Skimerator® FAQ

SKIMERATOR® SUPPORT

Skimerator® FAQs

Selection, installation, operation, maintenance, and replacement information for Wayne Products Skimerator® 3200, 3200D, and 3200F oil-skimming systems.

Selection & Operation

Choose the Skimerator® configuration based primarily on coolant-level variation, sump access, fluid temperature, and installation requirements.

What does the Skimerator® do?

The Skimerator® removes floating tramp oil and contaminants from machine-tool coolant while also aerating the coolant as it is returned to the sump.

A float-controlled skimmer box collects fluid from the surface and sends the oil/coolant mixture to a separate reservoir. Oil rises to the surface of the reservoir while cleaner coolant settles below and returns to the machine sump.

View the Skimerator® →

What is the difference between the Skimerator® 3200, 3200D, and 3200F?
  • 3200 Shallow Draft: Designed for coolant-level variations up to approximately 3 in.
  • 3200D Deep Draft: Recommended when coolant-level variation is up to approximately 5 in.
  • 3200F Floating: Uses a floating skimmer head for applications where coolant-level variation exceeds 5 in.

The shallow-draft box can also be useful in a deeper sump when the access opening is too small for the deep-draft box.

View the Skimerator® Draft Configuration Guide →

If you are unsure which configuration fits the sump, request a Skimerator® quote and provide the sump dimensions and coolant-level variation.

How does the Skimerator® separate oil from coolant?

Surface fluid enters the skimmer box through a float-controlled opening. A pump transfers the oil/coolant mixture to the reservoir.

Inside the reservoir, oil rises while cleaner coolant settles below it. As additional fluid enters, cleaner coolant is forced through the stand tube and returned to the sump.

View the Skimerator® How-It-Works Diagram →

Does the Skimerator® aerate the coolant?

Yes. The Skimerator® provides aeration as the coolant moves through the system and returns to the sump.

The return hose should terminate above the coolant surface rather than being submerged so the coolant can drain and return properly.

Can one Skimerator® service more than one sump compartment?

If a coolant sump is divided into isolated compartments or separated by weirs, a separate Skimerator® system may be required for each area.

Large surface areas or heavy concentrations of floating oil may also require more than one unit. Contact Wayne Products when the sump layout or oil load is unusual.

Installation & Setup

Where should the Skimerator® reservoir be installed?

Mount the reservoir level and above the machine sump so the cleaned coolant can return by gravity.

Keep the reservoir as close to the sump as practical to minimize pumping distance, and position it where the oil-drain faucet remains accessible.

How should the skimmer box be positioned in the sump?

For the fixed shallow- and deep-draft boxes, position the top of the skimmer box approximately 1/2 in. above the highest coolant level.

The coolant and floating oil must be able to flow freely into the box. The box can rest on the sump floor or be positioned using the skimmer foot and post.

Does the Skimerator® pump need to stay submerged?

Yes. The pump must remain fully submerged during operation for proper cooling. Do not operate the pump dry.

How should the coolant return hose be installed?

Route the 1 in. return hose downhill from the reservoir to the machine sump so coolant can return by gravity.

Keep the end of the hose above the coolant surface rather than submerged. When practical, direct the returning coolant so it helps move surface contamination toward the skimmer box.

What does the Skimerator® flow restrictor do?

The flow restrictor controls how quickly the pump fills the reservoir. Proper adjustment helps balance reservoir fill and return flow and gives the oil/coolant mixture time to separate.

If increased flow is required, enlarge the restrictor only in 1/32 in. increments. Contact Wayne Products if you are unsure whether adjustment is needed.

Pumps, Temperature Limits & Stands

What pump options are available for the Skimerator®?

Skimerator® systems are available with standard or heavy-duty pump configurations.

  • Standard Pump — P/N 3262: 115 V, 19 W, 0.3 A. Maximum fluid temperature: 105°F.
  • Heavy-Duty Pump — P/N 3262HD: 115 V, 36 W, 0.6 A. Maximum fluid temperature: 120°F.

Select the pump according to the application, fluid temperature, and operating requirements.

Which Skimerator® pump should I use for higher-temperature coolant?

