W.E. Couplings Ltd have re-designed the traditional floating skimming unit, resulting in improved stability on the surface of the fluid and utilisation of the tried and tested T-906 type hose found in tank drain systems.
W.E. Couplings’ floating skimming system comprises of three torus floats made from stainless steel and securely mounted together to a frame that is designed to stay stable and level on the surface of the fluid. This frame suspends a baffle plated inlet at an adjustable height below the surface of the fluid it is placed into. The intake directs fluid downwards to the outlet through specialised rubber tank drain hose that is designed with an inner and outer cover, that is resistant to a hydrocarbon rich environment, i.e fuel and oil.
Due to the molecular nature of stored fuel products – having a lower specific gravity than water, the optimum quality fuel is found floating at the top, whereas at the bottom there is lesser quality. The tank’s fluid is sampled for quality at different heights, and can be tapped off at the bottom to remove any sub standard fuel. This is why it is important to have a functioning floating suction / skimming system, especially when serving the fuel to highly tuned, highly sensitive aeroplane engines for instance.