Journal of Science and Technology

ISSN: 2456-5660 Volume 06,Special Issue 01, August 2021,

www.jst.org.in DOI: https://doi.org/10.46243/jst.2021.v6.i04.pp604-613

Design and Experimental Analysis of Oil Skimmer for Water

Filtration
R. K. Nanwatkar1, G. J. Sapakale2, B. P. Korke2, S. T. Waghmare2, N. R. Ansari2
1, 2
(Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, NBNSSOE, Ambegaon, Pune, SPPU, INDIA)
Corresponding Author: ravikant.nanwatkar@sinhgad.edu
To Cite this Article
R. K. Nanwatkar1, G. J. Sapakale2, Design and Experimental Analysis of Oil Skimmer for Water Filtration, Journal of
Science and Technology, Vol. 06, Special Issue 01, August 2021, pp604-613: .

Article Info
Received: 15.07.2021 Revised: 24.07.2021 Accepted:10.08.2021 Published: 16.08.2021

Abstract: In this era of modern civilization, liquid fuel transport is mandatory around the world. But there has been
several oil spilling accidents around the world and their negative effects are against all the living elements. In the last
decades Bangladesh face such problem randomly in sea area and as well as in the river side damaging a large number
of livings alongside the river having a badly effect on the entire ecology. The local residents collect the spilled oil
manually. The system is less efficient, slow and health hazardous. Belt Oil skimmers using Polymer, Teflon, Elastomer,
Corrosion Resistant Steel materials belt are widely used for recovery of this oil. However, they are costly and
unavailable. In this work a low cost simple blanket belt skimmer device by using locally available equipment that will
be capable to absorb the spilled oil rapidly from river water that is filled with animal and plant waste. After
constructing such oil skimmer, the performance is evaluated that accomplish, oil having different physical properties.
Our constructed device with minimum cost compare to the other conventional belt oil skimmer. Also this oil skimmer
machine is totally floating on the sea or river.
Key Word: Polymer, Teflon, Elastomer, Corrosion Resistant Steel.
I. Introduction
An oil skimmer is a device that separates oil or particles floating on a liquid surface. Oil skimmers are not oil water
separator devices. They are used for oil spill remediation, as a part of oily water treatment systems, removing oil from
machine tool coolant and removing oil from aqueous parts washers. The use of skimmers in industrial applications is
often required to remove oils, grease and fats prior to further treatment for environmental discharge compliance. By
removing the top layer of oils, water stagnation, smell and unsightly surface scum can be reduced. Placed before an oily
water treatment system an oil skimmer may give greater overall oil separation efficiency for improved discharge
wastewater quality. There are many other methods of removing oil spillage. Oil spillage can be removed by
incorporating chemicals, but they have a disadvantage that the chemicals may cause danger to the ecosystem. Another
method is the incorporation of Bacteria (Pseudomonas). In this method the bacteria decompose oil and oil recovery
becomes impossible. The main advantage of using a skimmer is that the spilled oil can be recovered and can be reused.
Generally, the common types of skimmers used are Disk type, Belt type, Rope type, Brush type, Weir type, Drum type.
Of these types of skimmers disk type skimmers are most widely used, while drum skimmers are used rarely. The main
reason is due to the weight of the drum and inefficiency of adsorbing oil effectively. In this report design modifications
in a belt type skimmer which may increase oil adsorbing are discussed.
Problem Statement:
1) During the recent decade, World has witnessed big oil spillage accidents into ocean and made huge impact to the
environment. Apart this, sometimes Oil is getting spillage through being the results of chronic and careless habits
in the use of oil industries and oil products.
2) It is estimated that approximately 706 million gallons of waste oil enters the ocean every year; whereas more than
half of that sourced from land drainage and waste disposal.
3) The use of an oil skimmer in the machine shop setting holds many benefits. Removing the oil from a machine
coolant tank will initiate some aesthetic benefits such as cutting down on the amount of smoke generated
from the cutting tool coming into contact with oil laden coolant. When a machine is shut down for the weekend,
oil has a chance to come to the surface of the coolant tank. Bacteria that are living in the coolant tank use up the
dissolved oxygen in the coolant mix, a process that is sped up by having a layer of oil on the surface. This allows
odor causing anaerobic bacteria to thrive diving off that familiar “rotten egg” smell.
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4) Oil pollution occurs in harbor basins when leaks from shore facilities for the supply of diesel fuel to fishing
vessels find their way into the harbor water; when vessels pump out oily bilge water in port; when used
engine oil is dumped overboard and when an accident results in leakage of fuel oil. A fishery harbor which is
contiguous with the main harbor also faces the risk of major oil spills if the main port is a transfer point for
crude oil or refined products from oil tankers.
5) The oil skimming is the operation of removing or separating the oil from the oil polluted water. Oil being the
lighter element as compared to coolant mixed with the water, it floats over the coolant. The endless belt
running over the roller is adjusted such that the belt will violently smash the layer of the mixture coolant. The
oil being the lighter and sticky will stuck to the belt. The belt then is rubbed against the resting scoop or the
container where the oil is collected after separation.
Objectives of the Project:
Solution to above problem is to design and develop a continuous floating oil skimmer machine to reduce the idle
time to a minimal value. The objective is to make a fully automatic machine which will solve above problem. , this
project also consist of renewable energy source i.e. solar panel to charge battery and also no maintenance required to
run this machine. The list is as follows,
1) Separation of spilled oil from sea water.
2) To separate the oil from the coolant solution.
3) To increase the life of coolant.
4) To increase the tool life.
5) To avoid change in properties of material.
6) Use of solar panel to charge battery
7) Floating base on water
8) Use of belt type oil skimming mechanism
9) Collection tray for oil
Methodology:
Although designs vary, all oil skimmers rely on specific gravity, surface tension and a moving medium to remove
floating oil from a fluid's surface.
Floating oil and grease cling to skimming media more readily than water, and water has little affinity for the media.
This allows skimming media in the shape of a belt, disk, drum, etc. to pass through a fluid surface to pick up floating
oil and grease with very little water. This oily material is subsequently removed from the media with wiper blades or
pinch rollers.

