Water and Oil Separator Review

General Engineering Reviews
Engineering Applications and Design

Water and Oil Separator Review

Water and Oil Separators utilize the difference in density between oil or petroleum products and water to separate the oil from the water. The oil collected is normally skimmed off and disposed or processed for recycling. Additionally, water and oil separators form a sediment layer from particles settling to the bottom. The setiment sludge is removed by a mechanical scraper or similar device or lifted to a storage device by a sludge pump. The separated water may require additioanl purification treatment for removal of any residual oil, biological contaminants or other harmfull chemicals present.

Water and Oil separators are utilized through industry, typical industrial applications include: food processing equiment, heavy manufacturing, wastewater treatment, marine, water drainage and engine fuel systems.

Simplified Water - Oil Separator Courtesy of Environmental Protection Agency