It may seem silly to start worrying about winterizing your outdoor oil skimmer mid-September, but it’s hard to be too careful. We’re based in Ohio, and although it’s the end of September, it could snow tomorrow. You might say us Midwesterners believe in being prepared.

Cold weather can cause water being skimmed to freeze and make oil more viscous, both of which impede a skimmer from collecting oil like it would in ambient temperatures. For our customers with outdoor skimmers in groundwater remediation and other applications, being prepared for the seasons keeps oil removal running steadily, no matter the weather.  

Before you start winterizing, we recommend doing a regular check-up on your skimmer.  

1. Make sure the skimmer is level, keeping in mind that it needs to be mounted levelly for the belt to track properly over the pulleys.  

1. Check the wiper blades and their positioning. Is there wear or damage that needs attention? The blades should be tight enough to touch the belt, but not too tight that regular operation causes wear and poor collection. 

1. Check the belt for signs of wear, fraying, stretching, etc.  

1. Check the motor, pulleys, stability bars, etc. for signs of wear or damage.  

At this point, it’s time to assess the site conditions and any factors that could affect or alter your oil skimmer’s ability to carry out its designated oil removal functions continuously.  

The use of heat tape around discharge hoses can help to keep collected product closer to ambient temperatures. Heat tracing wires and weatherproof insulation covers are also viable options. A shelter or enclosure for the skimmer can help to insulate heat and protect the unit from outside elements.

An important note on belt material: for applications in cold-prone environments, polymer belts are ideal because they retain a slight film of oil that helps to further oil attraction as the belt passes through the fluid. Their synthetic nature also helps to prevent ice from making the belt too stiff or collecting ice. Mechanisms to help break up ice or heavy mats of oil may also be ideal.  

Next, a couple of recommendations:  

Keep a spare belt and set of wipers on hand. This helps to prevent unnecessary downtime between part replacements. Additionally, set up a regular schedule to monitor your oil skimmer during cold weather. Regular check-ins ensure that if something goes awry, you and your team can catch it early.  

If it is necessary to completely retire your skimmer for the winter, ensure that it is clean, dry, and protected from the elements. If the unit does not need to be fully disassembled and put away during cold weather, we recommend removing (and cleaning) at least the belt and tail pulley if there is potential for the water to freeze.  

Finally, if you have questions or need further information about how to best care for your oil skimmer during the colder months, feel free to reach out to our sales engineering team (100% free) at skimmers@abanaki.com or by phone at 440-543-7400. Our goal is always to provide you with the best oil skimmer, and the best support for your application. 

If there’s something else you want us to write about, please reach out so we can make that happen!  

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Happy Skimming!