Overview

The Abanaki Model MB Oil skimmer is a dependable and effective means of removing oil from water and water-base solutions. Often, oil skimming by itself will reduce oil to an acceptable level of water purity. Depending on the characteristics of the liquid, it is possible for the Model MB alone to reduce oil content to less than five parts per million in water. The unit can be used as a pretreatment before filtration, and in conjunction with a coalescing system.

The Model MB oil skimmer utilizes continuous belts and wipers to remove up to 200 gallons of oil per hour from the fluid surface. The belts, operating on a motor and pulley system, run through contaminated liquid to pick up oil from the surface. After traveling over the head pulley, the belts pass through tandem wiper blades where oil is scraped off both sides of each belt and discharged. The tail pulleys have flanges which allow them to roll freely on the inside of the belts without becoming dislodged. These lower pulleys require no bearings and do not need to be fastened to the tank. If turbulent conditions exist, an optional tether and cage assembly prevents the tail pulleys from being dislodged.

Oil skimming makes use of the differences in specific gravity and surface tension between oil and water. These physical characteristics allow the belts to attract oil and other hydrocarbon liquids from the surface of the fluid. The Model MB Oil Skimmer can be used in tanks with depths as shallow as one foot or as deep as 100 feet.

Oil Skimmer Advantages

• A single unit elevates and separates oil
• Lifts oil any distance without the need of expensive pumps
• Maintains skimming efficiency with fluctuating fluid level
• Can be used in depths as shallow as one foot, or as deep as 100 feet
• Requires no tank modifications in most applications
• Operates in turbulent liquid using optional tail pulley cage and tether assembly
• Easy mounting and fast cleaning, with minimal maintenance

Rugged Construction for Harsh Conditions: The Model MB is designed to last for many years. With the proper configuration it can handle liquid temperatures up to 212 ½F, and the pH of the fluid can range from 3 to 13. Belts are specifically selected for your application (see Belt Selection page). The oil skimmer drive includes an oil filled gear reducer with bronze gears and ball bearings. The motor, reducer, and powder coated finish of the weldments give the the Model MB exceptionally long life, even under the harshest conditions.

Typical Applications

The Model MB Oil Skimmer is designed for those applications where other skimmers do not provide adequate removal capacity. Multiples of two, three, or five belts are available. From a mere shimmer on top of water to a heavy oil slick, the Model MB performs efficiently, removing up to 200 gallons of oil per hour.

• Wastewater sumps
• Coolant systems
• Food processing plants
• Parking lots, garages, and service facilities
• Outdoor ponds, lakes, and basins
• Underground tanks
• Aircraft service areas and tarmac runoff
• Truck, locomotive, and other mobile equipment washing facilities

Oil Skimmer Features

• Requires only a small area in the tank or sump
• Easy mounting
• High temperature capability
• Chip resistant powder finish
• Hazardous duty and food grade options
• Custom designs and turnkey systems available
• Fast cleaning with minimal maintenance

Specifications

Approximate Oil Removal Rates and installation dimensions for Model MB Skimmers

Operating Limits

Wipers

Belts

Standard Configuration

The standard Model MB is supplied with a motor belt guard, spring-loaded adjustable wiper blade assembly, skimmer belt, tail pulley, and assembly instructions.

Specification Notes:

• The Model MB is shipped by motor freight.
• Consult factory for recommendations covering operating conditions not listed here.

Oil Skimmer Case Studies

• Nickco Recycling
• Union Pacific Railroad
• Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project
• Montana Refining Company