Oil Skimming Although designs vary, all oil skimmers rely on specific gravity, surface tension

and a moving medium to remove floating oil from a fluid’s surface. Floating oil and grease cling
to skimming media more readily than water, and water has little affinity for the media. This
allows skimming media in the shape of a belt, disk, drum, etc. to pass through a fluid surface to
pick up floating oil and grease with very little water. This oily material is subsequently removed
from the media with wiper blades or pinch rollers. Oil skimmers are simple, dependable and
effective tools for removing oil, grease and other hydrocarbons from water and coolants. Often,
an oil skimmer by itself can achieve the desired level of water purity. In more demanding
situations, oil skimming is a cost-effective means of removing most of the oil before using more
complicated and costly treatments such as coalescers, rnembrane titters and chemical processes.
Grease skimming involves higher viscosity hydrocarbons. Oil skimmers must be equipped with
heaters powerful enough o keep grease fluid for discharge. If the floating grease has formed into
solid clumps or mats, a spray bar, aerator or mechanical apparatus can be used to break up
grease mats and facilitate removal. This topic describes the development of the OS with typical
working model.

I NTRODUCTION
Oils
Oil can be defined as: “A viscous liquid derived from petroleum, especially for use as a
fuel or lubricant” or “Any of various viscous liquids which are insoluble in water but
soluble in organic solvents and are obtained from animals or plants” (Oxford
Dictionaries, 2012). Oils are, based on these definitions, divided into two catagories with
different chemical composition; mineral oils (also called crude oils) and organic oils (also
called fats) in which essential oils are included.
Oil Skimming
Overview Oil skimming is a low-tech hut reliable and efficient technique. An oil
skimmer is defined as: “Any mechanical device specifically designed for the removal of
oil (or oil-water mixture) from the surface of water without altering the water’s physical
and/or chemical characteristics”. (NOAA, 2010) The skimming principle, upon which the
technique relies, is dependent on three physical properties of oils. namely specific
gravity. surface tension and affinity. Most oils have a lower specific gravity than water,
which allows it to separate from water and float to the surface unless agitated. These oils
are possible to collect using an oil skimmer. Other oils do the opposite and, if not
agitated. sink to the bottom of the water and must be collected by other means than
skimming. (Abanaki. 2011) The light oils, which can he skimmed off the water surface,
are possible to collect due to the surface tension and affinity of’ the oil. Most oils have
little or no affinity ftr water, which prevents mixing of oil and water. As the skimming
medium enters the water, the oil wets the surface preventing water from doing the same.
Any water on the surface is pushed away as more oil attaches to the surface because of
the surface tension of’ the oil.
However. it is important that the skimming medium is not submerged too deep into the
water, as it may cause the oil to he washed off the skimming medium and thereby
lowering the efficiency. (Persson K. 2013) A number of factors are to be taken into
,

account when selecting skimmers but the most important aspects to consider are the
viscosity and the adhesive properties of the oil intended to he skimmed. In open sea
spills, other important factors are sea state, currents, and level of’ debris. In relatively
predictable situations such as at fixed facilities, for instance industry processes, marine
terminals and refineries, the type of oil handled may be known and hence the type of skimmer to
be used can be selected accordingly.

Subsequently, a versatile skimmer able to handle different kinds of oil and various situations
may be preferable in some cases, but is to be kept in mind that no single skimmer can cope with
all potential situations that may arise. A combination of skimmers is hence desirable. Particularly
as the oil weathers. (ITOPF, 2012) The second most important factor to assess is the skimmer’s
intended use and expected operational conditions. Depending on if the skimmer is to form an
integral part of a vessel mounted, offshore recovery system or if it is to be deployed manually in
a port or fixed in a cooling water reservoir the selected type of skimmer will differ and aspects
such as size, robustness and ease of operation, handling, and maintenance can then be evaluated.
(ITOPF, 2012)

OIL SKIMMER
Skimming Technologies
The mechanisms through which oil is removed from the water surface can be divided into
oleophilic techniques, which rely on the adhesion of oil to a moving surface, and non oleophilic
techniques. Non-oleophilic techniques include weir skimmers relying on gravity, suction
systems, and mechanical skimmers, which physically lift the oil with scoops, or grabs. (ITOPF,
2012)

