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5 Other Options to Consider for Oil Skimmer | Abanaki

Posted by Tom Hobson on May 31, 2022 2:40:53 PM

A typical industrial oil skimmer will offer units in single or triple phase.  When you need more performance, Abanaki specialized motors run our Oil Grabber oil skimmer in most environments:

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Topics: coolant, oil skimmer, Solar Oil Skimming System, Transfer Package, Underground Oil Skimming System, Concentrators, Specialized mounting arrangements

Abanaki Specializes in Refinery Oil Skimmer Technology

Posted by Tom Hobson on Jan 24, 2019 2:05:56 PM

Refineries are capable of producing gasoline, jet fuel, or even asphalt and, like most large-scale high capacity plants, require process optimization and advanced process controls.

Oil skimming is a popular method for capturing and removing oil from wastewater in plant treatment systems. This process is mandatory to avoid fines and to produce fuel as economically and environmentally friendly as possible. Abanaki Corporation has successfully specialized in refinery oil skimmer technology for over 40 years. Oil skimmers work by making use of the differences in specific gravity and surface tension between oil and water. These physical characteristics allow the belts to attract oil and other hydrocarbon liquids from the surface of the fluid. Abanaki belt skimmers can be used in applications as deep as 100 feet.

By implementing an oil skimming solution, the goal to recapture 100% of all hydrocarbons before they go down the drain, can be achieved. The oil skimmer collects the bulk of the hydrocarbons and sends them back to a crude tank. Any residual oils can be removed through filtration or chemical treatment. The oil skimmer is operated 24 hours a day 7 days a week. A refinery oil skimmer requires very little oversight, no maintenance, and the time saved more than offsets the electrical costs.

The Model 8 oil skimmer is the most widely used Abanaki oil 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 Model 8 oil skimmer performs efficiently, removing up to 40 gallons of oil per hour.

The new solar-powered version of Abanaki’s popular Model 8 Oil Skimmer is available. It removes oil at up to 40 gph, where electrical power is unavailable or inconvenient.

The Abanaki Model MB oil skimmer is a dependable and effective means of removing oil from water and water-base solutions. Often, oil skimming by itself will reduce oil to an acceptable level of water purity. Depending on the characteristics of the liquid, it is possible for the Model MB alone to reduce oil content to less than five parts per million in water. The unit can be used as a pretreatment before filtration, and in conjunction with a coalescing system.

The Model 4 oil skimmer utilizes a continuous belt and wiper to remove up to 20 gallons of oil per hour from the fluid surface.

Depending on the application, a belt skimmer such as the units described above can be used or a tube skimmer like the Oil Viper would be another viable solution.  The Abanaki Oil Viper tube skimmer is a surface oil skimmer that effectively removes floating surface oils by means of an oleophilic (oil attracting) 3/4 inch diameter continuous looped tube. The tube extends out over the surface of the tank or pit and collects the free floating oils.

The Oil Viper has a specially designed method for removing the oil from the tube. It has a unique wiper combination attached to the tube itself in addition to the ceramic wiper on the skimmer. The result is a virtually oil free tube as it leaves the oil skimmer for quicker oil removal. Removal rates can be as high as one hundred gallons per hour. It can be used in either shallow tanks or reservoirs.

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 our most detailed resource E-Book on our oil skimming equipment.

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Topics: refinery oil skimmer, model 4, model 8, oil skimmer, wastewater skimmer, refinery, industrial Wastewater treatment, model mb

Belt Oil Skimmers Should be Given Serious Consideration for Groundwater Remediation Equipment

Posted by Tom Hobson on Dec 17, 2018 11:15:00 AM

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.

Wastewater engineers in industrial settings have, for many years, understood the value of skimmers in the removal of hydrocarbons from water. Food processing plants, the metals industry, machining firms and utilities have all used skimmers with great success for wastewater treatment. Recently, skimmer manufacturers have modified their product as groundwater remediation equipment. The belt 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, 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 skimming is that in many cases the product can be salvaged for reuse – further reducing the overall price by eliminating the disposal cost.

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. Skimmers, especially belt 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 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 our whitepaper, DNAPL A Threat? 9 Ways to Treat DNAPLs!

