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The Essential Role of Belt Oil Skimmers in Groundwater Remediation Solutions | Abanaki

Posted by Tom Hobson on Oct 31, 2024 11:45:00 AM

Groundwater is an essential resource for drinking water, irrigation, and industrial processes. However, it can become contaminated due to spills, leaks, and other pollutants, particularly oil and petroleum products. Effective remediation of oil-contaminated groundwater is crucial for protecting public health and the environment. One effective method for removing oil from contaminated water is the use of belt oil skimmers. This blog post will explore how belt oil skimmers work, their benefits, and their role in groundwater remediation.

Understanding Groundwater Contamination

Groundwater contamination is a pressing issue that can arise from various sources, including:

  • Industrial Spills: Factories and industrial sites can experience accidental spills, leading to oil and chemicals leaking into the groundwater.
  • Transportation Accidents: Oil spills from tankers, pipelines, or trucks can significantly impact nearby water sources.
  • Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture can leach into groundwater, affecting its quality.
  • Landfills: Improperly managed landfills can release leachate, a toxic liquid that can contaminate groundwater with oil and other pollutants.

Given the potential sources of contamination, addressing oil spills and leaks is essential for maintaining groundwater quality.

What is Groundwater Remediation?

Groundwater remediation is the process of cleaning up and restoring contaminated groundwater to ensure it is safe for use. Contaminants can include a variety of harmful substances, including oil, heavy metals, and chemicals. When oil spills occur, it can create a thick layer of contamination that poses significant risks to water quality and the surrounding ecosystem.

Remediation techniques vary based on the type and extent of contamination. Common methods include pump and treat systems, bioremediation, and natural attenuation. However, when oil is present in large quantities, specialized equipment like belt oil skimmers is often employed to effectively remove the contaminant.

What are Belt Oil Skimmers?

Belt oil skimmers are specialized devices designed to remove oil from the surface of water. They consist of a continuous belt that floats on the water, using various mechanisms to attract and collect oil. As the belt moves through the water, it picks up oil and transfers it to a collection point, where it can be stored or disposed of properly.

Belt oil skimmers work based on the principle that oil is less dense than water and will float on the surface. The design of these skimmers allows them to capitalize on this difference, making them an efficient tool for oil removal.

How Belt Oil Skimmers Work in Groundwater Remediation

Belt oil skimmers are particularly effective in groundwater remediation for several reasons:

  1. Surface Collection: These skimmers are designed to float on the surface of the water, making them ideal for collecting free-phase oil, which is oil that has not yet mixed with water. This is crucial because free-phase oil can create a barrier, preventing oxygen from reaching the underlying groundwater and impacting the remediation process.
  2. Continuous Operation: The belt continuously moves, allowing for ongoing collection of oil without the need for constant monitoring or manual intervention. This automated process increases efficiency and reduces labor costs.
  3. Efficient Removal: Belt oil skimmers can remove large quantities of oil in a relatively short time, significantly reducing the contaminant load in the water. This rapid removal helps to mitigate the immediate risks associated with oil contamination.
  4. Adaptable Installation: They can be installed in various environments, including industrial sites, landfills, and natural water bodies, making them versatile for different remediation projects. Whether in a confined space or a larger area, belt oil skimmers can be adapted to fit the needs of the specific site.

The Process of Using Belt Oil Skimmers

The deployment of belt oil skimmers typically involves the following steps:

  1. Site Assessment: Before installation, a thorough assessment of the contaminated site is conducted to determine the extent of oil contamination and the specific conditions present.
  2. Installation: Belt oil skimmers are installed at strategic locations where oil accumulation is expected. This may involve placing the skimmer in ponds, sumps, or along the edges of water bodies.
  3. Operation: Once installed, the skimmers operate continuously, collecting oil from the surface of the water. The collected oil is transported to a storage tank for safe disposal or recycling.
  4. Monitoring and Maintenance: Regular monitoring is conducted to ensure the skimmer operates efficiently and effectively. Maintenance is also performed to clean the belt and check for wear and tear, ensuring optimal performance throughout the remediation process.

Benefits of Using Belt Oil Skimmers

  1. High Efficiency: Belt oil skimmers can quickly remove significant amounts of oil from the surface of contaminated groundwater, speeding up the overall remediation process. This efficiency is critical, especially in emergency situations where time is of the essence.
  2. Cost-Effective Solution: By efficiently removing oil, these skimmers can reduce the amount of contaminated water that requires extensive treatment, thereby lowering overall remediation costs. This is particularly beneficial for large-scale operations where budget constraints are a concern.
  3. Environmental Protection: Rapid removal of oil prevents further contamination of groundwater and protects aquatic ecosystems from harmful effects. By minimizing the exposure of wildlife to oil, belt skimmers help preserve biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems.
  4. Minimal Disruption: Belt oil skimmers can operate with minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment, making them suitable for sensitive sites. This is especially important in areas where wildlife or local communities are affected by contamination.
  5. Versatility: These skimmers can be used in various settings, including industrial sites, municipal wastewater treatment facilities, and natural bodies of water. Their adaptability allows for tailored solutions to meet the unique challenges of different environments.

