Oil skimmers really are essential pieces of equipment when you need to skim off unwanted tramp oil, floating on the surface of water-soluble coolants within CNC machining environments.... Read more below.
Oil skimmers really are essential pieces of equipment when you need to skim off unwanted tramp oil, floating on the surface of water-soluble coolants within CNC machining environments.
As a result, they are perfect for use with all CNC machines using water-soluble coolants within the coolant tank. Oil skimmers also reduce contamination and extend your coolants' life all at the same time.
From belt oil skimmers to tube and disc skimmers, there really is a solution for every CNC machine setup, when managing cutting fluid.
But, how do you know which one is right for you?
Well, we have put together this handy guide to help you learn which ones are more suitable for you, and if you are still unsure, our href="https://www.mscdirect.co.uk/contact-us">friendly customer service team is on hand to help you as well.
What are Oil Skimmers?
Oil skimmers are clever little devices that are designed to remove unwanted tramp oil from the surface of water-soluble coolant.
Whether it is in a coolant tank, wash water system, or an industrial storage tank, these tools are a very effective way to separate oil from water.
For instance, you will find oil skimmers used widely in industrial applications, especially in workshops running CNC machines and other cutting fluid-heavy operations.
This is because the main goal of an oil skimmer is oil separation, keeping your water content cleaner and reducing oil contamination. They will also help you manage waste, improve fluid management, and extend the life of your process water systems and coolant tanks as well.
How Do Oil Skimmers Work & What Do Oil Skimmers Do?
So, how do skimmers work for oil spills or oily process water?
It all starts with the fact that oil has a different specific gravity and surface tension compared to water, which means oil naturally floats to the surface of the water.
Oil skimmers — like tube oil skimmers, belt oil skimmers, and disc skimmers — then use this to their advantage. They do so as they skim the top layer where the oil collects, either with belts, tubes, or suction methods to remove it.
Some also use a belt system and a wiper blade to scrape the unwanted oil off the surface into a separate collection container, and as a result, tends to be a simple yet effective means to remove oil while leaving the coolant in the tank.
Types of Oil Skimmers
When it comes to the types of oil skimmers available, there is a selection to choose from, including, for instance:
Aerator
Though not an oil skimmer, another way to extend coolant life is using an aerator; this equipment is designed to pump oxygen into water-soluble coolant, preventing bacteria from growing and smelling like rotten eggs.
Belt Oil Skimmer
This type of oil skimmer then uses a continuous belt loop to lift surface oil from coolant tanks or sumps.
The belt width and length can then vary to suit your tank size, and once the oil adheres to the belt, it’s then scraped off using a wiper blade and transferred into a separate container for you to then easily dispose of.
Coolant Refresher
A Coolant Refresher Tablet can be used in coolant sumps, this will kill off any bacteria which can grow fast in stagnant coolant, eliminating the rotten egg smell that occurs once bacteria build up too much. .
Oil Skimmer Tube
These are Tube Skimmers, or tube oil skimmers, and are ideal for tighter spaces, as the tube floats on the coolants surface and attracts the tramp oil like a magnet. This oil is then skimmed off into a separate container, which you can then easily dispose of safely.
Portable Belt Oil Skimmer
A portable Belt Oil Skimmer is a lightweight skimmer that has many uses, as these units are great for emergency response or temporary setups.
They can also easily be moved between coolant tanks or used in wastewater treatment areas as well, and they are ideal for quick deployment in emergency response scenarios, including oil spill recovery, where fast, efficient oil removal from the water surface really is needed.
Sump Deodorising Tablet
Sump Deodorising Tablets, then help you neutralise odours and bacteria caused by oil contamination and stagnant coolant in sumps and tanks.
Tramp Oil Skimmer
Designed specifically to remove tramp oil — unwanted oil that floats on top of the water soluble cutting fluid - a tramp oil skimmer is really essential for any serious workshop looking to maintain their coolants' performance.
Tramp Oil Skimmer Replacement Belt
A Tramp Oil Skimmer Replacement Belt, then lets you keep your skimmer running smoothly by replacing the belt regularly.
These can also be available in different belt widths and materials depending on the type of oil you're removing.
Tube Skimmer
A tube skimmer is then similar to the belt version, but uses a floating tube to skim off the tramp oil instead. This is ideal for smaller coolant tank setups, as these are more compact but still provide an effective method for oil skimming at the same time.
Applications of Oil Skimmers
As you can see, there is a wide range of skimmers available, and these have different use cases.