Oleophilic Skimmers Oleophilic skimmers recover oil based on the properties of specific
materials, which have greater affinity for oil than for water. There exist numerous types of
oleophilic skimmers and they are therefore divided into subgroups such as disc skimmers, drum
skimmers, rope mop skimmers, belt skimmers, and brush skimmers. Regardless of the type of
skimmer, the principle behind the technique used is the same for all oleophilic skimmers. The
skimming head. i.e. the part with the oleophilic surface, is rotated or pulled through the oil slick
and the oil is then scraped or squeezed off and the oil removed into a sump to be pumped or
sucked away. (NOAA, 2010) (ITOPF, 2012) Oleophilic skimmers usually achieve the highest
ratio of recovered oil in relation to entrained water, also referred to as the recovery efficiency,
compared to other skimmer types. Oleophilic skimmers reach their highest efficiency when
handling medium viscosity oils (between 100 2000 cSt).
—

Diesel, kerosene and other low viscosity oil products generally do not adhere to the oleophilic
surface in sufficiently thick layers to attain high recovery rates. Higher viscosity’ oils such as
heavy bunker oil on the other hand, can prove to be difficult to remove due to its tendency to
form large clumps in the water, which are too heavy and compact to be skimmed.
Comparatively, oil-water emulsions can be almost impossible to recover with oleophilic
skimmers, due to the fact that emulsions are nearly non-adhesive. (ITOPF, 2012) ()leophilic
materials are often made of some form of polymer even though metal surfaces have shown to be
effective, Furthermore, studies show that discs and drums with grooved surfaces result in higher
recovery rates than smooth surfaces. (ITOPF, 2012) (Broje & Keller. 2006)

TYPES OF SKIMMERS
Disc Skimmers
Disc skimmers work best with lighter types of oil (medium viscosity) and cannot handle
emulsified oil. However, disc skimmers can he used for open sea operations and are
controlled by crane operators. The volume and weight of the disc skimmers are quite
large due to the size and number of rotating discs (NOAA, 2010).

Rope Mop Skimmers

Rope mop skimmers use ropes floating on the surface of the water to retrieve the oil.
Rope mop skimmers are large units and require the use of a crane during the entire
operation for launching from either a vessel or shore. The oil is recovered by the ropes.
which are then wrung releasing the oil into a collection tank either on board the vessel or
on the shore. This skimmer type is not sensitive to waves but is normally only used for
single sweep operations. Vertical rope mop skimmers are most suited for lighter oil types
as very little water is collected during recovery. Debris or ice will not affect the
skimming operation (NOAA, 2010). Rope mop skimmers are ideal for shallow water
conditions, as the rope requires minimal water to float. Furthermore, Rope mops are ideal
in trash-laden environments since the trash tills oil the ropes as they come up to the
wringer unit. (Cleanup Oil. 2003).

Drum Skimmers
Drum skimmers are driven by air or hydraulics and are therefbre often considered for use
in hazardous areas and environments. Drum skimmers are versatile skimmers and can
handle 26 various types of oils ranging from light oils such as diesel to heavier oils such as
crude oil.
(Cleanup Oil. 2003)

Brush Skimmers

Brush skimmers can be packaged in a wide range of configurations from stand-alone

units to modules mounted on a barge (self- floating unit) or on a specially constructed
recovery vessel. Depending on the stiffness and density of the bristles used and the comb
configuration, different types of oil can be recovered. In general, light oil is better
recovered by finer. Softer bristles while stiffer and wider spaced bristles are better suited
for heavy oils. (Cleanup Oil, 2003)

Belt Skimmers
Belt skimmers are large and are therefore often mounted on a barge or on a specially
constructed vessel. These skimmers have a high recovery efficiency and good recovery
rate, hut are specialised products and can he complicated to operate. which requires
heavy equipment and specially trained personnel (NOAA, 2010). however, a fixed
position mounted belt skimmer requires an initial tuning but can then operate
independently. (Nilsson. 2013)

Non-Oleophilic Skimmers

Suction Skimmers

Suction skimmers such as vacuum skimmers represent the simplest skimmer design in
terms of operational theory. whereby oil is recovered by air suction systems directly from
the water surface (ITOPF. 2012). The simplest type of vacuum skimmer uses a hose
directly connected to a vacuum truck, which can easily he employed in harbours or rivers.
Due to the sensitivity to waves, vacuum skimmers are often restricted to use in harbours
and calm waters. (NOAA. 2010) Furthermore, suction skimmers are ideally suited for
recovery of oil on or near the shoreline due to the widespread availability of’ vacuum
systems. Nonetheless, the undifferentiating nature of the suction device may result in
high proportions of water also being collected. (ITOPF, 2012) ‘