Figure1: Methodology of the project

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II. Literature Survey

Table no 1: Authors and Their Work

Sr.No. Author Parameter Studied Conclusion

1 Rafi Jamal The experiment of Oil recovery rate increases with increasing belt
Algawi, Maha separating oil from water by rotational speed, oil recovery rate increases with
Adnan Dawood using the skimming belt decreasing oil temperature and the belt material
(2017) best operating conditions. polyvinyl chloride was more effective than synthetic
Rubber and polypropylene.
2 Sathiyamoorthy Experiment of the oil Significantly improve the oil recovery efficiency and
V , Arumugam skimmer is used to separate also it’s becomes simpler.
K. et.al.(2017) oil, from mixtures of aqua
and oil.
3 Lokhande M. Experiment of effective way Simplified the complex driving mechanisms used in
M. , Pawar to clean this oil from the earlier projects and giving it simple and high working
R.R.et.al.(2017) surface without actually capability. They achieved process at cheaper side and
wasting it. eco-friendly.
4 Abdul Rahman, Oil skimmer is used to The volume of oil removed can be improved by using
S. remove the floating oil from large size belt and disc which results in effective oil
Manojkumar, liquid medium. removal rate.
M. et.al. (2018)
5 Sumon Oil spilling accidents Skimmer performance is affected by the thickness of the
Khandakar, around the world and their oil layer, they rather and emulsification of oil, presence
Md. Nasiqul negative effects are against of debris. Thus practical application is necessary before
Islam, et.al. all the living elements. adoption. The longevity of the Blanket belt will
(2017) Significantly affect the cost.
6 N Widiaksana, 14 major accidents of oil Oil tends to gather at the tip of the disc. In order to gain
A A Yudiana spill in Indonesia, mostly as higher amount of recovered oil, it is necessary to
et.al. (2017) results of ship collisions. consider the depth of disc on the water. If possible, the
There are several methods depth of dipped disc should reach its own radius to
in handling oil spill recover the oil from sea.
accident.
7 S. S. On large scale due to these The material of the component parts and the rotational
Godawarikar, huge cargo shipping these speed of the belt to get effective oil recovery efficiency
A. T. Gavhane are so many cases of oil from the skimmer.
(2020) spill in the sea.
8 Vignesh. T, Removing oil from the The recovery test has done in the industry. The system
Bhuvaneswari water which is wasted from gives the good performance result. The system works
M, et.al.(2020) the machines. well in harsh surface. This method is more cost efficient
and less material requirement. This system is designed
and tested and it shows that it can regain most of the oil
from water.