The standard P/N 3262 pump is rated for fluid temperatures up to 105°F.

For fluid temperatures above 105°F and up to 120°F, use the heavy-duty P/N 3262HD pump.

Do not operate either pump above its rated fluid-temperature limit. For applications above 120°F, contact Wayne Products before selecting equipment.

Which Skimerator® stand should I choose?

The Skimerator® reservoir can be mounted directly on suitable equipment or supported by an optional Wayne Products stand.

  • P/N 4599: Triangle reservoir stand, approximately 12 in. high.
  • P/N 5040: Square reservoir stand with wheels, approximately 15.5 in. high.

The wheeled square stand is useful when mobility is desired, while the triangle stand provides a simpler stationary support option. Both stands feature a lower shelf for holding maintenance items or tools.

View the Skimerator® Stand Comparison Guide →

Operation & Maintenance

How do I drain collected oil from the Skimerator®?

When approximately 3/4 in. or more of tramp oil has accumulated on the reservoir surface, place a suitable container under the drain and open the faucet.

A small amount of coolant may drain before and after the oil. Close the valve when mostly oil-free coolant begins to flow.

What routine maintenance does the Skimerator® require?

Normal maintenance primarily consists of draining accumulated tramp oil and removing debris or sludge from the skimmer-box screen.

Keep the screen clean so fluid can flow freely to the pump. Disconnect power before removing or cleaning the screen.

Can I operate the Skimerator® without the trash screen?

No. The removable screen protects the pump from debris and sludge. The Skimerator® should not be operated without the screen installed.

Does the Skimerator® use disposable filters or oil-skimming belts?

No oil-skimming belt is used. The system removes surface oil through its float-controlled skimmer box, pump, and separation reservoir.

The skimmer-box screen is cleaned and reused rather than being treated as a disposable filter during normal maintenance.

What electrical precautions should I follow?

Connect the pump to a properly grounded, GFCI-protected outlet. Disconnect power before servicing, cleaning the screen, or working on the pump or hoses.

Replacement Parts & Support

How do I identify a Skimerator® replacement part?

Use the Skimerator® replacement-parts diagram to match the component on your unit to the numbered exploded view and corresponding Wayne Products part number.

The diagram covers major Skimerator® components including the reservoir, baffle, return-tube assembly, drain faucet, weir-box components, flow restrictor, hoses and fittings, pump, skimmer post and foot, shallow- and deep-draft floats and trash screens, skimmer-box assemblies, and floating-head assembly.

When requesting a replacement part, provide the Wayne P/N from the diagram whenever possible. If you are unsure, send the Skimerator® model and clear photos of the component and installation.

View the Skimerator® Replacement Parts Diagram →

How do I identify the correct Skimerator® replacement pump?

First identify whether the existing system uses the standard or heavy-duty pump.

  • P/N 3262: Standard 115 V pump, maximum fluid temperature 105°F.
  • P/N 3262HD: Heavy-duty 115 V pump, maximum fluid temperature 120°F.

If the existing pump cannot be identified, send Wayne Products the Skimerator® model, existing part number, and clear photos of the pump and system before ordering.

Contact Wayne Products for replacement-part help →

What information should I provide when requesting Skimerator® selection help?

The most useful information includes the sump dimensions, normal and lowest coolant levels, total coolant-level variation, application, fluid type, fluid temperature, oil load, available installation space, and photos of the sump or machine when available.

These details help determine whether the 3200, 3200D, or 3200F configuration is appropriate and which pump and stand options should be considered.

Quotes & Selection Help

How do I request a Skimerator® quote?

Use the Skimerator® Quote form and provide the sump dimensions, coolant-level variation, fluid temperature, pump preference if known, stand requirement, application details, and any existing Skimerator® model or part number.

Request a Skimerator® Quote →

What if I am not sure which Skimerator® configuration I need?

Send Wayne Products the application details you have available. Sump dimensions, coolant-level variation, fluid type and temperature, photos, and installation restrictions are especially helpful.

Contact Wayne Products →

Still Need Help?

We can help determine the appropriate Skimerator® model, pump, stand, replacement part, or installation configuration for your application.