Abanaki Corporation Oil Skimming Division
17387 Munn Road
Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
Phone: (440) 543-7400
Email: skimmers@abanaki.com
Fax: (440) 543-7404
ISO 9001:2015 Certified Company
Terms and Conditions
Abanaki Corporation Oil Skimming Division
17387 Munn Road
Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
Phone: (440) 543-7400
Email: skimmers@abanaki.com
Fax: (440) 543-7404
ISO 9001:2015 Certified Company
Terms and Conditions
Oil Skimming Supports Coolant Maintenance Routines
Discover how proactive oil skimming supports effective coolant maintenance routines. Learn how removing tramp oil prevents bacterial growth, extends coolant life, and improves workplace safety.
Troubleshooting your Disk or Tube Skimmer
Troubleshooting Your Abanaki Coolant Maintenance Oil Skimmer: Tube and Disk Edition
As we discussed last month (you can read that blog post here if you have a belt skimmer), dealing with skimmer downtime can be extremely frustrating—you purchased the skimmer to improve some aspect of your operation, and you’re back to square one when something goes wrong. We get it. We’re here for you, which is why we’ve put together a guide for troubleshooting with your tube or disk-type skimmer. Here are some of the most common problems we see, and how you can troubleshoot to identify and solve them. Checking the unit regularly and performing routine maintenance will help keep your skimmer operating at its best over time. Things like skimming media replacement (belt, tube, disk, etc.), motor replacement, and wiper replacement should be done at the appropriate times based on your skimmer’s model and runtime requirements.
Abanaki Mighty Disk Oil Skimmer
Disk Skimmers (Mighty Disk, Cool Disk)
Disk skimmers operate by rotating disk-shaped mediums through liquid and collecting oil on the disk media, which is then scraped off by wipers and discharged. Surface tension is key. Similarly to belt skimmers, it is important to consider reach, or the amount of the disk that gets immersed in fluid, when evaluating the effectiveness of your disk skimmer. Less disk in the fluid generally equates less oil removed, so the possibility of fluctuating fluid levels can seriously inhibit a disk skimmer’s performance.
Disk skimmers need to be sized accordingly- take into account their reach into the tank, ensure that the disk is the right size for desired removal rates, and that the media is submerged at the right depth. The disk must always be penetrating the fluid to operate properly. Check that the skimmer is mounted levelly, on a stable and flat surface where the disk is submerged and close to areas where oil collects naturally.
Application temperatures above 160 degrees may cause disk media to warp and create only intermittent contact with the wiper blades; this does not occur very often because our disks are 1/2″ thick, but if it does, we recommend switching to a belt skimmer with a belt suited for high temperature applications.
Abanaki Mighty Disk Oil Skimmer Wiper Blades Close Up
If the skimmer isn’t removing the amount of oil you expected and appears to be in working order, issues like incorrect sizing, incorrect media, or tank fluctuations could be at play. Utilizing an incompatible skimming media for your application’s requirements will inhibit the skimmer’s ability to pick up oil as intended. If your application has extreme temperatures, chemicals, or Ph levels, it’s critical to let your salesperson know so they can help you pick the best option for your application.
Examine- is there new turbulence in the tank? Fluid level fluctuations? These can prevent the disk media from accessing enough fluid to remove oil properly.
Because disk skimmers rely on reach, they should be sized based on the surface area of the tank they’re skimming, rather than the volume of oil present. We recommend going with a disk diameter large enough to reach the fluid at its lowest operational level with the proper placement for oil discharge. As a general rule, the skimmer you select should be able to handle roughly two times the required removal capacity for your application to account for any fluctuations and to ensure the machine is not overworked.
If the skimmer isn’t removing oil like it used to, check for wear or warping on the disk (see above), as well as the condition of the wiper blades. Wiper blades need to be flush with the skimming media, neither too tight or too loose. Double check that the wiper blades have the appropriate amount of tension, and clean them if there is evidence of debris or grease that could be preventing a flush contact with the disk’s surface. If the wiper blades are too tight, they’ll wear very quickly, and if they’re too loose, oil will remain on the skimming media and reduce removal rates. If the wiper blades look visibly worn or ragged, it’s likely time to replace them. We recommend keeping an extra set of wiper blades on hand for quick replacement to help reduce the possibility of downtime. Factors like temperature, pH levels, and chemical concentrations may also cause wiper blades to bend away from the disk, creating oil removal issues. If this is something you’re noticing, we do have stainless steel wiper blades as a replacement option.