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III. Design and Modeling

Design of dc motor:-
DC motor: 12-volt rpm viper motor
Power of motor = 30 watts
Rpm of motor = 60
P = 2πNT/60
Where, N = rpm of motor shaft = 60
T = torque transmitted
30 = 2×π×60×T/60
T = 5.12 N-m
T = 5200 Nmm
Table no 2: Motor Specification
Model Voltage (V) Power(W) No No Load Load Rotation Motor
Load Load Speed current Length
Speed current (RPM) (A) (mm)
(RPM) (A)
59ZYT 12 30 65±3 ≤1.2 60±3 ≤5.5 1:56 80
Design of oil skimmer belt:-
Velocity ratio of open belt drive:
The peripheral velocity of belt passing over the driving pulley: V = πd1N1/60
The peripheral velocity of belt passing over driven pulley: V = πd2N2/60

Figure no 2: Skimmer Belt with Pulley

Here Assume: Roller Diameter d1, d2 = 50mm
Motor rpm = 60 rpm,
V = Π d n / (60x1000)
V = 3.14 x 50 x 60/60
V = 157 m/s

Figure no 3: Belt
Design of float:-
Let ρ = Density of water
g = Acceleration due to gravity
v = Volume of the float
r = Radius of the float h = Height of the float
W = Weight of the system
T1 = Tension in tight side of belt

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T2 = Tension in slack side of belt

TR = Torque transmitted by the shaft
θ = Angle of contact between drum and belt
μ = Coefficient of friction between drum and belt
s = Slip of belt
VD = Linear velocity of drum or shaft
VB = Linear velocity of belt
vr = Volume recovery rate
t = Thickness of film = Width of belt
N = Speed of rotation of shaft
ω = Angular velocity of shaft
P = Power of motor
R = Radius of the drum
D = Diameter of the drum
Balancing of float:
W= ρgv ρ = 1000 kg/m3
g = 9.81 m/s2 v = πr2h
v = π x (0.08)2 x 1 v = 0.0201 m3
So, ρgv = 1000 x 9.81 x 0.0201
= 197.181 N (on a single float)
= 197.181 x 2 (for double float)
= 394.362 N
W = 25 x 9.81 (mass of the system = 25 kg)
= 245.25 N
ρgv > W
So the body will float until
W=ρgv= 394.362 N
W = 394.362/9.81
W = 40.2 kg
So, the float can hold a maximum mass of 40.2 kg
Volume rate of oil recovered per turn when shaft is rotating at 60 rpm
Here we assume 1 mm thickness of oil film
Volume rate = thickness of film × width of belt × circumferential area of shaft × speed rotation of shaft
Vr = t×w×π×d×N
= 0.001×0.1×π×0.015×60
=282.74 ml/min
Design of shaft:-
Following stresses are normally adopted in shaft design
Material = C45 (mild steel)
σ ut = 320 N/mm2 PSG design data book.
factor of safety = 2
σt = σb = σ ut/ fos =320/2= 160 N/mm2
σs = 0.5 σt
= 0.5 x 16
= 80 N/mm2
σs is less then allowable so our shaft design is safe.
T = 5200 Nmm
Fs allowable
= 80 N/mm2 5200 = 3.14 / 16 x σs x d3/16
d^3 = 342
d = 6.99 mm
Considering factor of safety on shaft diameter 3 d = 6.99 x 3 = 20.7mm
But standard size available is 20mm, therefore, from manufacturing CatLog. We selected 20mm shaft.
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Figure no 4: Bearing

For 20mm Shaft diameter we take standard breaking no. P204 P=pedestal bearing
2=spherical ball
=04=5 * 4 = 20mm
Bore diameter of bearing

Proposed Model:-

Figure no 5: Assembly

Figure no 6: Pictorial View of Assembly

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Figure no 7: 2nd Side View of Assembly Figure no 8: Top View of Assembly

IV. Experimental Analysis

Experiments are performed using a steel test tank of :-( 20cm) length, (15cm) width and (20 cm) height, the water
depth is (8.35cm). The skimmer supported vertically above the tank by a metal holder, the angle inclination of the
belt constant (θ=90°) cannot be change and a scraper metal fixed was used to wipe the oil collected from the belt in
the oil collecting cylinder. The belt has the following specifications:- The belt effective length is 18 in.(458mm), and
belt width is 1in. (25.4mm). The belt drives system consists of AC motor (12/24v), installed on the top of the
skimmer.

Figure no 9: Experimental Setup

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There are various result related to ORR with graphs with respect to their parameters:-
Variation of ORR for different oil thickness:-
Table no 3: Variation of ORR for different oil thickness
Sr. No. U (RPM) ORR at ORR at ORR at ORR at
TH=3.333 TH=6.66 TH=10 TH=13.33
mm mm mm mm
1 2.5 0.2 0.16 0.12 0.11
2 5 0.25 0.18 0.16 0.15
3 7.5 0.259 0.2 0.17 0.16
4 10 0.238 0.21 0.2 0.2

Figure10: Variation of ORR for different oil thickness

Variation of ORR for different oil temperature:-
Table no 4: Variation of ORR for different oil temperature
Sr. No. U(RPM) ORR at T=O© ORR at ORR at ORR at
T=15© T=30© T=45©
1 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.15 0.13
2 5 0.22 0.14 0.157 0.14
3 7.5 0.24 0.15 0.159 0.15
4 10 0.2 0.16 0.16 0.16

