Oil Water Separator Design

Step 1: Conduct a wastewater characterization study

The engineer/designer may conduct wastewater characterization study to establish separator or separation system design parameters.

The first step wastewater characterization study is to conduct the “test for determination of susceptibility of separation on oil from water in a gravity type oil water separator’. This bench test will help determine the separators “TARGET” effluent quality at a specific micron removal efficiency. If possible, you should conduct this test numerous times to allow for variances in your overall process.

Step 2: Determine the type of separator or separation system necessary for your process

Evaluate the results of the characterization study and determine the category of oil to be removed. Decide what type of separator or separation system to use.

The type of oil wastewater separator you need can vary greatly depending on the results of the wastewater characterization study. Emulsion breaking or dissolved air flotation systems may be required for processes with chemically or mechanically stable emulsions.

Step 3: Do you have an existing oil/water separator at your facility

If there is an existing oil/water separator on site, evaluate if it may be upgraded to accept the total flow or partial flow from the proposed source to reduce loading.

Step 3-A: Will upgrading the existing separator bring the discharge into compliance

Can the existing system be upgraded by the installation of media(plate packs, coalescing packs, etc.) or adding emulsion breaking capabilities,etc.

Step 3-B: Can the existing separator be used to pre-treat the wastewater prior to the new separator

Even if the existing separator is not capable of handing the proposed load, it may be usable as a form of pre-treatment or used in conjunction with the proposed upgrades.

Step 4: Review concerns and requirements of the new separator or separation system with the engineer/designer

List all provisions that need to be considered to ensure the new system will be accessible for maintenance, will meet sit specific area classification (ie: seismic and explosion proof area classifications, etc.) and will meet all regulatory and effluent discharge requirements.

Step 5: Write the specifications for the new or upgraded separator or separation systems

Write specifications for the new separator, the separator upgrade or the new separation system required to meet all the above listed concerns and requirements.

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