Weir Skimmers

Weir skimmers refer to skimming devices using gravitational force to drain oil from the water
surface, Weir skimmers are floating units where the edge of the weir is positioned just below the
upper slick surface or at the interface between the floating oil and water, hence allowing oil to
flow over the weir edge into a collecting sump. The oil is then pumped to storage tanks. Weir
skimmers are normally launched from vessels using a crane and the weir can either be remote
controlled by compressed air or self-adjusting. Weir skimmers are one of the most commonly
used skimmer type due to its simple construction. (NOAA, 2010) (ITOPF, 2012) Weir skimmers
are however prone to be jammed or clogged due to floating debris, and although swell alone does
not interfere with skimming operation, weir skimmers are very sensitive to steep waves (ITOPF,
2012). In table 2, an overview over different skimming technologies and their properties are
briefly presented.
OIL SKIMMER WORKING PRINCIPLE

As the BELT rotates, oil adheres to the belt surface separating it from the water. Oil is wiped
from the belt surface and drained into the collection trough. In a full size skimmer the oil would
be pumped or sucked out to a remote containment location.

Floating oil and grease cling to skimming media more readily than water, and water has little
affinity for the media. This allows skimming media in the shape of a belt, disk, drum, etc. to pass
through a fluid surface to pick up floating oil and grease with very little water. This oily material
is subsequently removed from the media with wiper blades or pinch rollers. Design of the
proposed skimmer
Determining Torque & Tension in Belt
NTP 60/2
Where.
N = Motor Speed
T = Torque transmitted by Motor

DC motor
Motor Spec

1. Voltage: 12V DC

2. Output Speed: 200 +/- 10% RPM

3. No-Load output current: =< 50 mA
4. Rotation Output: CW / CCW
5. Noise: No Gear Noise
6. Stall output: : Slip Gear, Broken Gear is no allowed
7. Output shaft of the axial clearance: < 0.1 0.3mm.
Horizantal clearance requirement < 0.05 Electrical Spec
1. No-Load Speed: 5700 RPM
2. No-Load Current: < 3OmA
3. Rotation: CW 4. Motor#: 370

Steel Selection and Properties :

Sheet Bending process

The equation for estimating the maximum bending force is,

Fmax=kTLt2
W
where k is a factor taking into account several parameters including friction. T is the
ultimate tensile strength of the metal. L and t are the length and thickness of the sheet
metal, respectively. The variable Wis the open width of a V-die or wiping die.

Belt Selection and properties:

Choosing an Appropriate Skimmer

There are several types of industrial oil skimmers. Choosing one best suited for your
application will maximize oil removal while minimizing capital outlay and skimmer
operating costs. First,define the application in terms of the following characteristics:
Operating Conditions :

All skimmers have a moving medium, and possibly other parts, immersed in the liquid.
The performance and life of the pick-up medium, wiper blades, pulleys. etc. are affected
by different conditions. These conditions include temperatures in and out of the liquid.
pH of the solution, and the presence of solvents or other reactive chemicals.

I ) Hazardous Materials: Applications involving flammable materials or explosive

vapours require the use of explosion proof (or air driven) motors and controls.

2) TemperatureViscositv: All skimmers require floating oil to be in a liquid, free-

flowing state. If the oil congeals or solidifies at ambient temperatures. the tank and/or
skimmer will require heaters to maintain fluid how. This is especially true at temperatures
low enough to freeze water. A heater option is a must if a skimmer is to be used outdoors
in freezing temperatures.

Removal Capacity Rating :

Skimmers usually have an oil removal rate expressed in gallons per hour. The rate varies with oil
viscosity and most manufacturers’ rate skimmers using SAE 30 weight motor oil at 65°F (18°C).
If a manufacturer doesn’t specify the test oil for its rating, or your application involves a much
different viscosity, it is wise to ask for additional test data. When specif\’ing removal capacity, it
is better to err on the high side to allow 11w peaks in the oil influx.

Water Content
All oil skimmers pick up sonic water with the oil they remove. Sonic designs. Particularly
suction skimmers, pick up more water than others. I ugh water content increases oil recycling
and disposal costs. Generally, the ratio of water—to—oil decreases with thicker films of t1oating
oil and slower moving pick-up media. An Oil Concentrator or decanter installed at the skimmer
discharge port Provides secondary oil/water separation that can reduce water content to nearly
zero.

Residual Oil
A skimmer continues to remove oils as long as they are present. Depending on oil influx rate and
the skimmer’s removal rate, residual oil in the water may be as low as a few parts per million.
When residual oil reaches this level and further reduction is required. it may be more practical to
use a secondary removal method following skimming, such as membrane filtration.
Portability
Skimmer portability is a plus in sone applications. For example, in plants. mobile equipment
service shops. and at remediation sites, a portable skimmer can sometimes service multiple
machines, sumps. or wells.

Tank or Sump Characteristics

The location, shape, and capacity of a tank or water impoundment are major factors in
choosing the right skimmer. Also consider fluctuations in water level, turbulence and
possible emulsions. Although skimmers do not cause emulsions, they can have trouble
removing certain types.

