- Heavy-Duty Performance : Removes diesel to bunker oil—recovery rates up to 180 GPH depending on belt width and viscosity.
- Massive Belt Options : Choose 8″, 12″, or 24″ wide belts for the flow you need, in any oil-heavy environment.
- Built Like a Tank : Welded steel construction, enclosed drive, and lifting hooks—engineered for long-term durability.
- Zero-Adjustment Operation : Self-aligning belt tracking, self-adjusting wiper assembly—no babysitting needed.
- Cold-Weather Ready : Heated enclosures available on 12″/24″ models for freeze-proof performance.
IN STOCK. READY TO SHIP. PROBLEM SOLVED.
Big Ass Belt Skimmer (BABS) Features
Heavy-Duty Industrial Belt Skimmer – Maximum Recovery, Minimal Oversight
The Big Ass Belt Skimmer (BABS) is engineered for industrial-strength oil recovery across ponds, pits, and water surfaces where heavy oils are present. Designed to operate unattended, it combines rugged construction, high-capacity belts, and self-adjusting mechanisms for reliable, low-maintenance performance in demanding environments.
01
Design
- Rugged industrial construction: Heavy-gauge welded steel with lifting hooks and weather-resistant coatings ensures long-term durability.
- Enclosed drive system: Protects motors and components from contaminants, debris, and weather for safe and reliable operation.
- Automatic belt tracking: Specially designed drive pulley maintains belt alignment, eliminating manual adjustments and complex maintenance.
- Self-adjusting wipers: Compensate for belt wear, ensuring consistent oil recovery with zero operator intervention.
- Cold-weather ready: Heated enclosures available for 12″ and 24″ belt models, maintaining freeze-proof operation.
02
PERFORMANCE
- High-capacity oil recovery: Handles light to heavy oils, from diesel and lube oils to bunker C, with belt widths of 8″, 12″, and 24″.
- Continuous, unattended operation: Recovers floating oil 24/7 without manual intervention, using only the belt and staggered wipers.
- Variable recovery rates: Up to 180 GPH depending on oil type and belt width, delivering flexible performance for any industrial application.
- Oil-selective efficiency: Designed to attract oil while repelling water, minimizing water carryover and disposal costs.
- Adaptable for industrial integration: Can be mounted over ponds, tanks, sumps, or troughs; optional variable-speed controller available.
03
INSTALLATION
- Turnkey package: Ships ready to install with all required components
- Flexible applications: Suitable for tugs, barges, OSVs, dredges, and more
- Pre-approved designs: Meets multiple international and USCG standards
04
OPERATION
- Self-starting system: Automatically begins operation without operator input
- Effluent disinfection: Integrated chlorine tablet chamber ensures safe outflow
- Effluent pump included: Submerged pump delivers treated water for discharge
WHY THE MSD TANK MATTERS
When space is tight and reliability matters, this system delivers proven treatment performance without the hassle. It’s built for real-world marine use—no tuning, no babying, just results.
How It Works
The unit is positioned and supported over where you want to collect the oil: The endless belt loop is suspended from the motor pulley, with the lower portion immersed on the tail pulley in the oil-supporting liquid. As the belt descends to the lower/tail pulley in the liquid, the oil adheres to both sides of the belt which then continues upward where the staggered belt wiper blades shave the oil off the belt. The recovered oil drains into a trough for gravity draining to your storage tank.
This BABS operates unattended in any tranquil area where the oil can collect, and the system continuously recovers this floating oil for disposal or reclamation. The oil is highly attractive to and sticks to the belt and the water is pretty much repelled by the belt.
From light oils like diesel fuel, and lube oils, crude all the way to the heaviest bunker type of oils, the BABS can remove them.
Belt Sizes & Recovery Rates
Recovery Rates by Belt Width (Estimated GPH)
| Belt Width | Fuel Oil/Kerosene | 30 WT. Motor Oil | Bunker “C” |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8″ | 2–4 GPH | 20–25 GPH | 55–60 GPH |
| 12″ | 5–7 GPH | 45–50 GPH | 80–90 GPH |
| 24″ | 10–14 GPH | 90–100 GPH | 160–180 GPH |
IMPORTANT : For BABS or other selective oil skimmers, we must confirm your oil sticks to plastic . TEST IT so we can be sure.
Built for Real Industrial Demands
Totally Enclosed Drive Unit
The Big Ass Belt Skimmer features a totally enclosed drive unit mounted inside the housing. The compact design provides easy drive access, excellent drive protection and maximum personnel safety. The entire drive unit is protected from weather, dirt and contaminants.
Easy Maintenance
The Big Ass Belt Skimmer is provided with a full-width hinge door for easy access to all working components. The endless belt can be removed for repair or replacement without disassembling the unit, minimizing maintenance. The wiper assembly is self-adjusting to compensate for wear. Constant pressure and alignment with the belt are assured.
Automatic Belt Tracking
The Big Ass Belt Skimmer incorporates a specially designed drive pulley that eliminates belt tracking problems. Unlike other recovery units, periodic tracking adjustments are not required on the Skimoil unit. This unique feature eliminates complicated adjustable bearing assemblies and their associated maintenance procedures.
Special Features
- Heavy gauge steel construction with welded seams and lifting hooks provides rugged durability
- Special construction materials and coatings are available
- Large, easy-to-open access doors for all serviceable areas
- Heated enclosure for cold weather operation (12" and 24" models)
- Optional controller available for variable speed operation
- Complete electrical controls to meet customer requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Big Ass Belt Skimmer (BABS) work?
The endless belt loop is suspended from a motor pulley, with the lower portion immersed in the oil-contaminated liquid. Oil adheres to the belt and is scraped off by staggered wipers, draining by gravity into a trough or storage tank. The system runs continuously and unattended in calm water areas.
What types of oils can BABS handle?
BABS removes a wide range of oils—from light diesel and kerosene to lube oils, crude, and heavy bunker “C” oils. Recovery rates depend on belt width and oil viscosity: 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.
How is the unit maintained?
Maintenance is easy thanks to a full-width hinge door that provides access to all working components. The belt is removable for repair or replacement without disassembling the unit. The self-adjusting wiper assembly compensates for wear, and the enclosed drive protects internal components from weather and contaminants.
What makes the BABS suitable for industrial use?
BABS is built with heavy-gauge welded steel, lifting hooks, and a totally enclosed drive unit. It’s engineered for long-term durability, automatic belt tracking, and optional heated enclosures for cold-weather operation. Optional variable-speed controllers and custom coatings are available for specialized applications.
Can BABS be used for groundwater or remediation wells?
Yes. The Monitoring Well Belt Skimmer (MWBS/MWVBS) variant is designed for 2” and larger wells, with depths up to 25 ft+. It allows continuous, pump-free hydrocarbon recovery, minimizes water carryover.