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Topics: oil skimmer, wastewater skimmer, petroxtractor, industrial Wastewater treatment

Advantages of Using an Oil Skimmer in the Machining Industry

Posted by Tom Hobson on Nov 19, 2018 10:45:00 AM

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 an oil skimmer. It is a low maintenance, easy to use tool for removing oil from water or coolant.

The use of an oil skimmer holds many benefits including:

Reduction of Disposal Costs: The cost of disposing oil laden coolant is more expensive than the disposing of oil.

Recycling Opportunities: In some instances, companies may be able to re-use the skimmed oil elsewhere or sell it for recycling, choosing to keep their part of the world cleaner.

Extend Coolant Life: Having oil free coolant can also extend its usefulness and effectiveness, reducing the expense on maintenance and coolant replacement.

Esthetic Benefits: Removing the oil from a machine coolant tank will cut down on the amount of smoke generated from the cutting tool coming into contact with oil laden coolant thereby creating a visibly cleaner workplace.

Extend Tool Life: Removing floating surface oils while aerating and refreshing coolant will extend tool life as well.

Avoid EPA Violations: Many machining and metal working shops turn to aqueous parts cleaning because of limits imposed by the EPA on the discharge of emissions and wastes.

Hygienic Benefits: Keeping coolant oxygenated and oil-free reduces the “rotten egg” odor and bacterial levels are lowered resulting in a cleaner work environment.

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 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 our Oil Skimming Factbook.

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Topics: coolant, tube oil skimmer, oil skimmer, tubetastic, tote-it, coolant skimmer, mighty mini, belt oil skimmer, dirty coolant, disk skimmer, oil boss, oil boss oil skimmer, mighty disk

How Do I Remove Oil from Coolant or Water

Posted by Tom Hobson on Nov 14, 2018 10:15:00 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

There are many instances where companies have turned their disposal costs into income. By using an Abanaki oil skimmer to remove oil from the coolant, one company was able to sell its used oil to be recycled instead of being charged to have the oil-contaminated coolant disposed of. Another money saving benefit was an extended coolant life resulting in lower coolant and maintenance costs. Because of this, the Abanaki oil skimmer paid for itself in a short period of time.

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 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 our Coolant Guide Book.

Get Free Guide

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Topics: coolant, tube oil skimmer, oil skimmer, tubetastic, tote-it, coolant skimmer, mighty mini, belt oil skimmer, dirty coolant, disk skimmer, oil boss, oil boss oil skimmer, mighty disk

How to Select the Right Coolant Oil Skimmer for the Machine Shop

Posted by Tom Hobson on Oct 31, 2018 10:15:00 AM

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.

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.

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.

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 skimmers 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 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 our Coolant Guide Book.

Get Free Guide

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Topics: coolant, tube oil skimmer, oil skimmer, tubetastic, tote-it, mighty mini, belt oil skimmer, disk skimmer, oil boss oil skimmer, mighty disk

Oil Boss Oil Skimmer Debuts at IMTP 2018 in Manila, Philippines

Posted by Tom Hobson on Oct 30, 2018 3:45:00 PM

Abanaki is proud to announce that our technology partner in the Philippines, Resource One/Fluid Solutions, exhibited at the International Metalworking Philippines (IMTP2018) Show, held in Manila in August of this year. The show, which is backed by associations based in industries such as die and mold making, aerospace, and automotive parts manufacturing, saw participation from companies located in eleven different countries. 

With the manufacturing sector seeing tremendous growth recently in the Philippines, IMTP2018 provided an excellent venue for vendors and manufacturers to establish new relationships. This was certainly the case for the representatives from Resource One/Fluid Solutions, who source the best and most appropriate lubricating technologies and coolant maintenance equipment for the most demanding applications in metalworking, as they were able to showcase some bright new stars in their product line. 

One such piece of equipment is the Abanaki Oil Boss Oil Skimmer, a new addition to the Abanaki coolant maintenance range. The Oil Boss is designed for use with machining centers, namely keeping tool coolant free of tramp oil, which is imperative for extending coolant life and reducing bacterial growth in coolant sumps. These units are small but robust, with an effective magnetic mounting system that allows the unit to be located for easy access. The magnetic mounting base also makes these units portable, so they can be moved from machine to machine as needed. This versatility makes the Oil Boss uniquely capable of conquering your shop’s coolant cleaning demands.

