What Does ‘OWS’ Stand for in Below Ground OWS?

Hard Water Treatment - Oil Water Separation Systems - Maintenance Needs for Below Ground Oil Water Separators - Are Oil Water Separators Environmentally Friendly? What is an Oil Water Separator - What Does 'OWS' Stand for in Below Ground OWS? Are Air Compressor Oil Water Separators Environmentally Friendly? How Does an Air Compressor Oil Water Separator Work? How to Install an Air Compressor Oil Water Separator?

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What if the systems meant to protect our environment were not understood? What Does ‘OWS’ Stand for in Below Ground OWS?  The term ‘OWS’ means Oil Water Separator. It’s a key technology used in below-ground systems. It helps keep our ecosystems safe by separating oil from water.

Knowing what ‘OWS’ means is key for following rules and managing resources well. This article will dive into what ‘OWS’ is and why it’s important. It will show how it helps keep our water clean for the future.

Key Takeaways

  • OWS’ means Oil Water Separator, vital for environmental compliance.
  • Advanced OWS systems can achieve up to 95% efficiency in separating oil from water.
  • Corrosion-resistant materials enhance system longevity by 30% compared to standard options.
  • Real-time monitoring with smart sensors can improve leak detection by 50%.
  • Effective drainage solutions reduce environmental contamination risk by 70%.
  • Implementing OWS systems can cut operational costs by up to 15%.

Understanding ‘OWS’ and Its Importance

The term ‘OWS’ stands for oil water separator. It’s a key device for removing oil and hydrocarbons from water. Knowing about OWS is vital in many industries where water disposal rules apply.

Businesses must treat oils and greases before discharging into sewers. This is a must for those handling hydrocarbons.

Definition of OWS

An oil water separator separates oil from water. This reduces harmful hydrocarbon levels in wastewater. It’s a way for industries to treat water well and protect the environment.

Companies like Cleanawater provide different oil separator systems. For example, Coalescing Plate Separators can remove up to 10 ppm of oil. Vertical Gravity Separators handle flow rates from 700 to 3,000 litres.

Role in Hydrocarbon Management

The oil water separator is key in managing hydrocarbons. It makes sure oily wastewater meets standards. In industrial settings, it targets hydrocarbon pollution well.

Following local rules means regular maintenance of these separators. This ensures they work well and safely dispose of treated water.

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The Functionality of Below Ground OWS

Below ground OWS systems are great at handling wastewater. They use gravity and coalescing to remove oil from water. This is key in many places, like mining truck washing.

Mechanism of Operation

Wastewater goes into the OWS system first. It has a special design for solids to settle and oils to float. The system uses special media to make oil droplets bigger.

This makes it easier to collect the oil. It’s much better than old methods that don’t work as well.

Advantages Over Other Separation Methods

Below ground OWS systems need little upkeep. They last longer and need less help than other systems. Their small size fits in tight spots, like mining areas.

They also separate oil and water very well. This is important for places that have to follow strict rules. So, they’re the best choice for many industries.

Regulatory Standards for Hydrocarbon Discharge

In North America, keeping hydrocarbon discharge limits is key for industries with oily wastewater. They must treat discharges to have less than 10 Parts per Million (PPM) of hydrocarbons. Following these rules helps companies avoid big fines and keeps the environment safe.

North American Hydrocarbon Limits

Meeting these limits can be tough, but it’s essential. Companies face challenges, like dealing with emulsified oils. Freytech Inc. offers solutions like oil-water separators that can separate hydrocarbons down to 0.1 PPM.

This technology ensures discharges are clean and meets strict rules. It also boosts the efficiency of wastewater treatment.

Importance of Compliance

Following environmental rules is vital for companies in the Clean Water Act area. It brings many benefits and helps a company’s image. Keeping records and reports is important to show you’re following the rules.

If you don’t comply, your actions could be made public. This can harm your reputation a lot. It shows how important it is to follow hydrocarbon discharge limits for a sustainable future. For more on how to meet these standards, check out Freytech’s offerings.

Enhanced Coalescing Technology Explained

Enhanced coalescing technology is key in improving oil-water separation. It helps gather small oil droplets for better removal. Freytech separators use this tech to reach separation levels as low as 0.1 PPM.

This is much better than old methods, which can’t match this level of efficiency.

How It Improves Separation Efficiency

This technology uses a reusable coalescing media. It makes oil-water separation more effective and easier to maintain. This leads to long-term savings for users.

It also makes it easier to get high-efficiency separation. This is a big help in overcoming common separation challenges.

