1. Proper Oil-Water Separator Design

Since the requirements of each particular oily water application are different, it is important to ensure that the oil-water separator system meets the specifications.

Every oil-water separator must be able to accommodate maximum flow rates and account for occasional spikes, such as excessive stormwater runoff. If these factors aren’t appropriately accounted for when the separator is designed or specified, its efficiency and operation can be significantly impaired.

2. Oil-Water Separator Maintenance

To ensure that an oil/water separator continues to operate effectively, trained personnel need to frequently inspect, maintain and service the system. A lack of regular maintenance can cause mechanical failures and leaks that can result in accidental discharge of oil—defeating the purpose of the wastewater treatment system.

3. Emulsifying agents

Many industries use detergents and soaps to help remove oil from their equipment.

But while using these (or other chemicals) helps remove oily grime, they may actually cause emulsification of waste oil and hinder the operation of oil/water separators. Oil mixed with soapy wastewater, for example, takes significantly longer to separate from the water, and the efficiency of the separator takes a hit. In some cases, with excessive detergent use, waste oil can completely emulsify into the wastewater stream, and pass through the separator, rendering it ineffective.

4. Sludge build-up

Another common challenge with oil/water separators is the build-up of sludge. When particles and debris mix with oil droplets they sink to the bottom of the separator. When sludge is not regularly removed and is allowed to accumulate, the build-up can affect the separator’s performance – and if it meets certain toxicity levels, the sludge may be considered to be hazardous waste.