How Blenheim–Gilboa Inc. Cut Hydraulic Oil Contamination Risks and Improved Sump Maintenance Efficiency
Reliable Oil Removal to Reduce Contamination Risk, Maintenance Costs, and System Downtime
Hydroelectric and pumped storage facilities rely on large volumes of circulating water to support turbines, hydraulic systems, and auxiliary infrastructure. When oil enters these systems, it can spread across containment areas, reduce water quality, and increase both maintenance workload and environmental management requirements.
To address these challenges, the Blenheim–Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project implemented an oil removal solution from Abanaki Corporation to continuously separate floating hydrocarbons from water systems and collection areas.
The result was improved water surface conditions, reduced maintenance effort, and more consistent facility performance.
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The Challenge: Oil Contamination in Water and Hydraulic Systems
In large hydroelectric and pumped storage operations, oil contamination typically develops from multiple routine sources, including:
- Hydraulic equipment and control systems
- Turbine and bearing lubrication points
- Maintenance and service activities
- Minor equipment leaks over time
- Runoff and washdown from operational areas
At Blenheim–Gilboa, these inputs led to recurring oil accumulation in sumps, containment areas, and water handling systems.
This created several operational challenges:
- Persistent surface oil films across water systems
- Increased manual cleanup and skimming requirements
- Higher maintenance labor demands
- Elevated environmental compliance concerns
- Reduced efficiency in water handling processes
The facility required a dependable, low-maintenance method to continuously remove floating oil without interrupting operations.
The Solution: Installing an Abanaki Belt Oil Skimming System
To resolve ongoing contamination issues, Blenheim–Gilboa installed a belt oil skimming system from Abanaki Corporation designed for continuous removal of floating hydrocarbons from water surfaces.
The system was selected for its ability to operate continuously, require minimal supervision, and integrate into existing sump and collection areas without major modifications.
Once installed, the system provided ongoing removal of surface oil, preventing accumulation and improving overall water system cleanliness.
This implementation delivered several operational benefits:
- Continuous oil removal from water surfaces helped prevent buildup in sumps and containment areas
- Eliminated manual maintenance and cleanup work lowered labor demands on operations staff – a savings of nearly eight hours a week
- Improved environmental control supported better management of hydrocarbon contamination risk
- More stable water system performance reduced variability in downstream handling processes
- Reliable long-term operation with minimal intervention supported consistent performance in demanding facility conditions
The skimming system has continued to operate effectively with only routine maintenance requirements, supporting long-term operational efficiency and ROI in less than a year.
Why Hydroelectric Facilities Use Belt Oil Skimmers
Facilities such as pumped storage plants and hydroelectric stations use belt oil skimmers to:
- Maintain cleaner water systems
- Reduce manual maintenance workload
- Improve environmental compliance management
- Support stable water handling operations
Increase long-term operational efficiency
Looking for a Reliable Oil Removal Solution for Water Systems?
Oil contamination in hydroelectric and industrial water systems can increase maintenance demands and reduce operational efficiency if left unmanaged.
Continuous belt oil skimming technology from Abanaki Corporation provides a practical way to maintain cleaner water systems, reduce manual labor, and support long-term facility performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes oil contamination in hydroelectric systems?
Oil typically enters through hydraulic systems, turbine lubrication points, maintenance activity, and minor equipment leaks.
Why is oil removal important in pumped storage facilities?
Oil accumulation can affect water quality, increase maintenance workload, and introduce environmental compliance risks.
Are belt oil skimmers suitable for large-scale facilities?
Yes. They are commonly used in utility-scale water systems due to their continuous and low-maintenance operation.
Do belt oil skimmers require frequent maintenance?
No. They are designed for long-term operation with minimal upkeep, typically limited to occasional belt replacement.
