Remove Contaminants and Protect Your Tools and Employees

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Keeping your machine tool running smoothly (and your employees healthy) requires eliminating residual tramp oil chips from your coolant tank. Oil in your coolant can harbor harmful bacteria that can lead to increased acidity and corrosion of your machine tool. Moreso, spoiled coolant prevents a plant from functioning at its maximum productivity level. Removing tramp oil saves money now and in the long run.

Tramp oil may seem like just an unpleasant contaminant, but it can leave behind residue and degrade coolant, resulting in machine damage. Plus, contaminated coolant in machine tools can result in harmful mist being emitted into the air during manufacturing processes.

Skimmers work by removing this oil layer—and the bacteria, mold, and other contaminants contained within—to improve the efficiency of the coolant and reduce wear and tear on the machine’s components. Used in a wide range of industries, such as manufacturing, food processing, and wastewater treatment, oil skimmers continuously remove oil from the surface of the coolant.

How Do You Know You Need an Oil Skimmer?

A good indicator that bacteria is growing in the coolant sump is when mold is visible on the side of the tank. Seeing buildup means the time has come to get a skimmer.

How Does It Work?

The Variaxe oil skimmer picks up oil, chips, and fines on a rotating belt in a continuous process. When the belt gets to the top, a device scrapes the oil, chips, and fines from the coolant and deposits them into the Variaxe pail, a receptacle for removal. Gravity separates unwanted materials from coolant as the oil floats to the top of the pail. The clean coolant on the bottom is then returned to the sump, which prevents oil from overflowing onto the shop floor.

Separate skimmer and pail handles for transport between machines.

High strength elastomeric belt provides long service life.

Dual action scraper picks up chips, fines, and oil.

What are the Three Main Features of the Variaxe?

The belt picks up the oil for skimming. It is held down by a weight to keep it in place at the bottom of the sump.
The double scraper system removes oil that collects on the belt and deposits it into the pail for removal.
The gravity return line prevents overflow as the pail fills. It can be set to a timer, but if an operator forgets to turn off the unit, it won’t overflow.

Three Variaxe Skimming System Options

By choosing the skimmer model that best suits your needs, you will take your sump management to the next level. Our model will work with your machine tool and available space.

First up, we have the pail bucket sump side skimmer. This is the most popular option, as it sits near the sump. Your next choice would be the pail bucket sump top skimmer. This model is placed on the top, providing easy access and visibility. Last, we have the pivot extension skimmer. This unique model includes an arm for those tight spaces where traditional skimmers won't fit.

How Does it Help? Let’s Count the Ways.

Cost Savings - First and foremost, using the Variaxe oil skimmer extends the lifespan of your tools, saving you money. By using the oil skimming system, you will avoid costs related to overflow problems, including labor to mop spilled coolant plus time and cost for socks, pads, and rags.
Healthier Environment - Continuous tramp oil removal also eliminates build-up, greatly reducing evaporation loss and the likelihood of contaminated material escaping in the form of mists emitted into the air when coolant is used during manufacturing processes. This promotes healthier skin for your employees or operators, creating a more pleasant work environment. By removing the source of bacterial and fungal growth, this skimmer helps maintain better control over these potentially harmful elements.
Time Savings - This oil skimmer also reduces the time spent cleaning out the pump, allowing for increased productivity and reduced downtime. Because it’s an automated process, the Variaxe continuously removes oil and frees up time for other tasks.
Odor Elimination - When an oil layer forms on the surface of the water, oxygen cannot reach the water, which enables anaerobic bacteria to grow, causing foul odors. Say goodbye to unpleasant odors caused by oil mixing in coolant—the Variaxe oil skimmer eliminates them.
Improved Safety - Skimming excess oil build-up that could potentially become a fire hazard ensures a safe operation. It also prevents clogs in lines and sprays that could impact machine tool operation.

Call Us Today

Ready to improve efficiency and eliminate oil-related issues? Choose the Variaxe oil skimmer today and experience the difference it makes. Our staff will be happy to help you select the right model for your machine tool. Because understanding and using the Variaxe system is crucial to maintaining a smooth and efficient operation, our staff will guide you through the process of selection and setup.