Belt oil skimmer solutions are an effective and efficient method for addressing oil contamination in groundwater. By removing oil from the surface, these devices play a crucial role in groundwater remediation efforts, helping to ensure clean and safe water for communities and ecosystems alike. As industries increasingly focus on sustainable practices and environmental responsibility, belt oil skimmers will continue to be an essential tool in the fight against groundwater contamination, contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.

By understanding and utilizing the benefits of belt oil skimmer technology, we can improve groundwater remediation efforts and work towards a more sustainable future, ensuring the protection of our invaluable water resources.


How Does a Well Oil Skimmer Work?

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



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Topics: groundwater remediaition, petroxtractor, industrial oil Skimmers

Oil Skimming Solutions for Steel Mills: Achieving Water Quality and Sustainability | Abanaki

Posted by Tom Hobson on Sep 25, 2024 3:15:00 PM

A steel mill is perhaps the most significant industrial intersection of oil and water. The extensive use of water for cooling and descaling, alongside the significant volumes of hydraulic, lubricating, and cooling oils essential for steel production, constantly challenge and demonstrate the truth of the adage "oil and water do not mix."

Oil Contamination in Steel Mills Process Water

The production of steel is a resource-intensive process, especially when it comes to water usage. It can take anywhere from 10,000 to 75,000 gallons of water to produce one ton of steel, depending on how much of that water is recycled. This significant range underscores the importance of reusing water whenever possible to reduce operational costs. However, in order for water to be reused in most steel mill processes, it must be free of contaminants such as oils, which can severely impact the mill's ability to recycle water efficiently.

Tramp oils are a common contaminant in steel mill process water, and their presence can lead to a variety of operational problems. When water is tainted with oil, its effectiveness as a coolant or lubricant diminishes, reducing the efficiency of key processes. In addition, oil-contaminated water cannot be released into the facility’s wastewater system without causing environmental hazards. Stringent environmental regulations often prevent the discharge of such contaminated water, and failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines and increased operational challenges for the mill.

Furthermore, the presence of oils in process water can create an ideal environment for bacterial growth. This poses a significant health risk to workers and can further compromise the quality of the recycled water. If water cannot be adequately treated for reuse due to contamination, it leads to higher production costs as the mill is forced to rely on fresh water supplies. Ensuring water purity through effective contamination control is not only critical for reducing costs but also for maintaining safe working conditions and complying with environmental standards.

Abanaki Model 8 Oil Skimmer

What strategies can be implemented at a steel mill to prevent or reduce oil contamination in process water? One effective option is the Abanaki Model 8 Belt Oil Skimmer, which provides a reliable solution for extracting oil from water and water-based solutions commonly used in mills. This oil skimming technology leverages the differences in specific gravity and surface tension between oil and water, enabling the belt skimmer to draw in oil and other hydrocarbon liquids from the fluid's surface.

The Model 8 has the capability to reduce oil content in water to less than five parts per million, depending on the liquid's characteristics. It operates using a continuous belt and wiper system, effectively removing up to 40 gallons of oil per hour from the surface of the fluid. This unit can serve as a pre-treatment step before filtration and can be used in conjunction with coalescing systems for enhanced efficiency. Its versatility extends beyond steel mills, making the Model 8 suitable for a variety of applications, including:

  • Wastewater sumps
  • Parts washers
  • Coolant systems
  • Heat treating fluids
  • Food processing plants
  • Parking lots, garages, and service facilities
  • Outdoor ponds, lakes, and basins
  • Underground tanks
  • Ships' bilges
  • Aircraft service areas and tarmac runoff
  • Washing facilities for trucks, locomotives, and other mobile equipment

Abanaki Model 8 Oil Skimmer Specifications

The Model 8 is designed for use in tanks ranging from one foot to 100 feet in depth, ensuring durability and longevity. With the right configuration, it can accommodate liquid temperatures up to 212°F and a fluid pH range of 3 to 13. Its skimmer drive features an oil-filled gear reducer equipped with bronze gears and ball bearings. The combination of a robust motor, durable reducer, and powder-coated housing provides the Model 8 with exceptional longevity, even in the most demanding and harshest environments.

