Water Treatment Options For Australian Businesses

Oil water separators are devices which are used for treating wastewater and getting the water to a standard where it is safe for discharging into a permitted discharge point, generally a sewer. These devices remove grease, oils, and hydrocarbons, leaving the water non-toxic to be disposed of safely in drainage.

The following Australian businesses will need to use oil water separators if they are:
  • Wastewater production is part of their regular operation.
  • Wastewater is discharged into public drain systems.
  • Required to attain water authority compliance.

The type of oil water separator will be determined by the type of wastewater that is produced, and the local area’s water authority prerequisites.

Various Types Of Oil-Water Separators Fall Into These Four Standard Categories:
  1. Coalescing
  2. Hydro cyclone
  3. Vertical gravity
  4. Oil and petrol interceptor pits

Each device has one primary function, to treat the wastewater to a point where it is safe for discharge. However, each system has a different way of achieving this.

1. Coalescing

This model is the most commonly used for removing hydrocarbons, grease, and oils from wastewater while conforming to stipulated discharge criterions. Media packs are arranged in two phases to compel droplets of oil to impact on the surface area. Upon impingement of the media packs, the oil droplets elevate to the surface and are skimmed off and into the waste oil container.

2. Hydro Cyclone

A hydro cyclone water oil separation system operates by sending the wastewater through the cyclone chamber, which is applying powerful centrifugal forces. These forces coerce the oil and water droplets to split.

3. Vertical Gravity

A Vertical gravity separator work through controlling both pressure and fluid velocity. The energies are used for separating impurities from the water, permitting the contaminants to drain off into the waste areas.

4. Oil And Petrol Interceptor Pits

These systems generally house two or three compartment gravity flow systems that operate on the principle of petrol, hydrocarbons, and diesel floating above the water. Therefore, pollutants can be split and removed from wastewater.

Businesses That Typically Uses Water Oil Separators:

  • Mechanics and vehicle repair workshops
  • Service stations
  • Car dealerships
  • Commercial car washes

Industries Where Water Oil Separators Are Usually Used:

  • Construction
  • Mining
  • Quarantine
  • Food processing

These are the most commonly used sectors where these systems are used. However, they can be applied in other industries where the need for water treatment of wastewater is necessary.

Why Is Water Treatment Of Wastewater Essential?

The local environments and waterways of Australia are cherished, and they are crucial for the preservation of Australia’s fauna and flora and for ensuring the affluence of having access to safe and clean water. Discharging of untreated wastewater into local estuaries and stormwater drains can significantly harm the waterways and environment. Water pollution can taint native species, causing prolonged damage to the delicate ecosystem and making water dangerous for human interaction. That’s why discharging of wastewater from commercial businesses is firmly regulated by local water authorities and EPA (Environmental Protect Agency).