Abanaki TubeTastic Oil Skimmer
Tube Skimmers (Oil Viper, TubeTastic)
Tube skimmers are a great option for tight spaces or low-level fluid situations where a belt or disk skimmer are incompatible, and use a continuously moving, oil attracting tube to capture and discharge oil via surface tension. The tube media snakes out under the surface of the fluid to collect oil, and then the tube circles through to unique wipers surrounding the tube, with the result of a virtually oil free tube as it enters the fluid again.
Oftentimes, we see misconceptions happen with the tube length needed for this kind of skimmer—the collector tube does not float out over the surface, but sinks into the fluid sump. Ensure that your tube is not too long, as this creates a greater possibility for the tube to coil up on itself, get tangled, and cause motor issues. Measure the vertical distance from the skimmer’s mounting point down to the lowest fluid level in the tank to get the correct length.
Ensure that the tube is installed the correct way, so that the steel washer is in contact with the base of the skimmer and not the nitrile washer. If the tube is backwards, the washer will be puled into the drive cassette, stopping the drive gears and causing motor failure.
If you have a TubeTastic, please note that it is suited only for ambient applications, and that high temperatures or Ph levels can cause the tube to swell and come apart.
My skimmer isn’t picking up oil like I thought it would.
If your tube skimmer is installed correctly but not picking up the amount of oil you’d planned on, check that it’s installed in an area where oil actually collects. Additionally, ensure that the skimmer is sized correctly for the application, and that it is capable of handling twice the amount of oil you expected to remove to account for fluctuations without strain. Like other skimmers, tube configurations should be sized based on the surface area of the tank they’re skimming, not the volume of oil present. Excessive turbulence in a tank can also inhibit removal rates.
TubeTastic Oil Skimmer Replacement Tube
My skimmer isn’t picking up oil like it used to.
If you notice that your skimmer’s removal capacity is dropping, check for wear or splitting on the tube (skimming media), as well as for any debris that could be preventing the wipers from operating properly. Examine if there have been any recent changes in the environment that could affect tank level or chemical concentration.
My tube is picking up too much water or coolant.
If the skimmer is picking up too much water or coolant, consider runtime- is the skimmer running only when there is oil present in the tank, or is it running all the time? Running the skimmer when there is not oil present in the sump or tank can increase wear on the skimming media and motor, as well as increase the possibility that it collects excess water or coolant. We recommend only running the machine when there is enough oil to warrant skimming, in areas where oil collects naturally.
With all skimmers, following the assembly and maintenance directions are essential for quality, long lived operation. Please reach out to us if you have specific questions not addressed in this article—we’re happy to help.
Contact options:
Ask Skimmerman Forum
Talk to a product manager/engineer
Call us at 440-543-7400
Email us at skimmers@abanaki.com
Happy Skimming!
Troubleshooting Your Belt Oil Skimmer
Having trouble with your industrial belt oil skimmer? Learn how to troubleshoot common maintenance issues, restore proper skimming performance, and keep your system running smoothly.
Rising Tungsten Carbide Costs: How Oil Skimmers Help CNC Shops Protect Their Tooling Investment | Abanaki
For CNC machine shops, tungsten carbide tooling has always been one of the most important — and expensive — operational investments. Every day, the cost of that investment grows.
In recent years, tungsten prices have risen significantly due to a combination of supply shortages, export controls, tariffs, and growing global demand. Because tungsten carbide is an essential wear-resistant material used in CNC inserts, drills, end mills, and cutting tools, these price increases directly impact machining operations across multiple industries.
CNC shops are searching for practical ways to reduce unnecessary wear, extend tool life, and control operating expenses. One often-overlooked solution is coolant maintenance with the use of oil skimmers.
Why Tungsten Carbide Tools Can Wear Out Faster Than Expected
Many shops focus on machining parameters like feeds, speeds, coatings, and toolpath optimization to maximize insert life. While these factors are critical, coolant condition also plays a major role in protecting tungsten carbide tooling.