Managing the complex relationship between oil and water in steel mills is essential for operational efficiency and environmental compliance. The significant water usage involved in steel production, along with the risk of oil contamination, highlights the need for effective solutions to maintain water quality. Technologies like the Abanaki Model 8 Belt Oil Skimmer offer a reliable means of removing oil from process water, facilitating recycling and reducing production costs. Its versatility extends beyond steel production, making it valuable in various applications across different industries. By prioritizing water purity, steel mills not only enhance their sustainability efforts but also ensure safer working conditions for employees, effectively addressing the challenges of oil contamination.


Abanaki Model 8 Belt Skimmer in Operation

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.

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Topics: industrial oil Skimmers, industrial wastewater, hydrocarbon removal

Tube Oil Skimmer is Perfect Solution for Shallow Applications | Abanaki

Posted by Tom Hobson on Mar 22, 2022 2:15:00 PM

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:

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!

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Topics: oil viper tube skimmer, industrial oil Skimmers, industrial wastewater

Easiest Way to Remove Oil from Coolant or Water| Abanaki

Posted by Tom Hobson on Jan 26, 2022 10:55:06 AM

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

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Topics: industrial oil Skimmers, industrial wastewater, Ground Remediation

Oil Skimmers Suitability for Outdoor Application | Abanaki

Posted by Tom Hobson on Aug 31, 2021 11:00:00 AM

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

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Topics: industrial oil Skimmers, industrial wastewater, Ground Remediation

Oil Skimmers for Hydroelectric Power Plants | Abanaki

Posted by Tom Hobson on May 28, 2021 11:45:00 AM

Small leaks of hydraulic oil from turbines at hydroelectric plants are common and can end up in the facility’s sump or in its water resource. Oil skimming cost-effectively removes the oil before the water is discharged into the environment.

Typically, the utility is charged with environmental stewardship of the adjacent reservoir or river that is vital to hydro power generation. Often the reservoir or river also provides a public recreation, and it may be a source for drinking water and irrigation. Hydraulic oil leaks cannot be tolerated.

Utilities may employ absorbents and other manual methods of oil skimming. These methods are messy and inefficient, and take maintenance personnel away from more important work. In contrast, Abanaki oil skimmers are proven in thousands of applications to be the lowest maintenance and most reliable means of oil removal.

Oil Grabber® Model 8 Oil Skimmer

The Oil Grabber® Model 8 oil skimmer is a dependable and cost-effective tool for removing oil from sumps in hydroelectric plants. With its rugged construction it is made to last many years with little or no maintenance. The Model 8 oil skimmer utilizes continuous belt and wipers to remove oil from existing sumps. With its specially designed belts, it can collect virtually all oils present in sumps, and with the optional oil concentrator it can virtually eliminate any residual water that may be picked up.

Oil skimming makes use of the differences in specific gravity and surface tension between oil and water. These physical characteristics allow the belt skimmer to attract oil and other hydrocarbon liquids from the surface of the fluid. The Model 8 can be used in tanks with depths as shallow as one foot, or as deep as 100 feet.

The Model 8 Oil Skimmer may be part of an emergency oil spill system, in which wastewater flows through a coalescer tank, is skimmed, and then passes though filters. These systems satisfy the requirements of government standards intended to prevent oil spills from entering the environment. Abanaki has experience in designing and installing complete emergency oil spill systems for the power generation industry.


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

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Topics: industrial oil Skimmers, Model 8 Belt Skimmer, industrial wastewater

Tips for Effective Oil Skimming – Part 3 | Abanaki

Posted by Tom Hobson on Mar 12, 2021 9:15:00 AM

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.

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Topics: oil skimmers, belt skimmer, oil skimming, belt oil skimmer, different oil skimmer industrial, industrial oil Skimmers, oil skimmers applications, oil skimming tips

Tips for Effective Oil Skimming – Part 2 | Abanaki

Posted by Tom Hobson on Feb 22, 2021 10:20:57 AM

Oil skimmers are simple, dependable and effective tools for removing oil, grease and other hydrocarbons from water and coolants. Often, an oil skimmer by itself can achieve the desired level of water purity.

In more demanding situations, oil skimming is a cost-effective means of removing most of the oil before using more complicated and costly treatments such as coalescers, membrane filters and chemical processes.

As with any piece of industrial equipment, there are guidelines that should be followed to promote optimal efficiency, as well as a long, trouble free operational life. Let’s take a look at a few tips that will help you get the most out your oil skimmer.

A skimmer is most effective when there is no turbulence in the media

Skimmers rely on the differences in specific gravities between oil and coolant or water that causes oil to float on top of water. In applications where turbulence is present, the process of oil rising to the top will be prolonged, with some oil remaining below the water until conditions allow gravity to ultimately prevail. Operating the skimmer predominantly during quiet times will give oil the chance to rise to surface and allow the unit to operate more effectively.

