What is an oil water separator?
An API oil-water separator is a machine made to separate oil and suspended solids in large quantities, from industrial wastewater produced in petrochemical plants, chemical plants, natural gas processing facilities, and other sources of oily industrial water.
Using Stokes Law to calculate the rise velocity of oil droplets based on their density and size, the API separator is a gravity separation device. As opposed to the specific gravity difference between water and suspended particulates, which is substantially larger, the design is based on the specific gravity difference between oil and wastewater.
Let us understand the basic design of the API oil-water separators
What are the Components of an API oil water separator?
Firstly, an entrance portion with a diffusion wall, a separator channel, an oil retention baffle, and an output section, make up the fundamental parts of the API Separator. Additional choices for handling solids include waste screens, a slotted pipe skimmer, surface conveyors, and a bottom drag or screw conveyor, depending on the needs of your industry.
Secondly, the separated wastewater is the middle layer between the oil layer and the suspended particles layer, which settles to the bottom of the separator as a sediment layer and rises to the top of the separator.
Thirdly, there are complete covers for a variety of materials that include the required environmental and safety criteria. A nitrogen blanketing system, carbon filtering to remove hydrocarbons from the blanket gas, exhaust flares, pressure relieving valves, and access doors, are a few examples of these measures.
Finally, above-ground separators are often made of corrosion-resistant coatings on carbon steel. Below ground separators are often made of steel or concrete, and they could also have additional specifications for leak detection and containment.
Design Requirements
For each oil water separation application, Netsol Water Solutionsuses various design criteria while utilising the most recent technical advancements, to maximize performance and efficiency. We frequently also create specialised oil water separators on demand, incorporating process features and site-specific configurations to meet your requirements.
You may rely on our expertise in clarification and separation, the calibre of our fabrication, and our on-going support to provide your system, the best chance of long-term success.
Use of Circular separators
In some situations, circular oil water separators can be used in place of rectangular API separators. To handle the heaviest oil and solids loading requirements, these units are outfitted with improved oil skimming mechanisms, high torque drives, and sludge collection rakes.
Based on the particular needs of your project, our engineer can offer the best advice on the benefits and drawbacks of each system design.
Optional API Separator Items
· Drag conveyor, surface skimmer, oil roll, and vapour cover are all available extras.
· Designs for inlet configurations are based on the application.
· Mechanical surface skimmer and pipe skimmer are also used.
· Automated oil rolls and belt skimmer for oil removal are also used.
· For collecting solids, you can use a drag conveyor, a screw auger, or a pyramid hopper.
To cut down on installation expenses, we can offer API Separators in sizable shop-fabricated and installed modules.
Retrofits for API Separators
To enhance separation, increase oil reclamation, or solve any other operational or maintenance issues, existing API Separators can be modified with new internal components.
Additionally, our parallel plate packs can be added to existing API Separators to expand their effective surface area, which will improve oil removal and enhance the flow capacity of the wastewater.
How can we assist?
Netsol Water provides expert guidance and technical support for all air, water and wastewater related issues. Our certified specialists have worked on a wide range of oil-water separators, in a variety of wastewater treatment sectors.
We will assist you in ensuring that your industry complies with all authority laws. We are the experts, from design to installation, to support and maintenance. You can reach us via phone at +91 9650608473 or drop a mail at enquiry@netsolwater.com for additional information.
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