes out over the surface of the liquid and is then drawn back through the drive unit where oil is removed.
• Disk-type oil skimmers rotate a disk-shaped medium through the liquid. Oil is wiped off and discharged into a collection container in a manner similar to belt-type oil skimmers.

Bigger Isn’t Always Better & 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.

Make A Plan Before Buying Oil Skimmer

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.

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. However, 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.

Selecting and sizing your next oil skimmer correctly is important – the wrong decision can cost your facility thousands over the long term. Learn how Abanaki oil skimmers help you save by "taking just a little off the top." by watching the webinar below.

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.

Coolant maintenance should always be a top priority in shops. Dirty machine coolant can cause a multitude of problems for manufacturing facilities and CNC machines. Not using clean coolant can cause health issues in the workplace, reduce the life of the equipment used, and can significantly slow a process down.

All of these factors lead to loss in production which leads to loss in profit for companies. And while recycling steel, aluminum, paper, and glass is readily accessible, recycling coolant is not. Additionally, the cost of recycling used coolant can be very expensive.

Is Coolant Maintenance necessary

Companies look for effective ways to remove oil from water or coolant 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.

Coolant Maintenance Solutions

There are a wide range of coolant maintenance products including oil skimmers to help keep your coolant fresh and extend its life. Does your shop smell like rotten eggs? Has the quality of your products been compromised? If so, you probably have dirty coolant to blame.

From belt oil skimmers to tube skimmers and coolescers, having the right tools and products can make keeping your coolant working properly a breeze. Putting the proper oil skimmer on your machine will cut down on the way lube and floating oils are left in your tank.

These oil skimmer units do a great job of removing the oil from your machine coolant tanks, leaving you fresh coolant to run quality production parts. There are also other products that can help in your quest, items like oil eating microbes, coolescers, and coolant deodorizers can all be added to your maintenance plan along with an oil skimmer so you can rest assured you are getting every dollar worth of your machine coolant life.

Abanaki is Here to Help

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”.

Learn more about the cost-effective oil skimming solutions Abanaki offers by visiting www.abanaki.com. Our website offers a wide range of product info, video tutorials, detailed handbooks, and more. To speak to a representative call (440) 543-7400.

How to Successfully Implement Oil Skimmers

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.

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.

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.