Determing Reach for a Belt Skimmer

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Zebra Skimmers manufactures belt skimmers with belt widths of 1 and 2 inches and various ‘reach’ lengths. Our most popular belt skimmers are BPFI-08, BPFI-12, BPFI-18 and BPFI-24. The ending number represents the reach of the belt – the length from the base (mounting point) of the skimmer to the centerline of the tail pulley. An easy formula to determine the overall length of a belt (circumference) from reach is: (reach * 2) + 8.75. So, the circumference of a 12-inch reach belt is (12 * 2) + 8.75 = 32.75. This is what is referenced as OAL (Overall Length). The following information will help you determine the optimal reach belt skimmer for your sump.

Reach is measured from the base of the belt skimmer to the centerline of the tail pulley, as shown in the illustration.
Allow 1″ to 2″ clearance from the end of the tail pulley to the bottom of the sump for optimal performance of the belt skimmer. Note, be sure the belt is always submerged in sump fluids.
Example 1: You have a sump with a depth of 10″- subtract 2″ for clearance that would indicate you need an BPF1-08 or a unit with an 8″ reach. This will allow the belt to safely rest in fluids at all times.
Example 2: You have a sump with a depth of 12″ – subtracting 2″ for clearance puts your reach at 10″. Accounting for your minimum fluid level an 8″ reach skimmer – would still work.
Example 3: You have a sump with a depth of 20″ – subtracting 2″ for clearance leaves 18″ of space. In this case an 18″ skimmer or a 12″ skimmer would work as long as the tail pulley is partially below your minimum fluid level.

Determing Reach for a Tube Skimmer

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The ZVA Sidewinder™® Tube Skimmer is another popular skimmer manufactured by Zebra Skimmers that fits into tight spaces. Models available are ZVA8-08, ZVA8-11, ZVA8-14, and ZVA8-17. The ending number represents the reach of the tube. Reach is not the same as overall length (circumference). The circumference of a tube is (reach + 7) * 2, an 8″ reach tube is (8 + 7) * 2 = 30-inches in circumference. The following information will help you determine the reach of a Sidewinder™® for your sump. For optimal performance of your Sidewinder™® we recommend the tube not be longer than the depth of your sump.

Reach is measured from the base of the Sidewinder™® mounting plate to the bottom of the tube.
Example 1: You have a sump with a depth of 10″, allowing for some clearance from the sump bottom then a ZVA8-08 would work.
Example 2: You have a sump with a depth of 12″, allowing for at minimum a 1″ clearance off the sump tank bottom a ZVA8-11 would work.Example 3: You have a sump with a depth of 20″, allowing for the tube to be off the sump bottom a ZVA8-17 would be sufficient.