Are you struggling to keep your oil separator running smoothly? Regular maintenance of an oil separator is important to ensure it functions efficiently and prevents environmental harm. Neglecting it can lead to blockages, reduced performance, and even costly repairs.
In this blog, we’ll simplify the process, offering a step-by-step guide on how to maintain your oil separator. We’ll cover everything from regular maintenance schedules and common issues to best practices and tips for prolonging the lifespan of your equipment.
So, let’s get into it and make maintenance easy!
What is an Oil Separator And How They Do Work?
An oil separator is a device designed to remove oil from water or wastewater. Oil separators, also known as hydrocarbon separators, are used to treat rainwater and process wastewater by separating and storing light liquids with a density no greater than 0.95 g/cm
It works by separating oil and other impurities from the water, ensuring that only clean water is released into the environment or further processed. The separator traps the oil, allowing it to be collected and disposed of properly.
When selecting an oil separator, consider not only its features and operation specifics but also its suitability for your current needs. Choosing a device that ensures efficient filtration is crucial for adequate water treatment.
Types of Oil Separators
- Gravity Oil Separators: These separators use gravity to separate oil from water. Oil, being lighter, floats to the top, where it can be removed.
- Coalescing Oil Separators: These use special materials to make small oil droplets come together into larger ones, making it easier to remove the oil from the water.
- Centrifugal Oil Separators: These devices spin the water rapidly, using centrifugal force to separate the oil from the water due to their different densities.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Oil Separator Maintenance
Oil water separators, either above or below ground, are constructed from steel or concrete and utilise gravity to separate oil from water. These separators are commonly installed downstream of garage floor drains and are designed to handle specific flow rates, providing targeted oil removal.
They typically feature parallel inclined plates in the vaults, which offer a surface for oil droplets to coalesce into larger droplets that float to the surface. Since oil is lighter than water, it gathers on the surface and can be skimmed, drained, or pumped off as the first step in maintaining an oil water separator.
Proper maintenance of an oil separator involves several key steps.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you keep your equipment in top condition:
Maintenance of Above Ground Oil Water Separators
- Preparation:
- Place safety barriers and warning signs around the work area.
- Close the inlet valve piping and inform all site personnel that the drains served by the oil water separator are non-functional and should not be used.
- Use a dipstick or site-glass to check the level of accumulated oil to ensure there is enough capacity to receive pumped or drained material.
- Oil Removal:
- Place oil absorbent pads around the oil decant valve.
- Connect a drain hose or position a waste oil drum beneath the valve.
- Drain the gathered oil into a waste container.
- Liquid and Solid Removal:
- After removing the waste oil, drain or pump the remaining liquid into a waste removal truck.
- If possible, remove the inclined coalescing plates and place them over a watertight bin for individual cleaning.
- Clean the plates using a pressure washer, drain gathered liquid as necessary.
- Note and record the level of gathered solids in the separators.
- Use a high-pressure spray to liquidise and pump out the solids simultaneously.
- Final Steps:
- Replace the coalescing plates according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Clean all maintenance equipment with rags and oil dispersing cleaners.
- Restore all covers removed during maintenance.
Maintenance of Buried Oil Water Separators
- Preparation:
- Place safety barriers and warning signs around the work area.
- Close the inlet valve piping and notify all site personnel that the drains served by the oil water separator are non-functional and should not be used.
- Determine if confined space entry (CSE) is required. If so, position all necessary recovery and air exchange equipment as per HSA requirements, allowing only trained personnel with the required attendants to enter the separator.
- Oil Removal:
- Use a dipstick to check the oil level and ensure there is adequate capacity for pumping or draining.
- Place oil absorbent pads around connections of the piping used for pumping out the separator and around all containers receiving waste oil.
- Pump the gathered oil into a waste container.
- Liquid and Solid Removal:
- After removing the waste oil, pump the remaining liquid into a waste removal truck.
- If possible, remove the inclined coalescing plates and place them over a watertight bin for cleaning.
- Clean the plates using a pressure washer, decanting or pumping the gathered liquid as necessary.
- Note and record the level of gathered solids in the separators.
- Use a high-pressure spray to liquidise and pump out the solids simultaneously.
- Final Steps:
- Prior to replacing the coalescing plates, note and record the level of gathered solids.
- Replace the plates according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Clean all maintenance equipment with rags and oil dispersing cleaners.
- Restore all covers removed during maintenance.
How Often Should You Maintain Your Oil Separator?
Maintaining an oil separator requires a consistent schedule to ensure it operates efficiently and lasts longer.
Here’s a simple maintenance schedule to follow:
Daily Checks:
- Inspect the oil separator for any visible issues or leaks.
- Ensure that the water and oil levels are within the correct range.
Weekly Checks:
- Clean any debris or sludge from the separator.
- Check and clean the filters to ensure they are not clogged.
Monthly Checks:
- Inspect all parts for wear and tear and replace any damaged components.
- Test the efficiency of the separator to ensure it is working correctly.
Annual Maintenance:
- Conduct a thorough inspection of the entire system.
- Replace major components as needed and perform a complete clean-up of the separator.
What Are the Best Practices For Maintaining an Oil Separator?
Maintaining an oil separator effectively requires following certain best practices that ensure its longevity and efficient operation.
Here are some key practices to keep in mind
Use Proper Cleaning Agents and Tools:
- Always use cleaning agents and tools that are safe for the oil separator.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid damaging the equipment.
Regularly Check for Blockages:
- Inspect for and remove any sludge or debris buildup.
- Ensure that filters and screens are clean to prevent clogs.
Train Maintenance Staff:
- Provide proper training for staff on how to maintain the oil separator.
- Ensure that they understand the importance of each maintenance task.
Follow a Maintenance Schedule:
- Adhere to a set schedule for inspections, cleaning, and part replacements.
- Regular maintenance helps catch minor issues before they become major problems.
Keep Detailed Records:
- Log all maintenance activities, including inspections, cleanings, and replacements.
- Maintaining records helps track the condition of the oil separator and plan future maintenance needs
Conclusion
Maintaining an oil separator is important for its efficiency and longevity. Regular inspections, proper cleaning, timely part replacements, and staff training are essential practices.
By following a maintenance schedule and keeping detailed records, you ensure your separator operates smoothly and complies with regulations.
Need professional assistance? Let’s keep your operations running efficiently—reach out to Resolute Civils now!
FRQENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How often should oil separators be cleaned?
Oil separators should be cleaned regularly, typically every six months, but the frequency may vary depending on the usage and local regulations.
What are the steps to clean an oil separator?
To clean an oil separator, remove any sludge and sediment, clean the filters and screens, and inspect for any blockages or damage.
Why is it important to maintain an oil separator?
Regular maintenance ensures the oil separator operates efficiently, prevents environmental contamination, and helps comply with regulatory standards.
What tools are needed to maintain an oil separator?
Maintenance requires basic tools like wrenches, cleaning agents, and replacement parts such as filters and seals, as well as safety equipment.
How do you test an oil separator’s efficiency?
To test an oil separator’s efficiency, monitor the oil and water levels, check for leaks, and conduct periodic performance tests according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Is professional maintenance recommended for oil separators?
Yes, professional maintenance is recommended to ensure thorough inspections, proper cleaning, and compliance with regulations, which can extend the lifespan of the equipment.