Types of Robotic Oil Skimmers: Belt vs. Disc vs. Tube

Robotic oil skimmers come in various types, each designed to handle specific oil recovery needs based on the type of spill, viscosity, and operating environment. The most common types include belt skimmers, disc skimmers, and tube skimmers. Belt-type robotic skimmers use a continuous belt made of oleophilic material that attracts and collects oil from the water surface, making them ideal for large-scale industrial and wastewater applications. Disc skimmers, on the other hand, use rotating discs that pick up oil as they spin across the surface, offering high efficiency for thin oil layers and clean separation in confined spaces. Tube skimmers utilize a floating tube that moves along the water’s surface to collect oil, which is then squeezed through a wiper mechanism—perfect for varying water levels or narrow tanks.