Oil skimmer as a hose skimmer
A hose skimmer uses a hollow, endless hose to remove the oil. The hose floats on the surface of the liquid and picks up the oil as it adheres to the outside of the hose. The hose is turned by a drive wheel and pulled through scrapers in the oil skimmer.
The advantage of the hose skimmer is that it can be used on pools or tanks without any upper size limits. Only the motor power and the hose length need to be adapted to the local conditions. To ensure that all parts of the tank can be covered, the length of the oil pick-up hose depends on the dimensions, regardless of whether the tank is square, rectangular or round. Even moderate fluctuations in the level of the medium to be cleaned can be compensated for with a well-adjusted hose length. As the hose floats, the effectiveness of the skimmer is not reduced by changes in level.
The fact that the oil pick-up hose floats and is rotated on the surface of the liquid creates a rotary movement on the surface of the liquid, which moves tramp oil towards the hose. This means that even larger basins and tanks can be kept free of oil. This rotary motion is not generated by other types of oil skimmers and makes the hose skimmer unique in its mode of operation. This is also the primary reason why hose skimmers are used to a large extent in all larger pools and tanks.
Different versions of the hose skimmer
Depending on the container (size and shape, width), the skimmer can be of different types or models. A sufficient hose length ensures that floating foreign oils can be picked up close to the corners, for example to keep cooling lubricants clean. In this way, oils can also reach more remote areas of the tank. There are already a number of skimmers that can be supplied as standardized products. However, it is always advisable to discuss the performance requirements and local conditions with the manufacturer in order to determine the right model.
The oil pick-up hose – the heart of the hose skimmer
Not every hose is suitable as an oil pick-up hose. To ensure that as much oily substance as possible adheres to the hose, the composition of the oil pick-up hose is specially designed. The composition and surface design is usually a secret of the manufacturer. In addition to the ability to absorb large quantities, the hose must also be resistant to mechanical abrasion and physical and chemical influences. For example, temperatures in very high or low ranges have an influence on the absorption capacity and service life. Aggressive chemicals can also affect the special plastic.
In principle, the material should be designed to withstand the widest possible range of influences without premature material fatigue. The oil pick-up hose is a wearing part that should be replaced with a new hose after a certain period of continuous operation. It is usually very easy to replace with just a few simple steps. This means that hose skimmers are often easy to operate and require little maintenance.
Please note: the manufacturer of the hose skimmer should be able to supply a replacement quickly if required. This is particularly important if the oil pick-up hose has been damaged to such an extent that the oil skimmer has to be taken out of service. Downtimes usually lead to increased operating costs.
Advantages:
- The length of the oil pick-up hose can be selected so that the entire surface of the tank is reached.
- The movement of the oil pick-up hose creates a rotation on the surface of the liquid. This actively moves the oil towards the oil pick-up hose.
- The oil pick-up hose floats on the water surface and therefore works precisely on the oil/water interface. The oil adhering to the oil pick-up hose is not drawn deep below the water surface as with other systems.
Disadvantages:
- Often more expensive than other oil skimmers
- Minimum area required for the oil pick-up hose so that it has enough space
Summary:
Unlike the belt skimmer, disk skimmer or belt skimmer designs, the hose skimmer is not intended for very small tanks. Even extremely obstructed tanks make the hose skimmer’s work more difficult, as it needs a little space for the hose to spread out. However, the oil skimmer is the ideal solution for tanks of a certain size, as it can be flexibly adapted to requirements. The amount of light liquids to be separated from the medium to be cleaned per unit of time is an important factor in determining how the hose skimmer should be equipped.
Hose skimmers are particularly suitable for companies that generate a high throughput and require high-performance options for oil separation. This design is therefore also often used for waste water and cooling water treatment, as large basins are required in these areas and heavy contamination occurs.
More about the other types of oil skimmers:
You can find more detailed information on oil skimmers here!