Drum skimmers for reliable oil spill recovery
SpillPro supplies drum skimmer systems designed to recover oil from the water surface during spill response. Using oleophilic drums, these skimmers separate oil from water with high recovery rates, supporting containment and environmental protection.
Proven spill response expertise
High recovery performance
Australia-wide support
Industrial drum skimmer systems for oil recovery
Drum skimmers are used to remove oil efficiently from the surface of water. SpillPro supplies drum oil skimmers that float, rotate and skim oil into a collection trough, separating it from the water. Our range supports oil spill recovery across varying viscosity levels, flow conditions and spill situations, backed by local technical support. We also supply specialist oil spill equipment, supported by local stock, deployment advice, commissioning and training.
Suitable for:
- Ports, harbours and marine waters
- Industrial ponds and process water
- Stormwater systems and drains
- Offshore and nearshore spill areas
Benefits
Benefits of drum skimmers
- Highly selective recovery: Using oleophilic drum surfaces that attract oil while rejecting water, delivering efficient recovery with minimal water uptake.
- Recovering light and heavy oils: Supporting reliable oil skimming in changing spill conditions across a wide viscosity range.
- High recovery rates: Help reduce response time during a large spill and support faster oil spill clean outcomes.
- Floating oil skimmers that operate in as little as 75mm of water: Allowing access to shallow spill areas and tight containment zones.
- Designed to minimise environmental impact: Removing oil on the surface before it spreads and causes further environmental damage.
Variants
Deployment and handling
Applicable industries
Featured case study
ExxonMobil PNG
- Industries Mining and Exploration, Industrial, Oil and Gas
Exxon Mobil PNG needed to pro-actively contain and remedy any spills along a remote pipeline between Port Moresby and Hides. That meant finding a way to transport containment booms, skimmer systems, dispersant systems and incinerators through 700km of dense jungle.
For more information on product specs, site layout diagrams and operation manuals view our document library
Get to know the team at SpillPro
For more than 50 years, SpillPro has helped Australian organisations prepare for and respond to spill incidents with trusted containment solutions. From drum skimmers to complete oil spill equipment packages, our team helps clients prepare, respond and recover with confidence. We focus on practical performance, safety and compliance.
We deliver end-to-end support, from product selection to deployment guidance and training, backed by a broad, proven equipment range.
Certificates and accreditations
Many of our products meet ISO environmental, manufacturing and safety standards – including AS/NZS ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001.
Quality Management System
Environmental Management System
Occupational Health and Safety Management System
Learn more about oil skimmers
-
Types of oil skimmers
Different types of industrial oil skimmers can be used in differing applications. Find out more in this article. -
The applications and benefits of weir skimmers
Weir skimmers are used to clean oil spills in open water, near shore and in rivers. They are designed to capture the oil passing over a weir and pump it away -
The applications and benefits of drum skimmers
Drum skimmers are versatile equipment to clean up oil spill from a water surface. Their grooved surfaces are 95% efficient and they have high recovery rates
Customer reviews
We placed orders for F07 Parts Washers within weeks of a trial machine being set up, such were the outstanding results from that trial.
Gary Gazzard, Daracon
The service has been excellent
Peter Wydeman, Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia
With the equipment that SpillPro has supplied us, we are confident we can handle any emergency spill that occurs in any part of our pipeline from Hides in the north to the LNG Plant on the coast.
Lynn Bradford, ExxonMobil PNG
FAQs
How does a drum skimmer recover oil from water?
A drum skimmer uses oleophilic drums to attract oil from the water's surface. As floating drums rotate, oil adheres to the drum surface and is scraped off into a collection trough, separating it from the water for recovery.
What types of oil can drum skimmers handle?
Drum skimmers can recover light and heavy oils across a wide viscosity range. This makes them suitable for hydrocarbon spills, fuel releases and industrial oils where highly selective recovery is required.
How are drum skimmers powered on site?
Most drum skimmers operate using hydraulic or pneumatic power, depending on site infrastructure. SpillPro supplies skimmers that integrate with existing power source options used in spill response and industrial environments.
When should drum skimmers be used in a spill response?
Drum skimmers are used when an oil spill occurs on open water, in contained areas or shallow zones. They are effective during early response to remove the oil from the surface before it spreads further.
How do drum skimmers compare to other skimmer types?
Compared to weir skimmers, drum skimmers offer higher recovery and better selectivity. Drum skimmers are designed to recover spilled oil efficiently, making them suitable for high-capacity, high-recovery-rate operations.
Do you provide warranty, service and training for drum skimmers?
Yes. SpillPro offers warranty support and ongoing servicing for drum skimmers, along with operator training and commissioning services. Training helps teams deploy skimmers safely, avoid common handling issues and improve containment outcomes during real spill events.
Contact Us
We have representatives in
Sydney
Mascot
NSW 2020
Melbourne
Thomastown
VIC 3074
Brisbane
Geebung
QLD 4034
Perth
Osborne Park
WA 6017
Adelaide
Wayville
SA 5034
Darwin
Darwin
NT 0800