OPRC Level 1
Deployment and Operation of
Various Types of Skimmers
Version Νο.1 – 12.05.2013
Aim
• Being able to select, deploy and
operate the right type of skimmer for
successful and efficient recovery of oil
Outline
• Skimmers used in open sea
• Skimmers used in shallow water
• Skimmers used onshore
Pre-Deployment Checks
• Are all connecting hydraulic hoses and
couplings intact?
• Have the couplings been secured?
• Are electrical cables intact?
• Is the pump functioning properly?
• Are connecting hoses or belts to
containment tanks correctly placed?
Safety Precautions
• It is essential that all operating staff are
aware of safety hazards to prevent
injuries during operation
o Weir skimmers (pump should have fitted
guard): keep safe distance
o Brush skimmers: no hands on rotating
parts
o Rope mop skimmers: no hands on ropes
or rollers
Open Sea Operation
• Weir skimmers
• Weir skimmers integrated in containment
booms
• Brush skimmers
• Belt skimmers
• Vertical rope mop skimmers
• Disc skimmers
Weir Skimmer on Water
Weir Boom
Brush/Belt Skimmer in
Operation
Vertical Rope Mop Skimmer in
Action
Disc Skimmer in Operation
Summary – Open Sea
• Weir Skimmers:
o Name plate capacity: 50 – 400 m3/h.
o Sufficient tank capacity for 3 hrs operation
o Check oil content of collected mixture
o Limited efficiency (could be 50% or less)
• Rope Mop Skimmers:
o Highly efficient: 90-95%
o Work best with lighter types of oil (low viscosity)
• Disc Skimmers:
o High efficiency: 40 – 100 m3/h
o Work best with lighter types of oil (low viscosity)
Skimmers Used in Shallow
Water
• Weir Skimmer
• Suction/vacuum Skimmer
• Horizontal Mop Skimmer
• Disc Skimmer
• Mechanical Skimmer
General Rules for Shallow
Water
• Place skimmer at apex of boom and
ensure it can be operated from shore or
boat
• Apex should be in still water (no current)
• Easy access to shore area is essential
• Need for temporary storage
Horizontal Rope Mop Skimmer
Disc Skimmer
Summary – Shallow Water
• Simple weir and vacuum skimmers:
o small; easy to handle; launched
manually;
o suction hoses should not exceed 30 m
• Horizontal rope mop skimmers:
o highly efficient in still waters; light (7090kg);
o always placed on shore; well secured
Summary – Shallow Water
• Disc skimmers:
o effective with small waves and little current
o capacity 10-15 m3/hr
o require hydraulic supply and power pack
• Mechanical skimmers:
o best solution for slick contaminated with
debris
o oil collected will require further treatment
Skimmers Used Onshore
• Spills on Soil:
o Dig pit at low end of slope and guide oil
o Use vacuum skimmer for recovery
• Spills on Concrete or Hard Surfaces:
o Use sorbent booms to contain oil
o Use vacuum skimmers for fresh oil
• Shallow Waters (marshes, swamps):
o Use rope mops or disc skimmers