Gallagher Uniform Revolutionizes Oil Removal
Abanaki Model 4 Oil Grabber Oil Skimmer Capable Of Removing Up To 20gph In Michigan Laundry
At Gallagher Uniform, a 30,000 sq. ft. laundry that has served virtually every organization in south central Michigan requiring uniforms since 1893, balancing customer needs against increasingly stringent EPA compliance is a challenge. Laundry facilities often generate potentially hazardous wastes in the form of solvents like petroleum. Gallagher needed a cost-effective way to exhibit good environmental stewardship and still deliver timely, cost effective laundry services. After interacting with Abanaki reps at a trade show, the company installed a Model 4 Oil Grabber Oil Skimmer to continuously remove oil from heavily contaminated wastewater before discharge and treatment. The effective waste minimization protocol fueled by the Model 4 helped Gallagher Uniform to strengthen their relationship with the surrounding community. Because of their proactive stance on regulatory compliance, the business also greatly strengthened their response with their community and city officials.
The Problem: Balancing Wastewater Compliance with Efficient Laundry Operations
Like many industrial laundries, Gallagher generates wastewater containing petroleum-based contaminants that must be managed before disposal or treatment.
As environmental regulations became more stringent, the company faced several challenges:
- Increasing scrutiny of wastewater discharge practices
- Growing compliance requirements related to oil contamination
- The need to reduce environmental liabilities while controlling costs
- Maintaining efficient laundry operations without adding complex treatment processes
- Demonstrating proactive environmental stewardship to local authorities and the surrounding community
The facility needed a dependable solution that could continuously remove oil while requiring minimal maintenance and operator attention.
The Solution and Measurable Results: Abanaki Model 4 Oil Grabber for Continuous Wastewater Oil Removal
After evaluating available options, Gallagher Uniform selected the Abanaki Model 4 Oil Grabber and installed it in the facility’s heavily soiled wastewater pit. The laundry operates a two-pit system, with the skimmer positioned where oil-contaminated water enters the treatment process and sufficient separation time exists for effective oil removal.
The belt skimmer continuously removes floating oil from the wastewater surface and transfers it to a 250-gallon collection tank for proper disposal. Its simple design allows for reliable operation with minimal maintenance requirements.
As is the case with all Abanaki skimmers, the Model 4 has a reputation for being easy to install and maintain. The Gallagher brothers concur. “The Model 4 was easy to install. It’s easy to operate, and it requires minimal maintenance.”
Operational improvements and results included:
- Continuous removal of floating oil from heavily contaminated wastewater streams
- Improved wastewater management without disrupting laundry operations
- Reduced environmental liabilities associated with oil-contaminated wastewater
- Easy installation and minimal maintenance requirements
- Long-term dependable operation in a high-volume industrial laundry environment
- Enhanced ability to demonstrate proactive environmental stewardship to regulators and the community
- Oil removal capacity of up to 20 gallons per hour using the Model 4 Oil Grabber
- Collection of recovered oil in a 250-gallon holding tank, requiring disposal only every eight to ten months
- Improved regulatory standing with local authorities, resulting in the city recognizing Gallagher’s proactive compliance efforts and subsequently relaxing certain limits while increasing allowable pH levels.
Rather than focusing solely on wastewater treatment, the project helped Gallagher Uniform strengthen its environmental compliance strategy while maintaining the operational efficiency required to support its growing customer base.
