Skimmer (machine)

An oil skimmer is a machine that separates a liquid or particles floating on another liquid. A common application is removing oil floating on water. These technologies are commonly used for oil spill remediation but are also commonly found in industry. They were used to great effect to assist in the remediation of the Exxon Valdez spill in 1991.

Skimmers are commonly found in three types - weir, oleophilic, and drum.

Weir skimmers function by allowing the oil floating on the surface of the water to flow over a weir. The height of the weir may be adjustable, these units will take water when oil is no longer present.Weir skimmer also come in floating self adjusting types models that allow them to be effectively used in changing water levels.

Oleophilic skimmers function by using a rotating element such as a drum, to which the oil adheres. The oil is wiped from the surface of the drum and collected.

Drum skimmers are very efficient and do not pick up any appreciable amounts of water even when oil is not present