We offer a complete line of high efficiency above and below ground oil/water separators that conform to the guidelines of API 421 for the removal of all free and dispersed non-emulsified oil and solids that settle from the waste stream.

Features of the Oil & Water Separators

• Low maintenance costs
• Easy cleaning through removable vapor tight covers
• No moving parts
• No power consumption
• No consumable wearing elements
• No chemicals, absorbent or filter cartridges to remove, replace or dispose of
• Compact size
• Solids storage capability

Water & Oil Separator Technology

The most common approach to the design of oil water separators is to configure parallel corrugated plates that cause the oil droplets to increase in size, thereby speeding the gravity separation process. We use a unique Unipack cross fluted design with an internal structure of interconnecting channels having many crossing points between adjacent plates. This produces enhanced efficiencies in significantly smaller units. Our Unipack construction requires a unit with only 5000 gallons capacity to produce the same yield of a traditional separator unit with 15,000 gallon capacity at a flow rate of 500 gallons per minute.

Our staff of experienced professional engineers are dedicated to providing customers with innovative and effective solutions to the problems of contaminant elimination in waste water to maintaining optimal adherence to established conformance standards and industry best practices.

Coalescing of the oil droplets takes place in three steps:

1. Droplets are intercepted by the corrugated plates as the oil/water mixture flows through the separator.
2. New droplets coalesce with retained droplets, to make larger droplets.
3. Enlarged droplets are released and rise to the surface to be decanted into a storage tank. Since Stokes’ Law calculations are based on a flow of zero velocity through the Unipack plate, a Reynold’s number of less than 500 will ensure optimum separation in an Oil/Water Separator.

Oil Water Separator Flow Rate Table

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does the flow process work?
• How do you maintain an oil water separator?
• How does the oil separator remove the oil from water?
• What are the advantages to an oil water separator system?

Case Studies: Oil Water Separators

• Case Study of Oil Water Separator w/ Wash/Rinse Sewer Pre-Treat System This project was unique in that it was located in one of the strictest wastewater authorities in the state of North Carolina. [ read full study ]
• Case Study of Truck Services Company Wash Bay – Wash/Rinse Closed Loop SystemThis major truck services company was constructing a new wash bay at their facility outside city sewer limits. [ read full study ]

Are you interested in a below ground oil and water separator? Please visit our below ground oil water separator units page for more information.

In a typical oil-water separator with traditional media, incoming oily water slowly flows from the inlet through a media comprised of a series of parallel, inclined plates. As the oil droplets in the water coalesce with other oil droplets on the media surface, the oil droplets grow in size and travel up the plates to the water surface. This design, however, allows some water droplets to by-pass the plates and flow through the separator, requiring secondary polishing filters to achieve the required effluent characteristics. The shapes and configurations of tradition coalescing media also traps particles and sludge on the media itself, resulting in a sludge build-up and a reduction of effective flow through the separator.

The HD Q-PAC media provides improved performance in oil-water separators over traditional media due to the following properties:

- A larger amount of surface area per cubic foot of media allows for greater oil drop coalescence. HD Q-PAC media has 132 ft2/ft3 surface area for oil droplets to contact. Other typical coalescing media have about 48 ft2/ft3 to 68 ft2/ft3.

- A more efficient first step separation reduces the need for a second polishing step. HD Q-PAC media removes 99.9% of oil droplets 20 microns in size and larger. This meets EPA Method 1664 Revision A and European Standard EN 858-1.

- An open design eliminates trapping of particles and subsequent clogging of water channels. Oil water separators with HD Q-PAC media require fewer maintenance shut-downs and separates oil and water faster.

- Where higher-than-normal operating temperatures are required, HD Q-PAC media outperforms its competitors. HD Q-PAC media works effectively in temperatures up to 212°F, versus a maximum temperature of about 120°F for competing media.

Using fresh or recycled cold water, our high volume/ moderate pressure demucker system cleans quickly and effectively, saving you time and money!

Sizes for these systems range from 20 GPM@ 300 PSI to 20 GPM @1000 PSI, depending on your application.

