What is an Oil/Water Separator? How Does an ... - Oil Skimmers, Inc.

Industrial manufacturing, such as steel production, mining, food processing, tank truck wash, power generation, heavy equipment washdown and more use water during the production process, creating wastewater that often contains oil from various sources. Before the water can be reused or discharged to the municipal water treatment plant, the oil must be separated and removed.

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Now more than ever, industrial facilities are looking for efficient and effective solutions to separate oil and water in their everyday processes. In addition to protecting the environment, the right oil/water separator design will improve overall operations while reducing costs, avoiding fines and even potentially generating income. If there is oily water at your facility, discover what an industrial oil/water separator is, how it works and why it can be a beneficial and profitable addition to your operations.

What is an Oil/Water Separator?

The American Petroleum Institute (API) oil/water separator was developed by the API and the Rex Chain Belt Company and was first installed in at the Atlantic Refining Company in Philadelphia, Pa. Simply stated, an API oil/water separator is a device designed to separate oil and suspended solids from industrial wastewater sources, such as those found in oil refineries, petroleum handling facilities, petrochemical and chemical plants, natural gas processing plants, etc. 

Since the inception of the standard API oil/water separator, most refineries throughout the world and numerous companies in various industries – from railroads to steel mills – have installed some type of industrial oil/water separator to aid with wastewater treatment. For industrial facilities or organizations that need to separate oil from wastewater, an industrial oil/water separator system is vital to operational success.

How Does an Oil/Water Separator Work?

Used in some of the most challenging applications worldwide, oil/water separators are flow-through devices designed to separate oils from industrial wastewater, process water and stormwater.

The Science Behind an Industrial Oil/Water Separator System

Under certain conditions, oil will separate from water because of the difference in specific gravity between the two fluids. Stoke's Law explains the rate at which oil is separated from a lighter liquid, and this formula helps determine how fast an oil droplet will rise or settle, based on factors including the:

• density and size of the oil droplet.
• distance the object must travel.
• size of the collection tank.
• flow rate. 

An oil/water separator is designed to consider these factors and subsequently assists in creating the ideal conditions needed for oil to separate from water. There are two primary types of oil/water separators: gravity separators, like API oil/water separators, and coalescing separators.

Types of Oil/Water Separators

1. Gravity Oil/Water Separators or API Separators 

This type of industrial oil/water separator relies on the difference between the gravity of water and the specific gravities of oils, operating as follows: 

• Oily water enters the inlet of the separator. 
• Water turbulence is reduced when it meets a baffle and most solids settle to the bottom of the separator. 
• As wastewater flows through the oil/water separator, oil droplets float to the top of the water but are prevented from exiting the separator by a second baffle; any remaining solids settle.

2. Coalescing Oil/Water Separators 

With coalescing separators, the general flow of oil and water through the separator is similar to a gravity separator. However, in a coalescing separator, oil and water also flow through oleophilic media. This extra step allows the oil droplets to bind together on the surface of the media. By coalescing or binding together, the oil droplets become larger and more buoyant, thus rising to the surface more quickly and further enhancing separation.

What are the Benefits of an Oil/Water Separator?

With a properly-designed oil/water separator in place, facilities with oily process water or wastewater are able to effectively separate oil from water before reusing or discharging clean water to the sewer or back into the environment. With the right separator design, made to accommodate the conditions and of your particular application, you can expect the following benefits:

• Improved Oil Removal – When oily water is provided sufficient time and space to effectively separate into two distinct layers, with the oil floating freely on the surface of that water, an oil skimmer can remove the oil with much more ease and efficiency.
• Improved Wastewater Treatment – When oil is separated and removed from wastewater prior to chemical treatment or filtration, treatment processes are more effective and filtration equipment lasts longer and performs better.
• Environmental Compliance – Oil and water separators lead to cleaner wastewater that meets the requirements of local and federal regulations
• Reduced Maintenance – When the right oil/water separator tank is specified and meets the challenges of the application,  efficient oil separation and removal is achieved, which means less maintenance is required to keep the separator running, and downstream treatment equipment will perform more effectively.
• Potential Revenue Generator – In some cases, reclaimed oil can be sold as a valuable commodity.

Oil Skimmers, Inc. Specializes in Oil/Water Separator Tanks with Active Oil Removal™

Oil Skimmers, Inc. specializes in designing and manufacturing oil removal systems for more than 50 years. Our Separate and Skim (SAS) Tanks are oil/water separators combined with Brill® tube-type oil skimmers. The tube skimmer provides continuous, Active Oil Removal™ to prevent buildup of oil in the separator. Our standard and custom-engineered oil/water separators are designed to be the most effective and efficient industrial oil/water separator systems available today.

In a world where environmental consciousness has become increasingly important, the quest for sustainable solutions has become more crucial than ever. As industries continue to grow and urban landscapes expand, the impact on our ecosystems intensifies. 

As a result, the significance of technologies that safeguard our environment has never been clearer. One such unsung hero in the realm of environmental conservation is the oil/water separator — a quietly effective guardian against pollution. 

