Oil Skimmers
Oil Removal
Oil spills are one of the most well-known forms of pollution, where oil is released into the ocean accidentally by oil tankers. Most oil pollution actually comes from land-based activity, but tanker spills are more publicised and therefore more regulated. An oil skimmer is one way of remediating oil spills, however there are many other methods such as bioremediation (use of microorganisms to break down oil), oleophilic methods which chemically and physically bonds to the oil, controlled burning, dispersants or dreging.
Oil spills are a major concern because of their environmental effects. It affects birds who land on the oil by impairing flight ability (reducing ability to forage), insulating ability, damage of the kidneys, liver and digestive tract when ingested through preening…eventually these effects eventually will lead to the bird’s death. It also affects marine mammals and flora, affecting the whole food chain in the ecosystem.
Oil Skimmers
An oil skimmer is a machine that separates liquid from oil particles floating on top of it. They are usually used in industrial applications, but can also be used to clean up oil spills. There are three main types of oil skimmers: weir skimmers, drum skimmers and oleophilic skimmers. The first is a small overflow-type dam, which works by allowing the oil to flow over the weir leaving the water behind. The second uses a rotating drum to which the oil adheres, is then wiped off and collected. The last uses ropes, discs or drums treated with a substance which will attract the oil to adhere to its surfaces.
Process Systems Services Pty Ltd offers a steel belt oil skimmer to remove the oil contaminating water. It is fully mechanical so there are no detergents or toxic chemicals, designed according to a simple concept to increase reliability, constructed out of stainless steel to prolong durability, and approved by the Water Board and E.P.A. It can be used for aviation fuel (kerosene), white spirits, fish oil (and other light oils), engine oil (fuel oil), heavy oils and crudes.