Please call for additional product details on our demucking/water cannon washers. Give us a call – 800.453.8639

Washbay Solutions Demucking System Video

STANDARD FEATURES:

• Water Storage Tank
• NEMA 4X Control Panel
• High-Efficiency Self-Priming Pump
• Pressure Gauge
• Gun & Wand with 50’ hose
• Installs with other washing and recycling systems
• Minimal Service Attention

OPTIONAL FEATURES:

• Wall-mounted Reel/Wand
• Emergency Stop System
• Remote Motor Control
• 100–ft Hose
• Water Storage Tank
• U.L. Listing

DM SERIES DE-MUCKER SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

Since the calculations of Stokes’ Law are supported on a zero velocity flow, a Reynolds number lower than 500 guarantees optimal separation. The majority of oil water separators commonly use the parallel corrugated plate design which causes oil droplets to enlarge in size and ascend to the surface of the water. Flow of oil and water through the oil water separator follows several main steps after entering the separator:

• Mixture particulates, heavier sludge drops from liquid and is confined in sludge hopper.
• Lighter weight particles from mixture travel up inclined plates.
• Inclined plates begin separating the mixture.
• Some oil will rise to the top of the separator.
• Particulates drop down into sludge hopper.
• Remaining mixture travels on through coalescing media packs.
• Most remaining small oil particles attach to media and coalesce with retained droplets.
• Retained droplets form larger oil droplets.
• Larger oil droplets float, rising to top of separator.
• Oil volume reaches a certain level and is pumped or drained to a storage tank.
• Clean water travels on to a chamber and goes through a final polishing pack.
• Clean water is discharged from the separator.

It is especially essential for the flow of the liquid through the oil water separator to be laminar to act in accordance with Stokes Law. To achieve this type of flow, a design that is cross-fluted and having an internal structure of connecting channels between adjoining plates can be used. With this design and the enlarged surface area, the effectiveness of the oil water separation process is greatly enhanced.

Models of oil water separators that sit above the ground are somewhat easier to keep clean since everything is easy to get to. This is because there are no tight spaces and plates can be easily taken out, cleaned and replaced. All above-ground types can be maintained from the ground level. Also, solid waste can easily be removed via a large opening at the ground level.

If using a below ground oil water separator, it is particularly essential that you follow a strict schedule of maintenance. Because the unit is underground where it can’t be seen, it is far more likely that you will forget to clean it. Here are the maintenance procedures to follow for this type of oil water separator.

After one month of use, make sure you inspect and clean the inlet area in the following way:

• Turn off the influent water to the unit.
• Open the unit cover.
• Remove any oil and dispose of it in a way that complies with company and legal procedures.
• Drain the water from the separator.
• Measure the depth of the leftover solids and write it down. This will serve as a framework for scheduling future maintenance and cleaning.
• If necessary, dispose of the solids.

After doing all of this, you will need to clean the media plates. They can be cleaned while still in the unit or removed for cleaning. To clean them without removal, stick a low pressure hose in between the plate spaces on the plate packs. Any dirt flushed from the plates should be removed through the drain on the hopper outlet.

For cleaning the plates outside of the oil water separator, rinse them down with a low pressure hose while taking extreme care to avoid getting the discharge on the ground where it has access to groundwater. All that needs to be removed is the sludge and oil buildup.

When this is done, check the tank for damage and repair the internal coating if needed. To start the separator again, just place the plate packs back into the unit as they were before. Ensure that they are securely installed to prevent them from floating when the unit resumes functioning. Maintenance should be carried out regularly by a qualified professional, depending upon the unit’s application and the amount of oil and other debris accumulated.

To receive a quote on a separator for your particular needs, call us today at 800-453-8639.

Oily Wastewater Needs Treatment

It is a well known fact that oil and water do not mix. But separating the two before releasing the wastewater into sewers or open water areas is no easy feat. Because millions of gallons of oil wastewater have the potential to get into our water supply , wetlands and environment each year, the EPA and state agencies have implemented guidelines for keeping our environment free of oil contaminated wastewater. While the process of separating oil and dirt from wastewater is not simple or inexpensive, it guarantees all of us will have uncontaminated water supply and wetlands for decades to come.

How Problems Occur

Operating and washing heavy machinery will combine water with oil, grease and grime. Without treatment, this wastewater would release harmful contaminants into the environment.

Solutions

Case studies conducted by Wash Bay Solutions prove that much of the oils and dirt from contaminated wastewater can be removed before it is discharged to the sewer. One way this is done is by putting the wastewater through a specially-designed clarifier separator equipped with inclined plates to drop out the solids and advanced coalescing media to remove the oils. If the water needs to be re-used, it can be put through more filtration.

Result

Water without oil and dirt contamination can be reused or safely discharged. By using oil water separators on wastewater, we are using good “Green” business practices to both save money and be good stewards of the environment.

Oil Water Separation Solutions for the oil and gas industry.

