Ölabscheider

Ölabscheider, or oil separator, are devices designed to remove oils and hydrocarbons from water, typically wastewater or runoff, to protect sewer systems and the environment. They are used in automotive service shops, industrial facilities, drilling sites, and on road drainage installations.

Working principle: Most oil separators rely on gravity separation: because oil is less dense than water, oil droplets rise to the surface and accumulate in an upper layer that can be removed. Some units employ coalescing media, baffles, or cyclonic action to speed up separation and improve oil removal efficiency. Inline configurations treat flows immediately at the source; larger installations have tanks with an oil sump, a weir to hold the water, and an oil outlet accordingly.

Types: gravity oil–water separators, coalescing plate separators, and inline separators; mobile or fixed; primary pretreatment units for industrial effluents and for road runoff; sometimes three- or even two-stage variants.

Operation and maintenance: proper sizing based on flow and oil load; regular inspection; removal of accumulated oil and sludge; cleaning of baffles and screens; check seals and valves; ensure that the effluent meets permitted hydrocarbon limits before discharge.

Standards and environmental aspects: many countries regulate oil separators; European standards include EN 858 for oil–water separators; compliance with local permits; disposal of collected oil according to hazardous waste guidelines; safety measures to prevent fire hazards due to flammable hydrocarbons.