Please see attached pic of my oil issue. This is my water tank buried in ground that stores water straight from my water well, before it goes inside Into a number of filters. I have this buried tank because of having oil in my water - this way it vents off some of the fumes before going into every filter known to mans. Anyway over the weekend I noticed that oil had seeped out the top of the holding tank. Apparently i had an influx/flow of oil and i guess because it was so foamy on top layer it didn't shut off, or blocked the float from shutting off....causing it to spill out. I have a cap on the tank as you can see, of which about once every 4 months, or when needed, i drain the tank and get in and clean it. Usually it is greenish water with a small rainbow film on top, but occasionally it looks like this. The tank is 6'x10'. What I'd like I do is be able to get the oil off the top accessing Thru the cap without having to get down in it. Does anyone have a suggestion for a product i could use that i could literally put down in the hold to scoop it off. This is in Bentonville/Cave Springs, AR
Are there any wells nearby or are you related to Jed Clampett?
no wells that i've ever seen within 40+ miles???
I had an uncle named Jed. this stuff comes and goes. it can be relatively clear for a couple months at a time, then go colored again.
573-IMG_4346.MOV (1020 KB)Make sure you NEVER drink the water. Also, make sure none of your animals drink it either.
I have a very old saying, "Be a rich royalty owner and die early."
we drink it everyday, all day actually. it goes from this tank, into a series of filters...then to the house. this is the 3rd time it has "flared up" - trying to get a better understanding of what i should do next.
If you aren't growing an extra head and eyes and additional arms and fingers (see X-Files), you may be OK. But, if I were you, I would capture a clean sample (if you can get one) and take it to the nearest water-testing lab.
It may also contain HIGH levels of coliform from "ponding."
Good luck,
Pat
i have had it tested for 200+ things ($400 test) from the faucet by National Testing Labs.
Well, this may be higher end, and require more modification than you had in mind, but sure looks like it works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4Pku98QBOA
I was curious and just googled "oil skimmers". Lots of companies and products. This place had a few gizmos:
Might try vacuuming with a air operated vacuum system to suck the oil residue off the top. Use air operated versus electric in the event there are flammable vapors that might cause a small explosion with electric operated. Then use absorbent pads to get the last bit of residue off the top. Might be able to put the residue in a large open pan and burn what you accumulate and pads.