Over time, tramp oil from machine ways, hydraulic systems, and lubricants contaminates coolant tanks. When this oil accumulates, problems begin to develop:
When coolant quality declines, tungsten carbide tools are exposed to higher operating temperatures and unstable cutting conditions that accelerate edge wear, chipping, and premature insert failure.
In other words, dirty coolant can quietly shorten the life of expensive carbide tools.
The Relationship Between Oil Skimmers and Tungsten Carbide Tool Life
Oil skimmers help solve this problem by continuously removing floating tramp oil from coolant systems. By keeping coolant cleaner and more stable, oil skimmers help CNC machines maintain proper lubrication and heat transfer during machining operations, directly impacting the performance and lifespan of tungsten carbide tooling.
Benefits of using an oil skimmer include:
Extended Coolant Life
Removing tramp oil slows coolant degradation and reduces the frequency of coolant replacement.
Reduced Thermal Stress on Tooling
Cleaner coolant improves heat dissipation at the cutting edge, helping tungsten carbide maintain its hardness and wear resistance longer.
Longer Tool Life
Stable coolant conditions reduce premature wear, edge chipping, and insert failure.
Reduced Maintenance and Downtime
Cleaner systems experience fewer clogs, odors, bacterial issues, and maintenance interruptions.
Lower Operating Costs
Fewer insert changes and extended coolant life help offset rising carbide tooling costs.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
With tungsten carbide prices expected to remain elevated, every tool change carries a greater financial impact than before.
That makes coolant maintenance more than routine housekeeping: it becomes a strategic way to protect tooling investments and improve operational efficiency.
While oil skimmers cannot reduce the global cost of tungsten, they are one of the simplest upgrades CNC shops can implement to help increase the lifetime of expensive carbide tooling.
A Simple Solution with Long-Term Impact
By continuously removing tramp oil before it creates larger problems, skimmers help CNC shops:
Proactive coolant management with the use of oil skimmers can make a difference on the shop floor and the bottom line– not only for maintenance, but for building a smarter strategy to protect tungsten carbide investments.
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Oil Skimming Deathmatch: Belt Skimmer vs. Tube Skimmer
When it comes to removing floating oils from industrial tanks, pits, and coolant systems, choosing the right belt skimmer vs. tube skimmer option is a question that comes up repeatedly:
Which works better — a belt skimmer or a tube skimmer?
The answer is not always straightforward. Both technologies are effective oil removal solutions, and both operate using the same basic principle: breaking the surface tension of the water so floating oil can adhere to the skimming surface and be removed from the system.
The real question is not which skimmer is universally better — it is which skimmer is better for your specific application.
Understanding How Belt and Tube Skimmers Work
Both belt oil skimmers and tube oil skimmers are designed to remove floating oils from water-based fluids. As the belt or tube travels across the liquid surface, oil adheres to the material. A set of wipers then removes the collected oil for disposal or recycling.
While the operating principle is similar, the design differences can make one option more suitable depending on the tank size, oil volume, and available installation space.
When a Belt Skimmer May Be the Better Choice
Many facilities prefer belt skimmers because they can remove oil efficiently while occupying minimal space around the tank or machine.
Belt skimmers are often selected for:
Because the belt travels vertically into the fluid, belt skimmers can effectively collect oil from a large surface area without requiring extensive horizontal coverage.
When a Tube Skimmer May Be the Better Choice
Tube skimmers are commonly chosen when wider surface coverage is needed. The floating tube moves across the liquid surface and can collect oil over a broader area of the tank or pit.
Tube skimmers are often ideal for:
The continuous floating tube allows oil to be collected from multiple areas of the liquid surface simultaneously.
Two Critical Factors When Selecting an Oil Skimmer
With so many belt and tube skimmer options available, choosing the correct model starts with evaluating two key factors.
Oil Removal Capacity
The first consideration is how much oil needs to be removed.
Every skimmer model is rated based on the gallons per hour it can collect. Applications with heavier oil contamination may require larger or higher-capacity systems to maintain fluid cleanliness and prevent oil buildup.
Selecting a skimmer with insufficient capacity can reduce overall performance and allow oil contamination to continue accumulating.