Keep a spare belt and wiper blades on hand

Being prepared for the unexpected is always good practice. While blades and belt are typically very durable and trouble free, you never want to be in a situation where the skimmer must be taken out of service until a new belt or wiper blades arrive from halfway across the country.

Choose a belt that is long enough so that the tail pulley is submerged when the liquid level is at its lowest point

Water and coolant levels can vary over time. Therefore, the skimmer needs to be capable of collecting oil when the levels are at their lowest. Taking the time to correctly size the belt prior to purchasing the unit will save a lot of headaches down the road.

Properly size the skimmer to the size of tank

Skimmers operate by breaking surface tension which allows oil to be attracted to the belt. If a unit is undersized, it will not have the strength to disrupt the surface tension of the liquid, meaning that oil will never make it to the belt. Sizing of the unit should always be based on the overall area of the tank, not the volume of oil that is expected in the tank. This will guarantee that the skimmer will be capable of overcoming the surface tension that is present for the given tank area.


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.

Get Your E-Book

Read More

Topics: oil skimmers, belt skimmer, oil skimming, belt oil skimmer, different oil skimmer industrial, industrial oil Skimmers, oil skimmers applications, oil skimming tips

Tips for Effective Oil Skimming – Part 1 | Abanaki

Posted by Tom Hobson on Jan 29, 2021 10:45:00 AM

Oil skimmers are tremendously versatile, especially when the wide range of venues where they are called upon to operate is considered. Basically, anywhere oil and water have the potential to mix presents an opportunity for a skimmer to be put to good use, keeping oil out of water or coolant so that it can be recycled, re-used, or safely discharged.

The applications where these unsung workhorses perform are numerous, with skimmers being called upon to keep oil out of the places it does not belong, such as machinery coolant, bilge tanks, and wastewater that is discharged from parking garages. While there are differences in design from one skimmer vendor to the next or variations based upon their application, all skimmers ultimately rely on the differences in specific gravity and surface tension in oil and water to allow them to attract and capture oil. A rotating disc or belt is then used to collect the oil, where it can then be recycled or reused.

Make sure the skimmer is mounted level

It is strongly recommended to take the time during the initial installation to check that the skimmer is mounted and fastened securely in an orientation that is level. This is especially critical for skimmers with free-hanging belts to ensure proper tracking over the pulleys. This will promote better performance and reduce premature wear on the belt, wipers, pulleys, and motor.

Proper positioning of wiper blades is essential

Maintaining the proper amount of tension on the wiper blades is key to optimizing skimmer performance. Striking a balance that allows the blades to contact the belt in a manner that allows them to remove the majority, if not all of the oil from the belt is ideal. Over tightened wiper blades will cause premature wear on blades. Under-tightening leads to poor recovery results, as the oil collected by the belt is not fully removed as the belt passes over the wipers.

Run the skimmer when oil is present

While this may seem like a rather obvious point, running a skimmer constantly may actually be counterproductive, because it increases the likelihood that coolant or water will be picked up by the belt. A timer or an oil in water sensor can be employed to optimize skimmer operating efficiency by controlling the times when the unit is running.


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.

Get Your E-Book

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Topics: oil skimmers, belt skimmer, oil skimming, belt oil skimmer, different oil skimmer industrial, industrial oil Skimmers, oil skimmers applications, oil skimming tips

How Do Disk Oil Skimmers Work? | Abanaki

Posted by Tom Hobson on Oct 30, 2019 2:41:30 PM

Disk oil skimmer provides an inexpensive way to remove unwanted tramp oils from CNC coolants and parts washers.

Disk Oil Skimmer Operation

Disk 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 oil skimmers. When specifying disk diameter, it is important to consider reach, the portion of the disk that actually gets immersed. Less disk area in the fluid means less oil removed. Obviously, fluctuating fluid levels can be a real problem. Also, it is important to look at how much of the disk the wipers are actually wiping. If they wipe only 2 inches from the edge, then any reach into the fluid beyond 2 inches is wasted. As a result, removal capacities for disks can be relatively low.

When properly selected and applied, disk oil skimmers are highly economical solutions for separating oil from water to allow its reuse or safe disposal.

Find out more about Abanaki Mighty Disk™ oil skimmer that cuts cost and can be used almost anywhere.

 


Video: How To Tell If You Are Buying A High Quality Disk  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.

Get Your E-Book

Read More

Topics: oil skimmers, belt skimmer, oil skimming, belt oil skimmer, different oil skimmer industrial, industrial oil Skimmers, oil skimmers applications

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