How to Choose the Right Oil Skimmer for Your Application

Removing tramp oil from coolant systems is one of the simplest ways to improve coolant life, reduce odors, and maintain a cleaner machining environment. However, not all oil skimmers work the same way, and selecting the right type can significantly affect performance.

At Shansen, we offer several oil skimmer designs, each developed for different operating conditions. While all of them perform the same basic function—removing floating oil from liquid surfaces—their structures and application ranges differ.

Belt Oil Skimmers

Belt oil skimmers are among the most widely used solutions for coolant tanks and industrial fluid systems.

A continuous belt passes through the liquid surface, collects floating oil, and carries it to a scraper where the oil is removed and directed into a collection container.

Typical advantages include:

• Simple and reliable construction
• Suitable for a wide range of tank sizes
• Effective for continuous operation
• Easy maintenance

Belt skimmers are often selected for CNC machine tools, washing systems, and coolant reservoirs where floating oil is distributed across a relatively large surface area.

Disc Oil Skimmers

Disc skimmers use a rotating disc instead of a belt.

As the disc rotates through the liquid surface, oil adheres to the disc and is removed by a scraper. This design can be particularly useful where installation space is limited or where tank geometry favors a compact skimming surface.

Common benefits include:

• Compact installation footprint
• Stable operation
• Suitable for narrow tanks and confined spaces
• Easy integration into existing equipment

Disc skimmers are frequently used in machine tool coolant tanks and other applications where available mounting space is restricted.

Compact Oil Skimmers

Compact skimmers are designed for smaller systems that still require effective tramp oil removal.

These units typically prioritize ease of installation and minimal space requirements while maintaining continuous oil collection capability.

They are commonly used in:

• Small CNC machines
• Laboratory equipment
• Compact coolant systems
• Auxiliary industrial equipment

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Oil Skimmer

Selecting the right skimmer involves more than simply choosing the largest model available.

Important considerations include:

Tank Dimensions

The size and shape of the tank directly influence which skimmer design will perform most effectively.

Available Installation Space

Some machines provide very limited mounting space, making compact or disc-type skimmers more suitable.

Oil Characteristics

Different oils exhibit different viscosities and surface behaviors, which can affect skimming efficiency.

Required Oil Removal Capacity

Applications with heavy contamination may require larger collection surfaces or higher-capacity designs.

Maintenance Requirements

Ease of cleaning and routine maintenance should also be considered when selecting a skimmer.

Finding the Best Solution

There is rarely a universal “best” oil skimmer. The most effective solution is usually the one that matches the specific operating conditions of the application.

By evaluating tank layout, oil characteristics, installation constraints, and maintenance requirements, users can select a skimmer that delivers reliable long-term performance and helps maintain cleaner coolant systems.

For more information about Shansen oil skimmers and their applications, please contact our technical team.