Buying an Oil Skimmer – What to Consider!

Different types of oil skimmers, such as belt skimmers, disc skimmers, or tube skimmers, are primarily designed to remove light fluids like foreign oils. But what should you consider when purchasing an oil skimmer? Below are key questions that should be clarified before making a purchase.

One advantage of tube skimmers is that the tube length can be adjusted to fit the size of the tank, ensuring full coverage. They can also compensate for level fluctuations to a certain extent.

For smaller tanks with a limited surface area, a belt skimmer is a good option. Depending on the immersion depth, it can also handle larger fluctuations in liquid levels effectively.

Key Criteria for Choosing an Oil Skimmer

The Medium to be cleaned:

• Cooling water
• Wastewater
• Wash water
• Emulsion
• Other

The type of medium being cleaned provides insight into its aggressiveness and physical properties, which may influence the choice of materials used in the oil skimmer.

The Oil to be removed:

1. Approximate quantity (liters per day)
2. Estimated viscosity (thick or more fluid)

The amount of oil that needs to be removed daily, and its viscosity are critical factors in determining the required capacity of the oil skimmer. Belt skimmers, disc skimmers (depending on size), and belt-type skimmers generally have lower flow rates.

For viscosity:

• The lower the cSt value, the more fluid the medium, which can reduce the skimmer’s efficiency.
• If viscosity is high, the oil may contain many particles. In such cases, the skimmer’s outlet must be large enough to prevent clogging. Smaller models often have narrow drain tubes that can quickly become blocked, leading to additional maintenance.

Installation Conditions:

• Tank size (length * width in mm)
• Pumping height (mm)
• Level fluctuations (mm)

These factors are crucial in selecting the right oil skimmer. They determine which types of oil skimmers are suitable and how they should be configured.

You can submit a non-binding inquiry based on these criteria!

What Are the Costs?

The price range for standard oil skimmers is typically between €500 and €5,000. The cost depends on the skimmer type, capacity, and performance features.

Special requirements that go beyond standard solutions are handled through custom projects, with pricing based on the specific effort involved.

Where Can You Buy an Oil Skimmer?

There are several options:

1. Industrial accessory shops
2. Authorized distributors
3. Directly from manufacturers

Buying from the manufacturer offers several advantages:

• Expert consultation before purchase, reducing the risk of buying the wrong model
• Reliable information on delivery times
• Easy access to the right spare parts
• Direct contact for warranty claims

For specialized technical products like oil skimmers, it is often best to go directly to the manufacturer or a qualified distributor. Expert advice is crucial, even for seemingly simple products, as there may be specific factors to consider during installation and operation. This approach helps you save both time and money in the long run.

Delivery Times

Plan ahead! Be sure to check delivery times before ordering to avoid unexpected delays. If discussing details over the phone, it’s a good idea to request an email confirmation of the agreement.

Warranty & Replacement in Case of Failure

Before purchasing, clarify warranty terms and replacement options to minimize downtime. Oil skimmers often play a crucial role in meeting environmental and operational regulations. Check whether the supplier offers only the standard legal warranty or additional voluntary guarantees.

Spare Parts – Don’t Forget!

It’s essential to consider spare parts availability before purchasing. A cheap oil skimmer is useless if spare parts are no longer available because the manufacturer has gone out of business.

Ask these questions:

• How long has the company been producing oil skimmers?
  • The longer they’ve been in business, the lower the risk of discontinuation.
    ✔ What are the main wear parts and their replacement costs?
  • Every device used continuously will experience wear and tear.
  • Check which parts need regular replacement and their lifespan.

Taking these aspects into account will help prevent issues down the road.

We’re happy to assist you!

Different Types of Oil Skimmers

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