Size Design: Oil and water can emulsify when subjected to turbulence and other
mechanical agitation. Avoid this by having water return to the tank below the liquid
surface at as low a velocity as practical. Make sure your tank or sump provides quiet
areas, weirs, and sufficient volume to allow adequate time for oil/water separation.

Shape: Tanks without nooks and crannies tbr oil to accumulate in are best. If you have
an irregular shape, put the skimmer where the largest amount of oil accumulates.
Consider a means of directing oil towards the skimmer such as a floating boom or baffle
plate.

Location/Installation: The physical location and characteristics of the tank and

collection container are important. Does skimmed material need to be pumped from the
skimmer to the container? Will skimmer access for periodic maintenance be a problem?
how much mounting space is available? Are tank or container modifications required?
Cheap systems quickly lose appeal when costs for additional components, increased
maintenance and expensive tank modifications are involved.
CONCLUSION AND PROPOSAL

In this project, we enforced to highlight the function of oil skimmer, its various design aspects
and performance. All the results of experimental studies indicate that slight design
improvement of typical oil skimmers towards to include additional belt shall and use of belt with
steel material instead of rope; significantly improve the oil recovery efficiency and also its
structure became simpler. As practical Overview of different oil spillage cleanup method. This
Project has illustrated several limitations of these methods and current oil spill technology.
Further extensive research & testing can improve the existing techniques and equipment to have
better control for oil recovery exercise.

Typical Applications for Industrial Oil Skimmers

Wastewater Sumps
Most manufacturing or processing Facilities have circulating water systems. This water
collects in a central tank or sump. Removing floating hydrocarbon contamination with little
water content can reduce the cost of disposal and lower the contingent liabilities of wastewater
discharge.

Coolants and Cutting Fluids

Then machine coolants become contaminated with tramp oils, four things usually occur:
I. coolant lift is reduced
2. Quality of machined parts is reduced
3. In many cases, a smoke will begin to appear in the shop. causing irritation to
the workers on the job
4. The fluid takes on a “rotten egg” odor. Skimmers that remove tramp oils solve
these problems and typically pay for themselves within a few months.

Heat Treating
Quench oils that must he removed from heat treated parts can he captured for re-use or disposal.
The results are lower quench oil costs, prolonged wash water life and lower disposal Costs.

Parts Washers

Floating oils re-contaminate parts as they are removal from a wash tank. Oil skimmers can
remove this oil. The benefits of using an oil skimmer are oil-tree parts and extended fluid life
Food Processing Facilities
Removal of vegetable oils. greases. and animal fats from a plant’s waste water stream reduces
the costs of processing and disposal.

Parking Lots. Garages and Service Facilities

Waste oil from leaks, spills and other sources must he retrieved from sumps before water can be
discharged to storm or sanitary sewers. Outdoor Ponds. Lakes. Basins, Etc. Where floating oils
are present. Skimmers provide inexpensive and effective removal, solving a serious
environmental problem.

Recovery/Monitoring Wells:

Removing oil, fuel and other hydrocarbon liquid from wells can be more cost-ef1ctive using a
belt skimmer instead of a down well pump. Skimmers don’t have nearly the maintenance issues
and can reach depths of 100 kct or more, removing product despite fluctuating water tables.
Skimmers can handle very thick fluids at effortlessly and some (like the Abanaki PetroXtractor)
can separate some DNAPL’s such as coal tar and creosote from water.
REFERENCES

[1] Victoria Broje’ and ‘Arturo A. Keller’, Improvedrecovery of oil spills from water
surface using tailoredsurfaces in Oleophilic skimmers, Donald Bren School ol
1nvtrontnental Science & Management, University of california, Santa Barbara.

[2]‘ASTM.2007.ASTM F726-06’, “Standard test methods for sorbent performance of

adsorbents”, American society of testing and materials, West Conshohocken.P.A.

[3]R.S. Khurmi and j.K.Gupta. Machine Design-I. S chand

[4] K Suhhramanya. Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines. Tata Mc(iraw Hill
(2012)

[5] ‘Sit. Schwartz’, “Performance tests of four selected oil spill skimmers, in:
Proceedings of the International Oil Spill conference”, American Petroleum Institute.
Vashington. DC, USA, 1979, pp. 493—496.

[6] ‘S.D. (jill, W. Ryan’, “Assessment of the ACW-40() oil skimmer by the Canadian
Coast Guard for oil spill countermeasure operations. in: Proceedings of the International
Oil Spill Conference”, American Petroleum Institute, washington. DC, USA, 1979, pp.
279—282.