Self-adjusting floating weir for changing recovery conditions
The Oil Skimmers Model 3FFC™ is a high-volume floating weir oil skimmer designed for surface-oil recovery where flow conditions or required recovery capacity can change during operation.
Unlike the manually adjusted Model 3F360, the 3FFC uses a continuously self-adjusting weir that responds to flow rate. Skimming behaviour can also be influenced by changing the connected pump pressure.
This makes the 3FFC particularly relevant for spill response, sudden increases in oil volume and other applications where rapid deployment and flexible high-volume recovery are important.
How the self-adjusting 3FFC works
The 3FFC combines floating surface recovery with a weir that automatically responds to the flow created by the connected pumping system.
Follow the liquid surface
The floating skimmer moves with changes in liquid level and remains positioned at the surface where the free oil or contaminant accumulates.
Weir self-adjusts to flow
The weir continuously responds to the induced flow rather than requiring repeated manual repositioning during changing recovery conditions.
Control through the pump
Changing pump pressure provides another way to influence recovery behaviour and adapt the system to changing surface conditions.
3FFC models and published recovery ranges
Five Flow Control sizes are available for applications ranging from moderate surface recovery to very high-volume spill and process-water duties.
| Model | Published recovery range | Metric equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 3FFC-1 | 2–10 US gal/min | 7.6–37.9 L/min |
| 3FFC-1.5 | 5–58 US gal/min | 18.9–219.6 L/min |
| 3FFC-2 | 5–68 US gal/min | 18.9–257.4 L/min |
| 3FFC-3 | 10–300 US gal/min | 37.9–1,135.6 L/min |
| 3FFC-4 | 10–525 US gal/min | 37.9–1,987.3 L/min |
Where the Model 3FFC is used
The Flow Control design is particularly useful where high recovery rates, rapidly changing conditions or quick deployment are important.
When to consider the 3FFC
Strong 3FFC applications
- High-volume surface-oil recovery
- Changing flow or oil-load conditions
- Fast spill response
- Sudden temporary increases in required capacity
- Fluctuating liquid levels
- Rapid one-person deployment
- Applications where pump-based flow adjustment is useful
Review another solution when
- A manually set 360° weir is sufficient
- Selective low-water pickup with a tube skimmer is preferable
- The skimmer must travel inside an enclosed storage tank
- The full wastewater stream needs dedicated separation
- Oil is stably emulsified rather than floating freely
3FFC vs 3F360 vs 3F360-GCS
Manually adjustable weir
For 360° surface recovery where manual control of the weir cut suits the application.
Self-adjusting Flow Control
For changing flow conditions, high-volume recovery and applications where pump-pressure adjustment is beneficial.
Guided tank operation
For controlled vertical movement of a 3F360 inside enclosed and above-ground storage tanks.
Match the skimmer, pump and hose as one recovery system
3FFC performance depends on more than selecting a nominal skimmer size. Pump capacity, operating pressure, hose arrangement and transfer distance directly affect the complete recovery system.
Useful application information includes:
- Oil or floating contaminant type
- Approximate oil-layer thickness
- Normal and peak required recovery rate
- Tank, pit, pond or lagoon dimensions
- Liquid-level variation
- Liquid temperature
- Floating debris or solids
- Hose length and transfer distance
- Required downstream collection or separation
- Available electrical supply for the pump package
Request a 3FFC application review
Filtra International can review the duty and help determine the appropriate 3FFC model, hose length, pump arrangement and stainless-steel construction.
Selected applications may also be suitable for a temporary proof-of-concept evaluation, subject to technical review and equipment availability.
Request 3FFC Application Review & QuoteModel 3FFC Flow Control floating weir skimmer
Common questions about self-adjusting high-volume surface-oil recovery.
What is the Model 3FFC?
How does the 3FFC self-adjusting weir work?
Can the 3FFC be controlled by changing pump pressure?
What are the recovery rates of the 3FFC models?
Does the published recovery rate represent pure oil only?
Does the 3FFC attract floating oil from all directions?
Can the 3FFC handle changing liquid levels?
What materials are available for the 3FFC?
What is the difference between the 3FFC and 3F360?
Is the 3FFC suitable for spill response?
Does the 3FFC require a pump?
Can the 3FFC remove duckweed?
What information is needed to select a 3FFC?