Tramp oil in coolant: why continuous skimming pays for itself

Machine tools leak hydraulic and slideway oil into water-based coolants. Because this "tramp oil" floats, it forms a layer that seals the surface and cuts off oxygen. Anaerobic bacteria then multiply, the coolant turns rancid, and the familiar Monday-morning odour appears.

The consequences reach the shop floor quickly: shorter coolant life, more frequent tank changes, higher disposal volumes, foaming, corrosion and poorer surface finish. Operators are also exposed to oil mist and bacteria.

An oil skimmer removes the floating layer continuously. A belt, disc or tube made of oleophilic material passes through the surface, the oil clings to it, and wiper blades scrape it into a collection container while the water-based coolant stays in the sump.

Vens Hydroluft has built oil skimmers since 1993 and has more than 7,500 installations. Belt skimmers suit deep sumps, disc skimmers suit high recovery rates, and tube skimmers reach awkward tanks. VDT Europa supplies them across the EU with spares and support.

Supplied in Europe

In the European Union, Davey Group equipment is supplied, contracted and supported by VDT Europa OÜ in Tallinn, Estonia. Contact contact@vdteuropa.com.