Mini-Skimmer™ & Maxi-Skimmer™ FAQ
Oil Skimmer FAQs
Selection, sizing, operation, maintenance, and replacement information for Wayne Products Mini-Skimmer™, Mini-Skimmer R.S.™, Mini-Skimmer T.S.™, Maxi-Skimmer™ SSP/2, and Maxi-Skimmer™ SSV/5 oil skimmers.
Selection & Sizing
Start with the application, fluid conditions, available mounting space, required reach, and desired oil-removal rate.
Which Wayne Products oil skimmer should I choose?
The standard Mini-Skimmer™ is the general-purpose choice for machine-tool coolant, parts washers, and industrial tanks.
The Mini-Skimmer R.S.™ is a compact, economical option for intermittent, light-duty applications. The Mini-Skimmer T.S.™ uses a polyurethane tube and is useful where a tube-style, side-access design fits the installation better than a hanging belt.
For higher oil-removal rates, wider belts, or larger systems, use a Maxi-Skimmer™ SSP/2 or SSV/5.
How do I choose the correct Mini-Skimmer™ reach?
Reach is measured from the skimmer mounting surface or base to the bottom of the lower tail pulley.
Standard Mini-Skimmer™ cogged and flat polyurethane reaches are available in 5, 8, 12, 18, and 24 in. Stainless-steel configurations begin at 8 in.
Choose a reach that keeps the lower pulley immersed without allowing it to contact the bottom or sides of the tank.
Which belt or pickup material should I use?
- Standard Mini-Skimmer™ — Cogged Polyurethane: A 1 in. positive-drive belt for general industrial coolant applications. The cogged design helps resist slipping and stretching.
- Standard Mini-Skimmer™ — Flat Polyurethane: A 1 in. economical belt for neutral-pH, water-based coolant, water, and compatible wastewater applications below approximately 120°F.
- Standard Mini-Skimmer™ — Stainless Steel: Recommended for higher temperatures, chemicals, parts-washing solutions, and non-neutral pH applications.
- Mini-Skimmer R.S.™: Uses a thinner, 3/4 in. wide cogged polyurethane belt. The cogs improve grip on the drive wheel, but the belt is designed as a lighter, economical option for intermittent/light-duty use rather than the heavier industrial duty of the standard 1 in. Mini-Skimmer cogged belt.
- Mini-Skimmer T.S.™: Uses a polyurethane pickup tube rather than a belt. It is intended for oils in the same general neutral, water-based fluid applications served by Flat Poly, up to approximately 120°F.
- Maxi-Skimmer™ SSP/2: Uses flat polyurethane or stainless steel only. Flat Poly is available in 2 in. and 4 in. widths for compatible neutral-pH, water-based applications. Stainless steel is available in 2.25 in. and 4 in. widths and is recommended for higher temperatures, chemicals, parts-washing solutions, and non-neutral pH applications.
- Maxi-Skimmer™ SSV/5: Uses a 4 in. flat polyurethane or 4 in. stainless-steel belt. Flat Poly is intended for compatible neutral-pH, water-based applications. Stainless steel is recommended for higher temperatures, chemicals, parts-washing solutions, and non-neutral pH applications.
If fluid chemistry or temperature is uncertain, contact Wayne Products before selecting the pickup material.
What is the difference between Cogged Poly and Flat Poly Mini-Skimmer™ belts?
Standard Mini-Skimmer™ Cogged Poly and Flat Poly belts are both 1 in. wide.
Cogged Poly uses a positive-drive profile that engages the drive pulley to help resist slipping and stretching. Flat Poly uses a smooth belt profile and provides a simpler, economical option for many light- to medium-duty applications.
What is the difference between 10 RPM and 30 RPM Mini-Skimmers?
Standard AC Mini-Skimmers are available with 10 RPM and 30 RPM motors. The 10 RPM configuration is rated at approximately 1 quart per hour, while the 30 RPM configuration is approximately 1 gallon per hour.
Mini-Skimmer R.S.™ & T.S.™
What is the Mini-Skimmer R.S.™ designed for?
The Mini-Skimmer R.S.™ is a compact, economical skimmer intended primarily for intermittent, light-duty use in smaller sumps and maintenance applications.
Current R.S. units use a 15 RPM drive and are available in approximately 8 in. and 12 in. reach configurations.
When should I choose a Mini-Skimmer T.S.™?
Choose the Mini-Skimmer T.S.™ when a tube-style, side-access design works better than a conventional hanging belt.
The T.S. can sit on a horizontal surface, mount to the side of a tank, or be moved between tanks. It is available in 8 in. and 12 in. reaches with 10 RPM or 30 RPM drives and is rated up to approximately 1/2 gallon per hour.
