A disk skimmer is a technical device used to remove oil, grease and other hydrophobic substances from the surface of liquids. Due to its special design and mode of operation, it enables efficient separation and cleaning of process fluids, such as cooling lubricants or waste water. Disc skimmers are used in various industrial sectors to reduce operating costs, extend machine life and minimize environmental impact.
How a disk skimmer works
The disk skimmer consists of one or more rotating disks made of a material that attracts and absorbs oily substances. These disks are immersed in the liquid to be cleaned and pick up the impurities floating on the surface as they rotate. Similar to a belt skimmer, the oil is skimmed off the surface of the liquid and removed from the disk by a scraper. The separated oil is collected in a separate container where it can be disposed of or further processed.
Areas of application
Disk skimmers are widely used in metalworking, especially in machines and systems that work with cooling lubricants. Here, they effectively remove foreign oils and greases that get into the cooling lubricants due to leaks or machine maintenance. They are also used in waste water treatment, electroplating plants and in the food industry to remove oily residues from the water surface. Disk skimmers are also useful in car washes or when cleaning tank systems to ensure the cleanliness of process fluids.
Advantages of a disk skimmer
The use of a disk skimmer offers numerous advantages that make it an indispensable tool in many industrial processes:
- High efficiency: The continuous rotation of the discs ensures effective separation of oils and greases, which leads to a longer service life of cooling lubricants and cleaning fluids.
- Space-saving design: disk skimmers are generally compact and require little space for installation. They can be easily retrofitted to existing tanks and containers.
- Simple installation and maintenance: The installation of a disk skimmer is uncomplicated and does not require any complex adjustments to the system. Maintenance is limited to regular cleaning of the panes and the wiper device.
- Cost savings: Operating costs can be significantly reduced by extending the service life of process fluids and reducing machine wear.
- Environmental protection: The separate collection and disposal of oils and greases helps to reduce the environmental impact. The separated oil can be recycled or disposed of safely, minimizing pollutant emissions.
Disadvantages of a disk skimmer
Despite the many positive features, there are also some limitations when using disk skimmers:
- Limited efficiency with thin oil films: With very thin oil films or emulsions, the performance of a disk skimmer may be limited as the disk may not be able to absorb enough oil.
- Sensitivity to suspended particles: Disc skimmers are primarily designed to separate oil and grease. Suspended matter or solid particles in the liquid can impair operation and contaminate the discs.
- Regular cleaning necessary: To ensure consistent performance, the panes must be cleaned regularly and any deposits removed.
Overall, the disk skimmer is an efficient and reliable solution for removing oil and grease from industrial liquids. Its ease of use, high efficiency and versatility make it a valuable investment for companies that rely on clean, high-quality process fluids.