Water Treatment Options For Australian Businesses

Oil water separators are devices used for treating wastewater and getting the water to a safe standard for discharging into a permitted discharge point, generally a sewer. These devices remove grease, oils, and hydrocarbons, leaving the water non-toxic and safely disposed of 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 kind of wastewater 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 criteria. Media packs are arranged in two phases to compel oil droplets to impact 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 hydrocyclone water oil separation system operates by sending the wastewater through the cyclone chamber, which applies powerful centrifugal forces. These forces coerce the oil and water droplets to split.

3. Vertical Gravity

A Vertical gravity separator works by controlling both pressure and fluid velocity. The energies are used to separate impurities from the water, permitting the contaminants to drain into the waste areas.

4. Oil And Petrol Interceptor Pits

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

Businesses That Typically Use 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?

Australia's local environments and waterways are cherished, and they are crucial for preserving Australia's fauna and flora and ensuring the affluence of having access to safe and clean water. Discharging 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 wastewater discharging from commercial businesses is firmly regulated by local water authorities and the EPA (Environmental Protect Agency).