What fluids can the Mini-Skimmer T.S.™ be used with?
The polyurethane tube is intended for oils in water-based solutions and temperatures up to approximately 120°F.
For hotter or chemically aggressive fluids, contact Wayne Products before selecting a skimmer.
Maxi-Skimmer™ SSP/2 & SSV/5
When should I move from a Mini-Skimmer™ to a Maxi-Skimmer™?
Use a Maxi-Skimmer™ when the required oil-removal rate, belt width, or reach exceeds what a standard Mini-Skimmer can provide.
The SSP/2 is rated at approximately 3–6 gallons per hour. The variable-speed SSV/5 is rated up to approximately 20 gallons per hour.
What is the difference between the Maxi-Skimmer™ SSP/2 and SSV/5?
The SSP/2 uses a fixed 30 RPM drive and is rated at approximately 3–6 gallons per hour. It is available with flat polyurethane or stainless-steel belts in several widths.
The SSV/5 uses a variable-speed drive adjustable from 0–93 RPM and is rated up to approximately 20 gallons per hour. It uses a 4 in. flat polyurethane or stainless-steel belt.
What reach lengths are available for the Maxi-Skimmer™?
Maxi-Skimmer™ reaches extend significantly farther than standard Mini-Skimmer configurations.
For the SSP/2 and SSV/5, standard reaches are typically available in 1 ft increments, with custom polyurethane reach available for some applications. Reach is measured from the base of the unit to the bottom of the tail pulley.
For unusual tank dimensions or longer reaches, contact Wayne Products with the tank dimensions and lowest liquid level.
Can a Maxi-Skimmer™ handle thick or viscous oil?
A steep-trough modification is available for when the SSP/2 or SSV/5 will be used to skim off extra-viscous oils. Because performance depends on oil properties, temperature, reach, and operating conditions, Wayne Products should review the application before the unit is selected.
Operation & Maintenance
Does a Mini-Skimmer™ need to run continuously?
No. Oil skimmers often work best when the fluid surface is relatively calm. Many customers operate them during breaks, shift changes, or overnight. A programmable timer can also be used to control operating periods.
Is a Mini-Skimmer™ difficult to install?
No. Assemble the unit by attaching the tail pulley to the stabilizer bar, and the stabilizer bar to the skimmer bracket. Place the belt around the two pulleys. The unit is ready to be mounted to the tank. Using the hardware provided, mount the unit securely, keep the belt path clear, prevent the belt and tail pulley from contacting the tank bottom or sides, and direct the discharge to a suitable collection container. Refer to your Installation and Operating Instructions for more details.
What routine maintenance does an oil skimmer require?
Keep the pickup belt or tube, scraper area, pulleys, and oil-discharge path clear of debris and buildup. Check that the pickup media moves freely and replace worn components as needed.
Always disconnect power before servicing the equipment.
How can I reduce coolant or water pickup?
Run the skimmer when the sump or tank surface is relatively calm. Stopping the skimmer after the surface oil has been removed can also help reduce unnecessary coolant or water pickup.
Replacement Belts, Tubes & Parts
How do I identify the correct replacement belt or tube?
Start with the skimmer model, pickup material, and reach.
- Standard Mini-Skimmer™: Identify the belt material and reach. Standard belts are 1 in. wide.
- Mini-Skimmer R.S.™: Uses dedicated 3/4 in. cogged polyurethane belts. P/N 20706 fits the 8 in. reach unit and P/N 20707 fits the 12 in. reach unit.
- Mini-Skimmer T.S.™: Replacement polyurethane tubes are available for the 8 in. and 12 in. reach configurations.
- Maxi-Skimmer™: Match the replacement belt to the SSP/2 or SSV/5 model, belt width, material, and reach.
If the model is unknown, send Wayne Products the existing part number or clear photos of the unit and pickup media.
How do I measure a standard Mini-Skimmer™ replacement belt?
Use the skimmer reach: the distance from the mounting surface or base to the bottom of the lower tail pulley. Belt circumference, width, and material can also help identify the correct replacement.
Quotes & Selection Help
How do I request an oil skimmer quote?
Use the Oil Skimmer Quote form and provide as much information as possible about the tank or sump, fluid, contaminant, required reach, operating schedule, electrical requirements, and installation conditions.
What if I am not sure which skimmer I need?
Send Wayne Products whatever application information you have available. Tank dimensions, fluid type, contaminant, lowest liquid level, desired oil-removal rate, voltage, and photos are especially helpful.
Still Need Help?
We can help identify the correct oil skimmer, pickup material, reach, replacement belt, tube, or configuration for your application.