Tackle pollution through separator specification

Use of oil separators is critical in a wide range of applications from car parks to garage forecourts to prevent oil and hydrocarbons entering the drainage system.

Use of oil separators is critical in a wide range of applications from car parks to garage forecourts to prevent oil and hydrocarbons entering the drainage system.

Separators are available from suppliers such as Hepworth Building Products in a number of different versions to meet varying needs.

They include Bypass and Full Retention models, with the Bypass design capable of accommodating drainage areas up to 55,550 m2.

The designs can be used in conjunction with pipe systems up to 600mm diameter.

Although it is difficult to provide hard and fast rules on usage and specialist advice is normally required, it is helpful to understand the basic guidelines regarding systems appropriate to different applications.

Full retention separators are intended for use in high-risk areas where there is heavy oil contamination or the possibility of emergency spillage.

The single chamber design offers excellent separation and settlement characteristics.

They incorporate an automatic closure device which shuts off the aperture when the separator becomes full of oil, preventing downstream pollution.

By-pass separators are the ideal choice where there is a lower risk of pollution as in roadways or car parks.

These provide full treatment of rainfall flows up to 5mm/hr which covers 99 per cent of rainfall events.

Full retention and by-pass separators are available in either Class 1 or Class 2.

Class 1 models should be specified when discharging to the surface water drainage system, water courses and soakaways.

They incorporate a coalescing filter and are designed to achieve a concentration of less than 5mg/litre of oil under test conditions.

Class 2 models are generally used when discharging to a foul water sewer.

They are designed to achieve a concentration of less than 100mg/litre of oil under test conditions.

In addition to these, Hepworth Conder also supplies Class 1 and 2 forecourt separators which are specifically designed for petrol filling stations.

Petrol station forecourts have a high risk of petrol or oil spillage, and must have sufficient capacity to contain the contents of a spillage from one compartment of a fuel delivery tanker.

Hepworth Conder systems combine ease of installation with long term durability and performance.

They are available in a wide variety of pipework sizes and orientations and can be easily connected to the drainage system.

Further advice on product specification and available systems can be obtained from Hepworth Building Products.

Back to top