Water oil separator system is an efficient machine that helps to separate gasoline, grease, oil and hydrocarbons from water. Initially, it was commonly used as part of industrial water treatment systems, but commercial processes and areas that generate a lot of waste oil have also found this system to be useful.
Oily wastewater cannot be discharged to a storm sewer until the contaminants are removed or reduced to less-harmful levels. Treating industrial effluent wastewater, however, is an energy-intensive process. At wastewater treatment plants pumping systems typically consume 10% to 15% of energy.
Here are some of the options you have when it comes to choosing water oil separator systems.
Gravity Water-Oil Seperator
This is a conventional separator that primarily depends on gravity to remove contaminants and other hydrocarbons from water using the density concept.
- How this works Wastewater containing crude, grease, oil, soil and other sediments is allowed into a separator, the oil which denser than water comes to the top, water settles in the middle while sediments go to the bottom. This process is facilitated by the cone-shaped layers of oleophilic materials inside the separator. The oil is removed and then water is allowed to drain off to the next phase of processing. The sludge formed by solids and sediments is collected for disposal.
Vertical gravity water oil separator system is ideal for wash down, restaurants, construction sites, service stations and other commercial settings. The recycled water can be used back for sustainability purpose.
Hydrocyclone Oil Water Separator System
Unlike the conventional gravity separator, a hydrocyclone separator makes use of centrifugal force to separate oil from water.
- How it works Using an active vortex generated when the wastewater is allowed into the tank at an angle, it creates a cyclone that displaces water to the edges and allows it to drain off through an outlet. Since oil is lighter it collects at the center into an oil tank. This type of separator is recommended for large scale industrial process that requires efficiency in oil removal. It also ideal for applications that demands less maintenance.
Flotation Separators
Dissolved Air Flotation Systems are designed to remove three main categories of contaminants from a wastewater stream: suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, and oils and greases.
- How it works Also referred to as dissolved air floatation (DAF), this water oil separator system dissolves air in the wastewater to increase the speed which oil rises. The oil then attaches to the bubbles created when air dissolves in water and skimmed off. The sludge at the bottom is removed for disposal and daf wastewater recycled for use.
Depending on the specific application, each of these water oil separator systems has a different mechanism of separating oil from water. Some are efficient than others but ultimately, they all contribute towards a safer, cleaner and healthier environment.
