Spills and leaks are an unfortunate reality in many industrial settings, leading to oil contamination of fluids vital for efficient operations. Oil skimmers serve as the heroes, diligently removing this unwanted layer, ensuring smooth functioning and protecting the environment.
But how exactly do these powerful tools achieve this critical task?
Understanding the Basics:
Oil skimmers utilize the differing physical properties of oil and water to separate them. Oil, being less dense than water, naturally floats on the surface, making it easy to remove. Skimmers use this fundamental difference through various mechanisms:
- Belt Skimmers:
- A continuous belt made of an oleophilic (oil-attracting) material rotates through the oil-water mixture.
- The belt selectively adheres to the oil, forming a thin film.
- As the belt rotates, scrapers remove the oil film, transferring it to a collection tank.
- If a diverter is present, clean coolant that was also brought up with the tramp oil will be returned to the sump tank.
- Tube Skimmers:
- A rotating, enclosed tube with an oleophilic surface floats on the water's surface.
- Oil adheres to the tube's exterior, forming a film.
- The skimmer continuously remove the oil film, directing it towards a collection container.
- Again, if a diverter is present, clean coolant that was also brought up with the tramp oil will be returned to the sump tank.
- Disc Skimmers:
- A rotating disc, partially submerged in the oil-water mixture, utilize oleophilic materials.
- Oil adheres to the disc, forming a film.
- Scrapers remove the film at the top of the disc's rotation, transferring it to a collection tank.
- You guessed it! If a diverter is present, clean coolant that was also brought up with the tramp oil will be returned to the sump tank.
Beyond Surface Removal: Unveiling the Added Functionality of Oil Skimmers
While the core function of oil skimmers remains focused on efficiently removing surface oil, many models boast additional features that enhance and optimize performance. These innovative add-ons provide peace of mind and improved efficiency, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your operation.
Let's explore some of these valuable features and how they benefit your oil removal process:
- Diverter: These units return clean coolant that gets picked up with tramp oil back to the coolant tank saving you on the cost of replacing that coolant.
- Automatic Shut-Off Timers: the timer will shut off the unit after a predetermined time, preventing overflows and spills.
Choosing the Right Oil Skimmer:
In the world of oil skimmers, a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn't exist. To achieve optimal performance and efficiency, choosing the right skimmer requires careful consideration of various factors that are unique to your specific needs and operation.
Let's delve into the key aspects that influence your selection process, ensuring you find the perfect oil skimmer that seamlessly integrates into your existing system.
The ideal skimmer for your needs depends on various factors like:
- Type of oil: Different oils require different materials and mechanisms for efficient removal.
- Flow rate: Skimmers need to handle the amount of oil generated by your operation.
- Tank size and shape: Skimmers should be compatible with the size and shape of your tank. You do not want the skimmer touching the bottom of your tank so make sure it is shorter than your sump depth.
- Budget: Skimmer prices vary depending on features and complexity.
Investing in Efficiency and Sustainability: The Far-Reaching Benefits of Oil Skimmers
Beyond the immediate benefits of removing oil from your industrial fluids, oil skimmers offer a surprisingly wide range of advantages that extend far beyond the surface level.
By investing in these innovative tools, you're not only ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment, but also unlocking a cascade of positive outcomes for your business and its operations.
-
Enhanced Efficiency:
-
Reduced downtime: Clean fluids minimize equipment wear and tear, resulting in fewer breakdowns and less downtime for maintenance.
-
Improved product quality: Clean fluids ensure optimal process conditions, leading to higher quality products and increased customer satisfaction.
-
Extended equipment lifespan: Clean fluids reduce corrosion and wear, prolonging the life of your valuable equipment.
-
Environmental Responsibility:
-
Reducing waste generation: By removing oil from waste fluids, you minimize the amount of hazardous waste requiring disposal, lowering environmental impact.
-
Complying with regulations: Many industries have strict regulations regarding oil discharge. Skimmers help ensure compliance with environmental laws and avoid costly fines.
-
Economic Advantages:
-
Reduced maintenance costs: Clean fluids minimize wear and tear, leading to less frequent and costly equipment maintenance.
-
Lower energy consumption: Clean fluids improve equipment efficiency, reducing energy consumption and lowering operating costs.
-
Increased productivity: Efficient operations lead to higher output and increased productivity, boosting your bottom line.
-
Improved Workplace Safety:
-
Improving air quality: Removing oil from the air reduces the risk of respiratory problems for workers.
-
Creating a cleaner and more pleasant work environment: A cleaner workspace boosts employee morale and productivity.
Making an Informed Decision:
By understanding the multifaceted benefits of oil skimmers, you're empowered to make an informed decision for your business. By investing in these powerful tools, you're not just addressing an immediate need, but rather making a strategic choice that promotes long-term success, environmental responsibility, and economic prosperity.
***
About Zebra Skimmers:
Our mission has always been simple. It is to provide the metal working industry with the oil skimmers and metalworking fluid management systems they need to complete jobs quickly and efficiently. Innovative and affordable solutions have gained us many accolades. Our continued growth is due in no small part to our excellent customer service… Not to mention our satisfaction guarantees and the performance of our tools.
Among our diverse options of oil skimmers and metal working fluid management systems, you can expect to find:
- Coolant management equipment, which includes coolant mixers, proportioning pumps, and also coolant automation systems to mix and deliver fluid solutions at the desired concentrations.
- Industrial oil skimmers, including tramp oil belt skimmers, disk skimmers, tube oil skimmers, and individual sump coalescers as well for the removal of surface and tramp oils from fluids.
- Aeration or circulation equipment and sump odor control tablets to control fluid odor and overall machine shop smell
- Industrial fluid monitoring equipment, including brix refractometers to verify fluid solution concentrations, pH test strips and also water hardness testing sticks.