To learn more about the Oil Boss, please contact Abanaki Corporation at 440-543-7400 to find their solution or click the button below to get our Oil Boss Oil Skimmer brochure.

Oil Boss Brochure

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Topics: coolant, coolant maintenance, oil skimmer, coolant skimmer, oil boss, oil boss oil skimmer, cut coolant cost, magnetic plate

Groundwater Remediation: Abanaki PetroXtractor is The New Solution to An Old Problem

Posted by Tom Hobson on May 17, 2018 4:07:56 PM

Everyone is thinking “Green”  these days and looking for ways to make the world a cleaner place. Why not start with the groundwater? Pump & treat is an old solution to an old problem. The oil and groundwater are both pumped from the monitoring well. They are usually put into a collection tank and then the groundwater is treated to remove the oil. The PetroXtractor belt oil skimmer allows just the oil to be removed eliminating the need to treat the groundwater. The PetroXtractor line boasts models that are designed to fit in 2”, 4” and 6” (or larger) casings.  The belt oil skimmer uses groundwater surface tension to draw oil to the belt. A new solution to an old problem!

The PetroXtractor groundwater remediation oil skimmer can be placed in an existing monitoring well and remove the oil from the contaminated groundwater quickly and efficiently. Just like the rest of the Abanaki oil skimmers, the PetroXtractor can remove a wide variety of oils including fuel oils, coal tar, and creosote at rates up to 12 gallons per hour. No more bailing, no more expensive pump and treat. The PetroXtractor oil skimmer is the perfect green solution for groundwater remediation.

The Abanaki Solar Powered PetroXtractor gives companies options where electricity is not available. Many times well remediation will occur at an abandoned site where electricity is no longer available and the cost to run electricity is cost prohibitive. Abanaki’s solar powered systems have all the same capacities that the electrical systems offer but without the need for electricity. The Abanaki solar powered system with its battery back-up is designed to work in all parts of the country.

Find out more about PetroXtractor.

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Topics: coolant, groundwater remediation, oil skimmer, petroxtractor, industrial applications, Solar Oil Skimming System

Abanaki Oil Skimmers: Not a “One and Done” Deal

Posted by Tom Hobson on Apr 26, 2018 9:45:00 AM

Many customers have come to realize that, when they purchase an oil skimmer from Abanaki, it is not a “one and done” deal.  Although the rugged construction of all of Abanaki’s oil skimmers assures a long-lasting, beneficial product, proper maintenance is important.

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Topics: coolant, groundwater remediation, oil skimmer, parts washer, industrial applications

Bill Clinton-era Skimmers Still in Use 20 Years Later

Posted by Tom Hobson on Mar 29, 2018 8:45:00 AM

Lasco Fittings, Inc., a global leader in pipe fittings for Irrigation/Golf, Plumbing, Pool/Spa, and Industrial customers, maintains a 26-acre manufacturing facility in Brownsville, Tennessee.  Hundreds of different parts with multiple manufacturing processes are created at their extensive facility.

Oil plays a vital, yet bothersome and dirty role in their production.  This is where Abanaki Corporation entered the picture for them, as it has for thousands of manufacturers worldwide. 

According to Ryan Hilliard, Maintenance Supervisor for Lasco Fittings, 10 Abanaki 2-inch Tote-It oil skimmers were purchased in 1999.  “Our (manufacturing) machines leak oil into this 110-foot long, 6-foot deep pit.  Our skimmers are permanently mounted on the end of this pit and run 24/7 with very little trouble.” 

Lasco periodically inspects and maintains the units, ensuring that the Abanaki skimmers keep the company running with cost-saving, manufacturing-enhancing, and environmentally-compliant benefits.

Abanaki oil skimmers extend the life of parts washers while also making them more efficient — by ending recontamination of parts.  Abanaki skimmers have actively served for nearly two decades for a high-quality manufacturer like Lasco Fittings, Inc., and they certainly can for you.  Are your parts washers working efficiently?

For further inquiry on Tote-It oil skimmer click below. As always, the Abanaki sales team is here, ready and waiting to help you choose the right oil skimmer for your application.

Get Your Tote-It Brochure

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Topics: coolant, oil skimmer, tote-it, Concentrators

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