How oil-water separators work (in plain English)

• Gravity separation: Oil rises, sludge settles.

• Coalescing media: Plate packs help tiny droplets merge so they separate faster.

• Flow control: Inlet diffusers and baffles reduce turbulence for better capture.

• Discharge assurance: Weirs and sample points verify effluent quality.

Common configurations we provide

• API / gravity units: High flow, large footprint—great for refineries and heavy industry.

• Coalescing plate (CPI) separators: Compact, efficient performance for fleets, wash bays, and light industry.

• Hydrocyclone/centrifugal add-ons: For high emulsions or limited space.

• Integrated systems: Skid-mounted separators with pumps, controls, and secondary containment.

Design & permitting considerations (Arizona specifics)

• Peak storm flows, first-flush capture, and bypass strategy

• Materials & coatings that tolerate heat and UV

• Secondary containment and overfill/spill control

• Access for maintenance: hatches, davits, vacuum truck clearance

• Monitoring: high-oil alarms, interlocks to shut down upstream equipment

Maintenance that keeps you compliant

• Scheduled vacuum cleanouts and sludge/oil disposal manifests

• Coalescer inspections and media replacement when fouled

• Effluent sampling and logbooks for audits

• Training for on-site staff on do’s and don’ts (detergents, emulsions, bypasses)

Industries we support

Fuels & logistics • Ready-mix & aggregates • Manufacturing • Utilities & power • Municipal yards • Auto/fleet service & wash facilities

Ready to plan your project? Get a site walk and a budgetary estimate from our environmental systems team.

Helpful links

• Plan the equipment pad with Concrete Flatwork

• Repair or restore existing containment with Concrete Repairs

• Route influent/effluent lines via Utility Trenches

• Keep systems tuned with Facility Maintenance

• Safely daylight and tie into existing utilities with Hydro Excavation

• Manage runoff at outfalls with Erosion Control

• Need storage, too? See Oil Storage Tanks

FAQs

How do I know what size separator I need?
We size units based on expected flow (peak and average), oil type/concentration, solids load, and required discharge quality. A quick site walk and data review is usually enough to recommend the right capacity.

Do I need permits in Arizona for an oil-water separator?
Most sites require approvals for discharge, plumbing, and sometimes air/vapor controls. We help with submittals, drawings, and sampling plans to meet local and state requirements.

How often should my separator be cleaned or serviced?
Typical intervals are 3–12 months, depending on usage and solids/oil loading. We set schedules after baseline sampling and can add alarms to trigger service before performance drops.

Can a separator handle detergents and emulsions from wash bays?
Standard gravity/coalescing units struggle with strong emulsions. We’ll review your chemicals and may recommend emulsion-friendly media, pretreatment, or process changes to ensure compliance.

What’s included in your maintenance program?
Vacuum cleanout and disposal manifests, coalescer/media inspection or replacement, gasket/seal checks, effluent sampling, and a written report with photos and recommendations.

Other tank services:

• Water Tanks: large water tanks, 10,000 gallon water tanks, 2,000 gallon water tanks, 2,500 gallon water tanks, underground water tanks, 500 gallon water tanks.
• Propane Tanks: large propane tanks, 250 gallon propane tanks, 500 gallon propane tanks, underground propane tanks
• Other Tanks: oil heating tanks, 500 gallon gas/fuel tanks, tanks for oil, crude oil tanks, oil water separator tanks