Floating weir skimmers use this same trick to suck up the oil floating on the surface of water, except this tube is more than just a cup.

For instance, the Coast Guard Vessels of Opportunity use weir skimmer systems that collect oil using floating separators that disrupt the water-oil interface where the two liquids meet.

What Is a Pool Skimmer A pool skimmer is a device that removes contaminants from the top layer of a body of water. At the front part of a skimmer there will be a floating door or weir, the weir's ...