Disk skimmer

Oil Skimmer as a Disc Skimmer

The disc skimmer consists of a vertically positioned, driven disc with a diameter of 200 mm or more, with the lower part submerged in the water surface. The floating oil adheres to the disc and is carried by the rotating disc to the wipers. The oil then flows from the wipers through a hose into a collection tank.

Disc skimmers vary in size depending on the application. The more the liquid level fluctuates, the larger the disc needs to be. Since this incurs more costs, disc skimmers are often offered only as relatively small devices, making them suitable for smaller applications.

The discs are typically made of plastic or stainless steel. Unlike band or belt skimmers, the discs experience less wear because the disc is sturdier than a skimmer band or belt, provided that the operating conditions are appropriate. However, elevated contamination levels in the discharged oil may cause more wear on the discs, which can be seen as scratches on the disc.

Applications

The disc skimmer, like the band and belt skimmer, is designed for smaller tanks and is not suitable for large tanks or basins. However, it can serve small tanks effectively by collecting foreign oil with its large surface area. If you expect a high foreign oil load in a small tank, you should consider whether a disc skimmer is the right choice.

Typical use cases for the disc skimmer include tanks with coolants or washing liquids. It is important to ensure that the tank size is not too large, as this can lead to reduced effectiveness. Disc skimmers are particularly well-suited for narrow, relatively long tanks, as the disc skimmer works only in the edge area.

The liquid level fluctuations when using a disc skimmer should remain moderate so that the disc’s surface area can be fully utilized and the liquid does not settle below the effective range of the disc skimmer. Some models include joints, allowing the disc to be dipped into the tank to come into contact with the oil film.

Disc skimmers are often used for the maintenance/cleaning of coolants by removing foreign oil. The resulting extension of the service life of products such as coolants leads to sustainable use and operational optimization.

Technical Performance Compared to Other Skimmers

The technical performance of the disc skimmer is lower compared to other skimmers, which is why this design is not as commonly found in industrial settings. To ensure an adequate efficiency, the disc diameter should not be too small. Like all oil skimmers, the disc skimmer is easy to operate and install. The physical conditions in which the skimmer is used should be coordinated with the manufacturer in advance to address any specifics that could affect function and lifespan.

Prices

Disc skimmers are available for around 500 euros and fulfill their function in smaller tanks. It is advisable to compare prices. For a realistic evaluation, warranty, spare parts, and delivery times should also be considered. Prices can vary significantly depending on the materials used. A disc skimmer with a plastic disc will always be cheaper than a disc skimmer with a stainless steel disc. Here, it is essential to assess the operating conditions on-site and check material compatibility. For example, washing applications are often too hot for a plastic disc.

Advantages:

• Affordable
• Compact design
• Suitable for narrow application areas

Disadvantages:

• Covers only a small area of the surface
• Disc size depends on liquid level fluctuations
• Rubber wipers are destroyed by particles
• Sludge can block the drainage

Conclusion:

The disc skimmer is designed for smaller tanks where the foreign oil load is relatively low, and the contamination by particles is manageable so that it can be handled by the disc. The purchase costs are moderate, and a usable device can be acquired for under 500 euros. The installation conditions often determine which type is best suited. In principle, both belt and band skimmers could also be suitable for applications where a disc skimmer is used. It is always necessary to check which variant is best suited for the specific application.

Learn more about the different types of oil skimmers:

• Belt skimmers
• Disc skimmers
• Hose skimmers
• Band skimmers
• Drum skimmers