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Oil-Water Separation Systems

Advanced oil-water separation technologies for demanding industrial wastewater applications treatment. From gravity-based API separators to high-efficiency coalescing systems, we deliver solutions that achieve discharge compliance with oil levels down to 5 ppm. Engineered for oil & gas, petrochemical, automotive, and manufacturing applications.

Effective Oil Removal Solutions

Oil-water separation is critical for industries generating oily wastewater. Our comprehensive range of separation technologies addresses applications from free oil removal to emulsified oil treatment, ensuring compliance with environmental discharge standards including EPA Clean Water Act, OSPAR, and local regulations.

Pre-Treatment

Screening & settling

Primary Separation

API/CPI separation

Polishing

Coalescing/DAF

Discharge

< 5-15 ppm oil

Separation Technologies

We offer a complete range of oil-water separation technologies to match your specific application requirements.

API Separators

Traditional gravity separation using Stokes' Law principles. Rectangular basins with inlet diffusers, parallel plate sections, and oil skimming mechanisms. Ideal for high-flow applications with free oil removal.

150-1500 m³/hrFree oil >150 micronAPI 421 compliant

Corrugated Plate Interceptors (CPI)

Enhanced gravity separation using inclined corrugated plates to reduce settling distance. Compact footprint with high separation efficiency. Suitable for applications with limited space.

50-500 m³/hrOil >60 micronSpace-saving

DAF Flotation Systems

Dissolved Air Flotation for removing emulsified oils and fine suspended solids. Micro-bubbles attach to oil droplets, floating them to the surface for skimming. Effective for stable emulsions.

10-500 m³/hrEmulsified oil<15 ppm achievable

Coalescing Media Separators

High-efficiency separation using oleophilic media packs that promote droplet coalescence. Achieves very low oil concentrations suitable for direct discharge or reuse applications.

5-200 m³/hr<5 ppm achievablePolishing stage

Magnetic Separation

For oil contaminated with magnetic particles or when using magnetic additives. High-gradient magnetic separators remove oil-magnetic particle agglomerates from wastewater streams.

Speciality applicationsMagnetic particlesHigh efficiency

Containerised Systems

Pre-engineered oil-water separation plants housed in ISO shipping containers. Rapid deployment, minimal civil works, and easy relocation. Ideal for remote sites and temporary operations.

10-200 m³/hrPlug & playRapid deployment

Typical Performance by Technology

Selection of the appropriate technology depends on inlet oil concentration, droplet size distribution, and required discharge limits.

TechnologyInlet Oil RangeOutlet PerformanceDroplet SizeBest For
API Separator100-1000 mg/L10-15 mg/L>150 micronHigh flow, free oil
CPI Separator50-500 mg/L5-10 mg/L>60 micronSpace-constrained
DAF Flotation20-200 mg/L5-15 mg/LEmulsified oilStable emulsions
Coalescing Media10-100 mg/L<5 mg/L>20 micronPolishing stage
Multi-Stage System100-1000 mg/L<5 mg/LAll sizesStringent discharge

Industry Applications

Regulatory Standards

Our oil-water separation systems are designed to meet worldwide discharge standards and industry regulations.

North America

EPA Clean Water ActAPI 42140 CFR 122Coast Guard 46 CFR

Compliance with federal discharge limits typically requiring <15 mg/L oil for onshore and <5 mg/L for offshore.

Europe

OSPAR ConventionEU Water FrameworkIPPC DirectiveEN 858

OSPAR requires <30 mg/L oil for produced water discharge to the North Sea.

International

MARPOL 73/78IMO ResolutionAS 1210ASME VIII

MARPOL Annex I requires <15 ppm oil for bilge water discharge from vessels.

Environmental Performance

Reynolds & Bauhm systems are designed to achieve oil discharge levels that meet or exceed regulatory requirements. Multi-stage treatment processes can achieve <5 ppm oil in discharge, enabling water reuse or safe discharge to sensitive environments.

SCADA & Control Systems

Integrated automation for continuous monitoring and control of oil-water separation processes.

SCADA Ready

Our oil-water separation systems can be equipped with comprehensive SCADA integration for real-time monitoring of oil levels, flow rates, pressure, and effluent quality. Remote access enables automated control of skimming operations, chemical dosing, and alarm management for unmanned facilities.

Oil Level MonitoringFlow Rate ControlEffluent QualityAutomated SkimmingRemote Alarms
Learn About SCADA Integration

Complete Your Treatment System

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API Separators — Engineering Deep-Dive

Stokes’-law sizing, API Publication 421 design methodology, rectangular API / CPI / TPI configurations and refinery-train integration.

Need an oil-water separation solution?

Contact our engineering team to discuss your specific application and discover the optimal separation technology for your wastewater.

Industries We Serve

Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.