Tank or Pit Dimensions
The second factor is the size and surface area of the tank.
Even if oil accumulation is relatively low, a small skimmer may not perform effectively if the surface area is too large. Different skimmer designs and sizes are capable of pulling oil from different distances and coverage areas.
A properly sized skimmer should match both the oil load and the dimensions of the application.
Choosing the Best Oil Skimmer for Long-Term Performance
There is no single “best” skimmer for every operation. Belt skimmers and tube skimmers both provide reliable floating oil removal when properly matched to the application.
The most effective solution depends on:
By evaluating these factors early, facilities can improve coolant life, reduce maintenance costs, and maintain cleaner wastewater and fluid systems. Whether you choose a belt skimmer or a tube skimmer, selecting the right size and design is the key to achieving consistent oil removal performance.
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Keep Your Parts Clean and Coolant Fresh with a Reliable Tote-It Oil Skimmer | Abanaki
In today’s fast-paced industrial environments, maximizing operational efficiency with a reliable Tote-It Oil Skimmer is everything. Yet, a common and often overlooked problem—oil contamination—can quickly derail productivity, compromise part quality, and drive-up maintenance costs.
During parts washing and machining processes, unwanted oil contamination frequently occurs. Without proper management, waste oil can re-contaminate freshly cleaned parts and dramatically shorten coolant life, leading to more frequent fluid replacement, unscheduled maintenance, and even equipment failure.
Ignoring this problem not only impacts operational performance but also adds unnecessary environmental and disposal challenges.
Why Oil Skimming Matters
Oil skimming provides a simple, cost-effective solution to combat oil contamination at its source. By continuously removing floating oils from the surface of process fluids, a well-designed oil skimmer helps maintain fluid integrity, extends coolant and cleaner life, improves part cleanliness, and reduces wastewater treatment demands.
For facilities using parts washers or machining centers, integrating an oil skimmer isn’t just beneficial—it’s a smart preventative maintenance measure that pays for itself over time.
Introducing the Tote-It Oil Skimmer: A Proven Solution
When it comes to choosing an oil skimmer you can rely on, the Tote-It Oil Skimmer stands out. Specifically engineered for industrial environments, the Tote-It is built to withstand the rugged conditions commonly found in parts washers and machining operations.
Whether dealing with fluctuating temperatures, aggressive pH levels, or high particulate loads, the Tote-It maintains consistent, reliable performance day after day.
Key Advantages of the Tote-It Oil Skimmer
Lightweight and Portable
At just 36 lbs., the Tote-It is easily portable, allowing operators to move the unit between tanks, sumps, and machines as needed. This mobility makes it ideal for facilities where multiple stations require periodic oil removal without investing in a skimmer for each one.
Efficient Oil Removal
Using a single oleophilic (oil-attracting) belt, the Tote-It quickly lifts oil from the fluid surface and directs it into a collection container. This simple, yet highly effective mechanism minimizes oil buildup and keeps working fluids cleaner for longer.
No Tank Modifications Required
Designed for flat-mount installation, the Tote-It typically needs no modifications to existing tanks or reservoirs. That means fast, hassle-free deployment without costly downtime or retrofitting.
Handles Fluctuating Liquid Levels
Unlike many other oil removal systems, the Tote-It maintains strong efficiency even when fluid levels rise and fall. This feature is crucial for parts washers and machine sumps where fluid volumes can change during operation or cleaning cycles.
Minimal Maintenance
Built with durability in mind, the Tote-It requires very little maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Routine inspection and occasional belt cleaning are usually all that’s needed, reducing the burden on your maintenance team and keeping your process fluid systems operating optimally.
Long-Term Benefits of Oil Skimming
Implementing an oil skimmer like the Tote-It doesn’t just solve immediate contamination issues—it delivers measurable long-term benefits, including:
Oil contamination in parts washing and machining processes is a silent culprit that can cause significant operational headaches. Proactively addressing it with a durable, efficient solution like the Tote-It Oil Skimmer not only protects your operations but also enhances your bottom line.
Don’t let oil contamination undermine your hard work. Equip your facility with the right tools to stay cleaner, more efficient, and more productive.
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