An oil skimmer functions by mechanically separating (skimming)
oil floating on the surface of water, or skimming the top layer
of fluid from a body of water.
The first type are called oloephilic as they use a process of adhesion
to pick up the oil - eg a drum oil skimmer uses a rotating plate
to which the oil adheres and is subsequently wiped off.
The second type are known as weir skimmers or suction heads. These
devices reply on the oil flowing into a sump, trough or hopper or
simply being drawn off the top.
It is important to know the following parameters before selecting
an oil skimmer; Oil
type Viscosity
Temperature
Drive
(hydraulic / electric / pneumatic)
Industrial or Marine (sea conditions) Transfer
Pump configuration/type Static
or Advancing Capacity
Environmental
conditions
The performance of oil skimmers can now be measured according to
a new ASTM standard - F2709-08 www.astm.org
Disc skimmers like all oloephilic skimmers are
highly efficient and will only pick up a very small percentage of
water. Equally once the oil has been recovered, if left to operate
- will not recover water. Discs are constructed from PVC, aluminum
or steel. The disc banks are driven by hydraulic motors, however
electric and air motors are available in some models.
Brush skimmers are a relatively new concept, the
rows of bristles can in the right conditions increase the amount
of oil that can be recovered as it is trapped between the bristles.
These devices can be configured for light or heavy oil. They can
be for small units for inland spills or large offshore devices.
Drum skimmers are versatile skimmers that can
recover a range of oils, from very light ( diesel / jet fuel ),
to crude oils. Drum skimmers are driven by air or hydraulics. Air
units may be considered for use in hazardous areas and can be hooked
up the a vehicles air brakes for operation. They are typically lightweight,
shallow draft and simple to mantain and operate.
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