An Overview on Floating Funnel Technology

About Floating Funnel Technology

Oil skimmers incorporate the floating funnel technology. A floating vessel comprising a centrally placed funnel extracts oil from the surface. The technology uses gravity as a water separation mechanism. The floating funnel draws oil from all directions, is highly efficient, and is ideal for use in closed-roofed tanks and open tanks.

Working of Floating Funnel Technology

Floating funnel skimmers are gravity-based skimmers. To understand the working of floating funnel technology, we must first understand its design. The unique design of these skimmers mainly comprises a funnel, floats, guide pole, and articulated pipe/flexible hose. 

• Funnel: The funnel draws free-floating oil from the surface of the liquid. It is centrally placed, between the floats. 

• Floats: Floats are positioned around the funnel. They are filled with foam to remain submerged and to nullify the system weight. The floats ensure appropriate positioning for oil extraction. 

• Articulated Pipe/Flexible Hose: Articulated pipe or flexible hose is an extended arm of the funnel. The oil extracted at the funnel mouth flows through the articulated pipe or flexible hose to the collection tank.

• Guide Pole: A guide pole enables vertical movement of the skimmer head. The guide pole refrains the skimmer from colliding with tank internals. It adds to the stability of the skimmer head. 

Floating funnel skimmers are self-operating gravity-based skimmers. The skimmer head mainly consists of floats and a funnel. The simmer head extracts oil from the surface. The submerged floats position the funnel mouth marginally below the upper slick surface or at the interface between the floating oil and water. The gravitational force draws oil from the water’s surface. 

The oil enters the mouth of the funnel into the hose or arm before it reaches the collection tank. The operation does not require moving mechanical or electrical parts for drawing oil.  Depending on the tank dimensions, a single-arm, double-arm, or multiple articulated pipes may be required. 

Advantages of Floating Funnel Oil Skimmers

• High efficiency: The floating oil skimmer draws oil from all directions. It handles large volumes of oils, ideal for bulk oil extraction. It can handle oils of varying densities.

• Construction: The skimmer construction is robust, reliable, and stable. The design ensures precise float adjustments. 

• Operations: The skimmer is self-adjusting and is easy to operate. It is ideal for use in hazardous areas and closed roof tanks.

• Cost-effective: The skimmer has no mechanical or electrical parts; the cost of operations and maintenance is minimal.

• Material of Construction (MoC): Floating funnel skimmers are available in varying materials such as SS 316, SS 304, duplex steel, and many more options to suit your specific requirements.

Various industrial processes require the separation of oil from water. A challenge that industries face is the separation of oil from water, efficiently and economically. The extraction of oil from water can be achieved through mechanical or chemical separation but physical separation proves to be more economical. Also, physical separation does not alter the properties of the liquid. 

The floating funnel oil skimmers save time, require minimal human effort, and are almost maintenance-free. The design of the floating funnel is adaptable to tank dimensions, and the material of construction can be tailored.  A floating funnel oil skimmer is the solution to efficiently and economically separate bulk oil from the surface of water. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 What makes floating funnel technology a superior solution?

A. Floating funnel technology is considered a superior solution due to its ability to efficiently capture and redirect debris and pollutants in water bodies, thereby helping to improve water quality and protect aquatic ecosystems.

Q.2 How can an industrial oil skimmer benefit your business?

A. An industrial oil skimmer can benefit your business by efficiently removing oil, grease, and other contaminants from water surfaces, thereby improving water quality, reducing maintenance costs, and ensuring regulatory compliance.