Comparison with Traditional Methods

Enhanced coalescing technology is far better than old methods. Traditional methods often can’t get the same separation results. They leave more hydrocarbons in treated water.

This new technology helps meet environmental standards. It ensures the water discharged is very clean. It’s a big step forward in managing hydrocarbons.

Freytech Inc. Solutions

Freytech Inc. offers a wide range of oil water separator packages for different needs. These packages use the latest OWS technologies. They include advanced coalescing systems and special oil skimmers to remove hydrocarbons from water.

These products aim for high separation efficiency. They always meet the standard of less than 10 Parts per Million (PPM) for hydrocarbon discharge.

Overview of Freytech Separator Packages

The Freytech separator packages are made to fit various industries. This includes automotive repair shops and petrochemical facilities. Their below-ground systems handle free non-emulsified oils well.

They also remove trace amounts of emulsified oil up to 0.1 PPM. This meets strict regulatory standards and shows Freytech’s dedication to protecting the environment. For more information, visit Freytech’s website.

Key Technologies Used

Freytech Inc. uses the latest OWS technologies in their packages. Their patented oil skimmers remove 99.7% of oil from water. They can handle oils with specific gravity between 0.82 and 0.88.

These technologies are key for meeting today’s wastewater treatment needs. Many Freytech separators also save money by reducing the need for expensive septic truck services.

Freytech Inc - How Do Above Ground Separators Differ From Underground Ones? How Long Does an Above Ground Separator Last? What Are the Environmental Benefits of Above Ground OWS? How to Install an Above Ground Oil Water Separator

Separation Efficiency Metrics

Separation efficiency metrics are key to judging oil-water separators’ performance. They show how well these systems keep water clean from oil. Freytech’s advanced coalescing tech leads to top-notch results.

Understanding 5 PPM Performance

In North America, oil-water separation must meet 10 Parts per Million (PPM) discharge limits. Freytech’s systems go beyond this, hitting a 5 PPM separation mark. This high standard not only meets rules but also helps protect the environment.

Achieving 0.1 PPM Separation

Freytech aims even higher, reaching a 0.1 PPM separation. This shows the company’s dedication to setting high standards. Such high efficiency boosts compliance and supports environmental care.

Types of Hydrocarbons Managed

Freytech’s Oil Water Separator (OWS) systems handle different hydrocarbons important for industries. Types like motor oil and diesel fuel are found in places like car washes and gas stations. It’s key to remove these hydrocarbons well to keep our environment safe and water clean.

Common Variants Like Motor Oil and Diesel

Motor oil and diesel can pollute water when they flow into waterways through stormwater. Freytech’s systems manage these hydrocarbons to protect our water. The rules for handling these substances are strict to keep our environment safe.

Effects of Hydrocarbons on Water Quality

Hydrocarbons like motor oil and diesel harm water quality. The Environmental Management Act warns about the dangers of untreated sewage and industrial waste. Freytech’s technology helps industries meet strict limits on hydrocarbon discharge.

By using advanced separators, Freytech helps achieve very low levels of oil in water. This is good for our planet and helps keep our water safe.

The Role of Coalescing Media

The coalescing media is key in Freytech’s OWS systems. It greatly improves how oil and water mixtures are separated. This special media helps oil droplets stick together, making the separated liquids better in quality.

Reusability and Maintenance

This coalescing media can be reused, saving costs and keeping performance high. It’s easy to maintain with simple checks and cleanings. This means less downtime and more efficiency.

Spray Washing Process

The coalescing media is cleaned through a spray washing process. This removes dirt and keeps it working well for years. It’s a key part of keeping the system running efficiently and reducing the need for replacements.

Optional Features: Patented Oil Skimmer

Freytech’s oil-water separation systems include a patented oil skimmer. This feature works automatically, pulling oil from the separation chamber into a container. It makes the oil very clean, 99.7% pure, ready for recycling.

Functionality of the Oil Skimmer

The oil skimmer works well with the oil-water separator system. It helps remove unwanted hydrocarbons from wastewater. This technology cuts down on manual work, saving money and making the process smoother.

It helps facilities meet North American hydrocarbon discharge limits. They can keep their discharge under 10 Parts per Million (PPM).

Benefits of Mechanically Draining Separated Oil

The patented oil skimmer brings many benefits. It makes the work area cleaner by reducing the need for expensive septic truck services. These services often charge by the gallon for oil removal.

It also helps facilities manage oily wastewater better. This reduces downtime and supports sustainability. The skimmer can even separate oil as low as 0.1 PPM, making it key for modern wastewater management.

