A skim pit is an open excavation or tank used in oil extraction and processing to separate mixed fluids. Because oil is lighter than water, pumping the emulsion into a quiet pit allows the oil to float to the surface over time. Operators then skim the valuable oil off the top while the heavier water is drained from the bottom for disposal or reinjection.
Heard on the job
The produced water has too much hydrocarbon carryover, so route it through the skim pit before discharge.
Insider tip
Environmental regulations often require skim pits to be lined to prevent hydrocarbons from leaching into the groundwater.
Also heard as
- skimming pit