- Efficiently decant ash ponds with up to 1,500 GPM flow capacity
- Self-adjusting weir system automatically adapts to changing water levels
- Removes surface oils and floating debris 24/7 without stirring settled ash
- Built for power plants, coal facilities, and industrial operations dealing with ground contamination
- USA-manufactured quality with 20+ years of proven floating weir technology
- Fits in SUV for easy transport – designed for installation by crews in small boats
- Works with any pump that can pull suction – only one moving part (hinged weir)
IN STOCK. READY TO SHIP. PROBLEM SOLVED.
Got an oily water problem? We’ve got Belt Oil Skimmers ready to go. While others make you wait 12-16 weeks, we try to keep these bad boys in stock. Because when you need to “get the oil off the water NOW,” waiting isn’t an option. Just ask.
Belt Oil Skimmer Features
High-Performance Belt Skimmers – Simple, Reliable, Industrial-Ready
SkimOIL® Belt Oil Skimmers (TBS) deliver efficient, unattended oil recovery for industrial ponds, pits, and small-scale water surfaces. Engineered for reliability and minimal maintenance, these units handle oils and floating debris continuously, making them ideal for power plants, coal facilities, manufacturing operations, and environmental cleanup applications.
01
Design
- Rugged, industrial-grade construction: Single moving part—the motor-driven belt—ensures dependable operation in harsh environments.
- Self-adjusting weir system: Automatically adapts to changing water levels for consistent oil recovery.
- Compact and portable: Lightweight design fits in SUVs or small boats, with lifting handles for easy transport and deployment.
- Simple installation: Can be mounted to existing flanges or supports; optional adjustable stands available for custom setups.
- USA-manufactured reliability: Proven floating weir technology with over 20 years of performance in industrial applications.
02
PERFORMANCE
- Continuous oil recovery: Removes surface oils and floating debris 24/7 without disturbing settled solids.
- High versatility: Works with any pump capable of suction, and recovers oils ranging from light food oils to heavy bunker fuel.
- Variable capacity options: Belt widths from 8″ to 24″ accommodate flows from 2–180 GPH, depending on oil type and belt size.
- Industrial-grade efficiency: Perfect for small to medium ponds, ash ponds, or contaminated water surfaces in power plants and manufacturing facilities.
- Reliable unattended operation: Drop-dead simple, with only the belt as a moving part—virtually maintenance-free during continuous operation.
03
INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE
- Plug-and-play setup: Minimal operator input required; runs off existing power or air systems.
- Low maintenance: Only belt inspection and occasional wiper adjustment needed; no complex mechanical parts.
- Flexible integration: Compatible with tanks, sumps, totes, or pump systems for oil collection.
- Durable materials: Corrosion- and chemical-resistant plastics and metals designed for long-term industrial service.
WHY BELT OIL SKIMMERS MATTER
When reliable, continuous surface oil removal is critical, Belt Skimmers deliver industrial-strength performance with minimal oversight. Their simple, motor-driven belt system efficiently recovers light to heavy oils, works unattended, adapts to changing water levels, and reduces waste handling—all while operating in tough industrial environments. For operators with limited manpower or high-recovery needs, these skimmers are a cost-effective, proven solution for keeping ponds, pits, and industrial water systems clean.
The Belt skimmers (TBS) are workhorses for smaller oil skimming needs and give you oil recovery rated in GPH or gallons per hour. TBS can be plugged into a timer and/or can be run unattended around the clock. These are almost Idiot or Bubba Proof. *See our Big Ass Belts skimmers (BABS) for higher recovery rates.
The belt skimmers are selective skimmers — motor driven and work by attracting oil to the surface of the belt — which then is rotated/driven around to the point where the scraper blade shaves or scrapes the oil off the belt — allowing it to gravity drain into your sump or tank or bucket or tote or ? The belt skimmer (TBS) has to be mounted over the area where oil collects so it can reach down thru the surface and attract the oil. The oil has to touch the belt to work.
Most plants have the ability and skilled people that allow them to provide some sort of arm or flange or ?? to clamp or bolt the skimmer onto. See the optional adjustable mounting stand. In the world of oil skimming — The Belt Skimmers are probably the most bullet proof and easiest to walk away from and not worry about.
The only moving part is the motor driven pulley and the belt that rides on it. It’s drop dead reliable and a very mature technology.
CLICK VIDEO TO SEE THE TEST TO SEE IF THE BELT SKIMMER WILL PICK UP WHAT IS IN YOUR WATER! PLEASE NOTE THIS TEST WAS A FAIL!
NEED LOTS OF OIL RECOVERY?
See our Big Ass Belt Skimmers (BABS) Heavy Severe Duty 10‑200 GPH recovery skimmers
Load video when you’re ready.
Upgrade Option: Big Ass Belt Skimmer (BABS)
Our Big Ass Belt Skimmer (BABS) is a VERY heavy duty belt skimmer designed for severe industrial service. These rugged high-recovery skimmers are available with 8″, 12″, & 24″ wide belts. Don’t confuse this Big ASS Belt Skimmer with smaller rinky‑dink units—it’s serious industrial equipment. Recovery rates range between 2–180 GPH, depending on belt size, oil type, and conditions.
How it works:
- Endless belt loop suspended via motor pulley
- Lower portion immersed in oil-supporting liquid
- Oil adheres to both sides as belt exits the liquid
- Staggered wipers shave oil off, channeling into trough
- Oil drains via gravity into tank or is pumped out
This unit runs unattended , continuously recovering floating oil suitable for disposal or reclamation. Effective for very light oils (food processing) up to heavy bunker oil.
Important Note: Oil MUST stick to plastic—please test before committing.
Expected capacity (common oil):
- 8″ belt: 2–4 GPH fuel oil, 20–25 GPH motor oil, 55–60 GPH bunker C
- 12″ belt 5–7 | 45–50 | 80–90 GPH
- 24″ belt: 10–14 | 90–100 | 160–180 GPH
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Belt Oil Skimmers work?
Belt skimmers use a motor-driven endless belt that passes through the oil-contaminated water. Oil adheres to the belt and is scraped off by staggered wipers, draining by gravity into a tank or sump. Only one moving part—the belt—makes it simple and reliable.
What types of oils can Belt Skimmers handle?
They work on a wide range of oils, from light oils used in food processing to heavy bunker oils. Recovery rates vary by belt size and oil type: 8” belts recover 2–60 GPH, 12” belts 5–90 GPH, and 24” belts 10–180 GPH. Always test to ensure oil adheres to the belt material.
Can these skimmers run unattended?
Yes. Belt Skimmers are designed for continuous operation and can be plugged into a timer or run 24/7 without manual supervision. Their simple, durable design makes them ideal for industrial environments with minimal manpower.
Where are Belt Skimmers typically used?
They are perfect for ash ponds, pits, tanks, and other industrial water surfaces. Applications range from power plants and coal facilities to food processing and automotive manufacturing operations.
What’s the difference between standard Belt Skimmers and Big Ass Belt Skimmers (BABS)?
The BABS are heavy-duty skimmers designed for severe industrial conditions, with belt widths of 8”, 12”, or 24” and recovery rates up to 180 GPH. They’re built for high-volume oil removal where maximum efficiency is required.
Why Operators Choose Belt Skimmers from SkimOIL ®
- Drop‑dead simple to operate
- Ideal for operators with limited manpower
- Easy to retrofit onto existing oil ponds or pits
- Reliable in industrial-grade environments
- Quick call support to match application specs