How a belt skimmer works
The belt skimmer essentially consists of an endless, movable belt made of a special material that preferentially attracts and absorbs oily substances. This belt is immersed in the liquid to be cleaned and absorbs the oil and grease floating on the surface. Driven by a motor, the belt moves continuously through the liquid and transports the collected impurities to a scraper device. This scraper removes the oil and grease from the belt so that it can be collected in a separate container and disposed of or recycled.
Areas of application
Belt skimmers are primarily used in metalworking, especially in machining centers where cooling lubricants are used. They are used in tanks and containers to clean the surface of cooling lubricants from foreign oils and greases. Belt skimmers are also used in wastewater treatment to remove oil films from water surfaces. Other areas of application include electroplating plants, cleaning systems and production facilities where oil mist or oily emulsions occur.
Advantages of a belt skimmer
The use of a belt skimmer has a number of advantages:
- Effective oil separation: The continuous movement of the belt achieves effective and even separation of oils and greases, keeping the liquid clean for longer.
- Cost savings: By extending the service life of cooling lubricants and reducing maintenance work, considerable costs can be saved.
- Easy handling and maintenance: Belt skimmers are generally easy to install and operate. Maintenance is uncomplicated and requires little effort.
- Environmental protection: By separating and collecting oils and greases, they can be disposed of or recycled in an environmentally friendly way, thereby reducing the environmental impact.
- Flexibility: belt skimmers can be adapted to different container sizes and shapes and are available in different sizes and materials.
Disadvantages of a belt skimmer
Despite the many advantages, there are also some limitations when using a belt skimmer:
- Limited efficiency with thin oil films: With very thin oil films, the efficiency of oil separation can decrease as the belt cannot absorb enough oil.
- Regular cleaning required: To ensure optimum performance, the belt must be cleaned regularly and any residue removed.
- Not suitable for all liquids: Belt skimmers are specially designed for the separation of oils and greases. Other substances such as solid particles or suspended matter cannot be removed effectively.
Overall, the belt skimmer is an indispensable device in many industrial applications where a clean and oil-free surface of liquids is required. Thanks to its versatility and efficient operation, it makes a significant contribution to improving production processes and protecting the environment.