For example, for CNC machines and other automated systems, oil skimmers are a brilliant solution overall. This is because they then help you to extend the life span of your coolant, reduce wear on your pumps, and improve the performance of your entire system, for example.
Coolant tank oil skimmers are especially helpful in reducing oil contamination, extending the life of your cutting fluids.
Advantages of Using Oil Skimmers
When it comes to how these products can benefit you, here they can in a number of ways, consisting of:
Cost Savings and Maintenance Reduction
By removing oil before it clogs any filters or damages pumps, you can reduce your downtime and maintenance costs.
That means, in turn, that you then get more productivity and less waste due to these.
Improved Water Quality
Oil / water separators like disc skimmers and suction skimmers really help you remove oil before it enters your filtration systems.
That way, you then get much cleaner coolant and reduced waste.
Compliance with Environmental Regulations
Using industrial oil skimmers will also help you meet EPA and OSHA standards.
Proper oil discharge management means that you will stay within safe discharge limits and reduce your environmental impact as a direct result as well.
What Are Oil Skimmers Made Of?
Most oil skimmers are made from durable materials like stainless steel, aluminium, or oleophilic polymers. The belt or tube is usually built to attract oil while resisting corrosion and wear, and its construction quality, including the drive unit and wiper blades, really makes a difference in the performance and lifespan you then get as well.
Are oil skimmers effective?
Oil skimmers are a highly effective method of removing unwanted tramp oil with minimal coolant loss, and helping you improve fluid quality, extending your tool life, and reducing your downtime - yes.
Where are oil skimmers used?
You’ll find oil skimmers in places like coolant tanks, CNC machine setups, wastewater treatment facilities, and during oil spill recovery efforts on open water or in emergency response situations, to name just a few.
How Do You Choose the Right Oil Skimmer?
Now that you know more about the types of Oil skimmers available, how do you go about picking the right one for you?
When choosing a skimmer, you want to think about whether you need a high-capacity model for larger tanks or something more compact.
You should also consider the type of drive unit you need, as some oil skimmers use electric motors, while others rely on air or hydraulic systems - and the drive unit really is key to giving you a very smooth and consistent performance overall.
Then you need to think about the type of oil you will be using (medium-weight oil, light oil, etc.), along with the size and shape of your tank, and the water level changes.
For CNC machines, for example, a compact belt skimmer or tube skimmer will also often work best here as well.
You also want to consider the construction of the skimmer — stainless steel construction is tough and durable, for example — and how you will power it (for instance, you also want to look at the power cord length and the voltage that it needs here as well).
So Are Oil Skimmers Right For You?
As you can see, Oil skimmers really are a simple but effective solution for managing your oil contamination needs.
Whether you need a sump oil skimmer for your workshop or a portable unit for emergency response, there really is a skimmer to suit your every need.
So, regardless of whether it is for fluid management to environmental protection, they really do offer you a high-quality, reliable, and affordable way to keep your process water and coolant clean.
Still unsure, or need help? Our friendly team is always here to offer advice and guide you through the best oil skimmer for your needs.
Contact Customer Support
If you are still not sure about which is the correct Oil Skimmers for you, or you need help, then for further information please contact our team, and we will be happy to help you understand which ones are perfect for you and your team. We can also help you with a number of other drill bits from Jobber Length Drills, Taper Shank Drills to the right Twist drill set as well, or even cutter drill bits with a straight flute design to ones with a varying number of flutes and lots more - our team is here to help you.
Standard Delivery Options
We have also extended our delivery service and ordering hours to offer you free next-working-day delivery with immediate despatch, making your shipping experience even easier.
Place your order online by 7 p.m. and choose the delivery charge that suits you - including next-day dispatch - to ensure you get a timely, UK mainland hassle-free delivery of your products.
Standard free UK delivery is also available for all products ordered within the specified time, with free shipping and a good returns policy for certain items as well.
Who Is MSC Industrial Supply Co.?
Here at MSC Industrial Supply Co., we are a leading supplier of industrial machine tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies across the United Kingdom. As a result, we can offer trade accounts, a vast selection of new and great-value products from tool sets to metalworking cutting tools and lots more, with free next-day delivery on eligible orders as well.
Our extensive range includes everything from hand tools and power tools to specialised hole-making equipment like blacksmith drill bits, core drills, and machine reamers, to name just a few.
As a result, we can provide you with a comprehensive selection of products, including:
As a result, we serve a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and engineering to maintenance and beyond. Consequently, our commitment to providing quality products and exceptional customer service makes us a trusted partner for all your industrial needs.
With our knowledgeable customer support team and technical assistance available Monday-Friday, we ensure you have the support you need to succeed.