This skimmer is similar to a rope skimmer, but a belt is used, typically 300mm (11.8 in) wide. The belt will wear out and require periodic replacement

 Advantages:

Can collect relatively 'dry' oil (~50% water)

Disadvantages: 

• Very slow oil skim rate
• Only collects oil that sticks to the belt. Note that many oil types will not stick to the belt
• High operating and maintenance cost
• Expensive
• Efficiency affected by debris
• Not very effective at collecting oil if it does not float directly to the belt. That is it cannot pull' the oil be be collected
• Heavy and difficult to install
• Some units can drag oil into the water and cause re-emulsification