Read on to learn more about how these unassuming devices play a pivotal role in preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems. 

What Are Oil/Water Separators?

Oil/water separators are essential devices used in industrial and commercial settings to prevent the release of oil-contaminated water into the environment. These separators operate on the principle of gravity, taking advantage of the distinct densities of oil and water. Typically installed as large underground or aboveground tanks, oil/water separators utilize various compartments, baffles, and weirs to facilitate the separation process. 

Contaminated water enters the separator, and within its controlled environment, gravity prompts the lighter oil and grease to rise to the top, forming an oil-skimming layer. Baffles and weirs further assist in directing water flow and preventing mixing. The clarified water, now largely free of oil and grease, exits through an outlet pipe for additional treatment or safe discharge.

Regular maintenance and compliance with environmental regulations are imperative for the effective functioning of oil/water separators, which are crucial in protecting water sources and ensuring environmental responsibility in various industries.

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Types of Oil Water Separators

Gravity

As wastewater enters the separator, it undergoes a settling period where the flow is slowed down. During this time, the lighter oil, being less dense than water, rises to the surface, forming a distinct oil layer. 

This layer can be easily skimmed off, leaving behind clarified water that meets environmental standards. Gravity separators are known for their simplicity, versatility, and effectiveness, making them widely used in various industrial applications for treating wastewater with larger oil droplets.

Coalescing Plate

These separators use a series of inclined plates within the device. As wastewater flows through, these plates create a large surface area where smaller oil droplets coalesce or come together to form larger ones. 

The coalesced oil then rises to the surface, allowing for easy removal. Coalescing plate separators are particularly effective in treating wastewater with smaller oil droplets and are known for their high efficiency in achieving a finer level of oil removal. 

They find applications in industries where stringent environmental standards necessitate a more thorough wastewater treatment.

How Oil/Water Separators Help Preserve the Environment

Ensure Safe Drinking Water

In many industrial processes, wastewater laden with oils, greases, and pollutants is generated, posing a significant risk to nearby water sources. Industries can treat their wastewater on-site by using water/oil separators, ensuring that only clean water, meeting stringent regulatory standards, is discharged into the environment. These separators are designed to remove oils, greases, and suspended solids, all of which can have adverse health effects if present in drinking water. 

Water/oil separators play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of water supplies by preventing the contamination of both surface water bodies and groundwater. In the unfortunate event of accidental spills, these separators prove invaluable in containing and mitigating the impact, safeguarding water sources from further pollution. 

Additionally, water/oil separators enhance municipal water treatment processes by precluding the introduction of certain contaminants into the municipal sewage system. 

Help Protect Aquatic Ecosystems 

Industrial wastewater often contains oils, greases, and other contaminants that, if discharged untreated, can wreak havoc on aquatic environments. These separators employ mechanisms such as gravity separation and coalescence to effectively remove oils and suspended solids from the wastewater. 

Because of this, the treated water that is released into rivers, lakes, and oceans meets environmental standards, sparing aquatic ecosystems from the detrimental effects of contamination. By preventing the discharge of oil-laden wastewater, water/oil separators contribute to the overall health and resilience of aquatic life. 

Fish, invertebrates, and other organisms are shielded from the toxic consequences of oil contamination, allowing ecosystems to thrive. 

Mitigate the Impact of Oil Spills

In the unfortunate event of oil spills, water/oil separators emerge as crucial guardians, actively working to mitigate the environmental impact. These devices showcase their effectiveness by strategically containing and managing spilled oil. 

Placed in drainage systems and key points susceptible to contamination, water/oil separators act as a frontline defense, capturing and preventing the spread of oil into water bodies. Their ability to swiftly respond to spills minimizes the damage to ecosystems and reduces the long-term consequences of these incidents. 

These separators protect aquatic life and contribute to the overall health and resilience of affected environments. It's a tangible example of how technology can proactively address environmental challenges.

Reduce Groundwater Contamination 

When it comes to safeguarding our groundwater, water/oil separators can be very helpful tools. These devices play a pivotal role in reducing the risk of groundwater pollution by treating industrial wastewater at its source. 

Oily wastewater, if improperly disposed of, poses a serious threat to underground water supplies. However, water/oil separators intercept this potential hazard by efficiently removing oils, greases, and other contaminants before they can infiltrate the groundwater. 

Promotes Sustainability

By efficiently removing oils, greases, and contaminants from wastewater, water/oil separators prevent the release of harmful substances into natural water bodies, safeguarding ecosystems. This aligns with the principles of environmental stewardship, emphasizing the responsible management of resources. 

On top of that, these separators enhance regulatory compliance, ensuring that industries meet environmental standards and contribute to a healthier planet. Their role in preventing water pollution, protecting aquatic ecosystems, and mitigating the impact of oil spills exemplifies a harmonious integration of technological solutions into industrial processes, fostering a more sustainable and ecologically conscious approach to resource utilization. 

Maintain Productivity While Taking Care of the Environment

As we confront pressing environmental challenges, water/oil separators present practical solutions, emphasizing the immediate need for industries to adopt environmentally responsible measures and secure a greener legacy for future generations.

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