A Guide To Tramp Oil And Best Ways To Remove It
In this blog post we look at what tramp oil is, why it must be removed, the ways to remove it and the benefits of removing it.
What Is Tramp Oil?
In machining and manufacturing environments, cutting fluids are typically water-based. Over time, stray oils such as hydraulic oil, way oil, and gear oil leak into the coolant system. This unwanted oil, known as tramp oil, floats on the surface of the fluid.
Why Tramp Oil Must Be Removed?
If tramp oil is left on the surface of the coolant, it can cause significant operational problems:
- Bacterial growth and foul odours
- Reduced coolant life
- Poor surface finish on machined parts
- Increased tool wear
- Skin irritation for operators
- Corrosion issues within the system
Removing tramp oil helps maintain coolant quality and protects both equipment and personnel.
Solution 1: Automatic Belt Skimmer
What is an Automatic Belt Skimmer?
An automatic skimmer is a compact, motorised device designed to continuously remove tramp oil from industrial fluids, helping coolant systems stay clean and operate efficiently.
How Automatic Belt Skimmers Work
- The automatic belt skimmer runs continuously or on a timer, powered by a small electric motor that drives the skimming mechanism.
- The device collects floating oil from the surface of the fluid. The belt travels continuously in a loop, tramp oil from the surface of the fluid clings to the belt.
- The separated tramp oil is automatically discharged into a waste container.
- Minimal operator involvement is required.
- Continuous removal of tramp oil prevents contamination within the system.
Benefits of Using an Automatic Skimmer
Implementing an automatic belt skimmer in your operation delivers measurable advantages:
- Extends coolant life – reducing the frequency of fluid replacement.
- Reduces disposal costs – by lowering the volume of contaminated waste fluid.
- Improves machine performance – cleaner systems operate more efficiently.
- Lowers maintenance requirements – fewer contamination-related issues.
- Improves workplace cleanliness – less odour and surface contamination.
The Result
By continuously and automatically removing tramp oil, automatic belt skimmers help manufacturing operations maintain cleaner fluids, longer-lasting coolants, better machining results, and lower overall operating costs.
Solution 2: Freddy Vacuum
What Is a Freddy Vacuum?
The Freddy Midi is a powerful, mobile coolant vacuum system designed to efficiently remove, filter, and return coolant and swarf from CNC machines and other industrial equipment. Built for reliability and ease of use, it supports manufacturers with effective fluid management in demanding production environments.
Compact yet robust, the Freddy Midi is ideal for both routine coolant maintenance and full machine cleanouts.
How Freddy Vaccuums Work
The Freddy Midi works by:
- Vacuuming coolant and swarf directly from CNC machines or industrial equipment.
- Separating and filtering debris, removing metal swarf and solid contaminants from the coolant.
- Returning reusable coolant back into the machine, reducing the need for replacement fluid.
This closed-loop process allows operators to quickly clean machines while preserving valuable coolant.
Benefits Of Using a Freddy Vaccuum.
- Reduces waste – by reclaiming and reusing coolant.
- Extends coolant life – through effective filtration.
- Improves machine performance – by removing swarf and contaminants.
- Supports safer working environments – by keeping machines and floors cleaner.
- Saves time – during routine maintenance and full cleanouts.
- Easy to operate and mobile – allowing flexible use across the workshop.
The Result
With the Freddy Midi, manufacturers achieve cleaner machines, longer-lasting coolant, reduced operational waste, and safer working conditions. The result is a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible approach to industrial fluid management.
Take control of tramp oil before it impacts your production
Speak to our technical team today for solutions that extend coolant life and reduce waste, contact us on 0114 285 2987 or [email protected]. Our advice is always FREE!