Figure 11: Variation of ORR for different oil temperature

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Variation of ORR for different belt rotational speeds:-

Table no 5: Variation of ORR for different belt rotational speeds

Sr. No. ORR For ORR For

Synthetic Polyvinyl ORR For
U (Rpm) Rubber Chloride Polypropylene
1 2.5 0.088 0.083 0.08
2 5 0.101 0.092 0.095
3 7.5 0.118 0.101 0.104
4 10 0.139 0.124 0.124
Figure12: Variation of ORR for different belt rotational speeds

Effect of pH on ORR:-
Table no 6: Effect of pH on ORR
SR. NO. U(RPM) ORR FOR pH OF WATER
1 2.5 0.1001
2 5 0.1002
3 7.5 0.091
4 10 0.0842

Figure13: Effect of pH on ORR

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V. Conclusion and Future Scope

Conclusion:-
• The oil recovery rate and belt rotational speed varies directly whereas, the oil recovery efficiency varies
inversely with the belt rotational speed.
• The oil recovery rate varies inversely with the oil temperature which decreases the oil recovery efficiency
with increasing the belt rotational speed.
• The viscosity of oil is a major factor in oil recovery using belt skimmer, a lower temperature increases the
oil recovery rate and the oil recovery efficiency by increasing is viscosity, a higher temperature decreasing
the viscosity of oil.
• The material belt effect on the oil recovery rate and the oil recovery efficiency, for thicker oil film
thickness and low viscosity (Polyvinyl chloride) is 7 times more effecting than (Synthetic rubber) and
(Polypropylene).
• The surface structure [hydrophobic &hydrophilic] properties of the material belt is affecting to the
efficiency of the belt.
• PH of water has a significant effect on oil recovery, because PH of water changes the physical properties of
oil in the oil /water collecting volume.

Future Scope:-
• The literature survey shows that tremendous amount of work need to filtration of impurities of sea water
and drinking water storage by many design modifications and structural optimization of the related
components.
• In our research work we’ve considered petroleum fuels as impurities in water but there are more different
types of impurities present in water for which work need to be done.
• Also, we have considered variation of impurities for thickness of oil film, viscosity and temperature of oil,
material of belt etc. but further work can be done with other environmental parameters and design
modification.
• It can be used for further different types of application like dock yard, oil refineries, coolant recycling
processes.

References
[1]. Rafi Jamal Algawi, Maha Adnan Dawood, 2017, in research gate, in paper entitled, “Study of Operating Conditions for Oil Skimmer
Apparatus from Water”.
[2]. Sathiyamoorthy V 1* , Arumugam K2 Arun Pragathish M3 , Barath B.N4 , Baskar M5 , Balamurugan S6, 2017, in research gate, in
paper entitled, ”A Review of Mobile Oil Skimmer”.
[3]. Lokhande M. M. 1 , Pawar R.R.2 , Maind D. M. 3 , Kamble V. V. 4 , Prof. Vadnere A. P.5 , Prof. Badgujar P. P. 6, 2017, in
International Journal For Research In Mechanical & Civil Engineering, in paper entitled, “A Review on Development of Flat Belt
Type Oil Skimmer”
[4]. Abdul Rahman1, S. Manojkumar2 , M. Seenivasan2 , G. M. Sivaa2 , R. Vignesp , 2018, in International Journal of Engineering
Research and Technology (IJERT), in paper entitled, “Design and Fabrication of Oil Skimmer”.
[5]. a Sumon Khandakar, a Md. Nasiqul Islam, b* Robiul Islam Rubel, b Sk. Suzauddin Yusuf, 2017, in Bitlis Eren University Journal Of
Science And Technology, in paper entitled, “Construction of an economic blanket belt oil skimmer”.
[6]. N Widiaksana, A A Yudiana and Y S Nugroho, 2017, in 2nd international Tropical Renewable Energy Conference (i-TREC), IOP
Publishing, in paper entitled, “Analysis of effectiveness of oil spill recovery using disc-type oil skimmer at laboratory scale”.
[7]. S. S. Godawarikar 1, A. T. Gavhane 2, 2020, in International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology (IJERT), in paper
entitled, “Literature Review on Oil Recovering Skimmer from the Surface of Water”.
[8]. Vignesh. T1 , Bhuvaneswari M2 , S.Manojkumar3 , S.Kishore4 , N.Bommuraj5, 2020, in IOP Conference Series: Materials Science
and Engineering, researchgate, in paper entitled, “Development of Automatic Tube Oil Skimmer”.

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