Recent media coverage has increased focus on oil and gas drilling operations and ways to prevent contamination from harming groundwater, wetlands and waterways. Wash Bay Solutions provides the Best Available Technology (BAT) for oil water separation systems and equipment cleaning systems. Wash Bay Solutions helps the oil and gas drilling industry establish positive environmental stewardship by recycling, reusing and reducing wastewater.

“Solids & Oil Water Separation System”

Waste Bay Solutions has developed the Solids & Oil Water Separation System (SOWS) using horizontal gravity flow treatment. This Green system removes oil and solids from produced and flow-back oil-contaminated water using a five-stage process of separation:

Stage 1: Remove free oil particles larger than 150 microns
Stage 1: Intercept and collect settleable solids
Stage 3: Capture suspended solids and dispersed oil
Stage 4: Collect remaining suspended solids and remove free oil droplets 30 microns or larger
Stage 5: Trap any trace oils before water is discharged

The SOWS System has many key features including no moving parts, low maintenance and solid heavy-duty construction. Reusing water from oil-contaminated wastewater is an environmentally-conscious practice to protect waterways and protected wild life reserves. It also saves money.

“Responsible Corporate Citizen”

Whenever there is an oil spill or groundwater intrusion, the oil and gas drilling industry receives negative press. Communities are more willing to support oil and gas drilling operations when they know that these companies minimize their negative impact on the environment. Washbaysolutions.com helps businesses become responsible corporate citizens.

Mining and Heavy Dump Trucks

The efficient use, reclamation and reuse of water on-site are important considerations at every mining operation. Developing and implementing programs that both maintain both water quality and quantity will provide mining companies critical long-term access to water as well as ensure that their company grows and thrives.
We believe it is possible for both mining companies and their neighbors to have enough clean water for their needs. We at WashBaySolutions.com have the knowledge, experience and equipment to help mining companies maintain their water quality and minimize water usage.

Typical solutions include completely self-contained water recycling systems and separation systems.

We offer the following units for your mining operation:

• VR Closed Loop Systems
• SPT Clarifier Separator Systems
• SOWS Solids & Oil Water Separator Systems

Drilling Rig

Water is used in association with many oil and gas activities. Large volumes of water are used during the drilling and completion of oil and gas wells. Water is used during drilling for drilling fluid preparation, make-up water and completion fluids. In enhanced recovery and well stimulation procedures such as “fracing”, water is used as a supplemental fluid.

In smaller volumes, water is used for cooling water in gas plants and boilers; as hydrostatic test water for pipelines and tanks; and as wash water for rigs, trucks, heavy vehicles and other equipment. Equipment washing in oil and gas drilling applications is an essential part of keeping the drilling operation running 24/7.

In order to maintain good environmental stewardship and increase profitability, many oil and gas drilling operators are looking at ways they can “reduce, reuse, and reclaim” the large volumes of water they use on a daily basis.

At WashBaySolutions.com our engineered solutions to “reducing, reusing, and reclaiming” include completely self-contained water recycling systems, solids and oil separation systems and high pressure washing systems.

Please see our units available for the oil and gas drilling industry:

• VR Closed Loop Systems
• SPT Clarifier Separator Systems
• SOWS Solids & Oil Water Separator Systems
• High Pressure Washing Systems

A look inside a transportable equipment room.

These complete Transportable Equipment Rooms (TER) are ideal for housing washing and reclaim equipment at sites without incurring any construction costs, delays, or permanent structures. Used on military bases, construction sites, and at any facility requiring transportability, these cost effective systems can be configured for a wide range of applications and up and running in a few days.

Delivered to your site, this enclosed transportable equipment room sits adjacent to the wash pad and contains complete water recycling, high-volume demucking, and high-pressure washing systems.

STANDARD FEATURES:

• 20 or 40’ enclosure constructed of steel, aluminum, or stainless
• Power panel, receptacles and lighting
• Automated fans/louvers or insulated with full HVAC system
• All equipment, installed, pre-plumbed and wired
• Secondary containment for all fluids

OPTIONAL FEATURES:

• Insulation Package - Walls, ceiling, floor and doors insulated with rigid wallboard behind plywood, thru-bolted and sealed
• Full Heating Package – Thermostat-controlled heating system for freeze protection, and   circulation fans
• Specialized plumbing and piping
• Outside painting to match existing facility colors

Transporting an equipment room on a flat bed truck.

Equipment that can installed in TER:

• Complete closed-loop water recycling system
• Sewer Discharge pretreatment systems
• Oil Water separators
• Water management tanks with waste oil and solids storage
• PLC-controller with remote monitoring and SCADA capability
• Hot or cold water pressure washer
• Demucking system
• Non-chemical water disinfecting ozone generator