Recycling and Environmental Impact

Industries are now using better oil-water separation technologies. This helps recover skimmed oil from systems like those from Freytech. It turns waste into a valuable resource.

This recycling process brings big economic benefits. Companies can use waste as materials, making their operations more efficient. It’s key for reducing environmental impact and following oil waste rules.

The Value of Skimmed Oil

Recycling skimmed oil helps the environment by saving resources. It also cuts down on the need for new oils, helping the economy go full circle. This saves money and shows a company cares about the planet.

Using the right oil waste solutions is important for companies. They can use systems like Freytech’s to reduce their environmental impact. This makes their operations more sustainable and gives them an edge in the market.

Recycling skimmed oil shows how industries can change for the better. It’s all about using resources wisely and caring for the planet.

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FAQ

What does ‘OWS’ stand for in below ground OWS?

OWS’ stands for Oil Water Separator. It’s a device that separates oil and other hydrocarbons from water.

Why is OWS significant in environmental compliance?

OWS systems are key in managing hydrocarbon pollution. They ensure treated wastewater meets discharge regulations. This protects natural water bodies.

How do below ground OWS systems operate?

Below ground OWS systems use gravity and enhanced coalescing to remove oil. They let solids settle and lighter oils rise for collection.

What are the regulatory standards for hydrocarbon discharge?

In North America, the hydrocarbon discharge limit is 10 Parts Per Million (PPM). Effective OWS systems can achieve even lower levels.

How does enhanced coalescing technology improve oil-water separation efficiency?

Enhanced coalescing technology helps gather tiny oil droplets. This improves their removal, making separation efficiencies of 0.1 PPM or better possible.

What solutions does Freytech Inc. offer regarding oil water separation?

Freytech Inc. offers advanced separator packages. They use patented technologies to remove hydrocarbons from wastewater in various industries.

What metrics are used to assess separation efficiency in OWS systems?

Metrics include performance measurements like achieving discharge levels below 5 PPM. Often, the goal is as low as 0.1 PPM for emulsified oils.

What types of hydrocarbons can below ground OWS systems manage?

These systems manage a variety of hydrocarbons. This includes motor oil, diesel fuel, gasoline, and jet fuel.

What role does coalescing media play in OWS systems?

The coalescing media enhances oil separation. It promotes the amalgamation of oil droplets. It’s reusable, making operations cost-effective and sustainable.

What benefits does the optional patented oil skimmer provide?

The oil skimmer automatically drains collected oil. It ensures the oil is 99.7% pure. It reduces manual handling and streamlines the oil separation process.

How does recycling skimmed oil impact environmental sustainability?

Recycling skimmed oil reduces waste. It contributes to resource conservation. It promotes sustainability efforts in various industrial practices.

FreyTech's Line of Quality Below Ground Oil Water Separators

EcoLine B

Enhanced Coalescing Oil Water Separators for installation inside new or to RETROFIT existing concrete or steel tanks. This series is extremely versatile in that it can be installed inside existing above or below ground round, square or rectangular tanks. Instead of shipping heavy concrete / steel tanks cross country, simply procure a standard off the shelf tank locally and connect our turnkey separator kit to the outlet pipe inside your tank. 

 
This unique solution can save operators substantial time and expense since they can now utilize an existing tank instead of having to replace it with costly new tanking systems. Separates free non-emulsified oil, hydrocarbons, diesel, gasoline, fuels, from water to below 5 parts per million (PPM) guaranteed. Affordable small units for flow rates starting between 50 gallons per minute (GPM) to over 1,100 GPM. 
 
The filter / coalescing media can be washed by hand with a hose for years of trouble free efficient use. Maintenance is conducted above ground without having to enter tank making it more affordable, quicker, cleaner and safer. Mechanical automatic shut off valve included to prevent accidental discharge in the event the unit is not maintained on a timely basis. No electrical power requirements.

Typical Fields of Application

  • Gasoline stations and other fueling facilities.
  • Electrical transformers, power generation plants.
  • Oil storage areas.
  • Transportation fueling systems, diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, etc.
  • Surface and washing water from petrol stations, car wash and
  • repair workshops, pressure washer cleaning, wash water recycling.
  • Treatment of industrial process waste water.
  • Treatment of waste water from oil-removal plants.
  • Purification upstream to emulsion breakers, ultra- and microfiltration.
  • Refineries – extremely hot oily water applications.

Oil Water Separation Process Description for Ecoline B Series

Following, we provide technical information and calculations regarding oil water separation with the EcoLine B 3 (50 GPM / 3 L/S flow rate)  oil water separator.

Stokes Law and other considerations as applied to Freytech oil water separators.

The oil/water mixture flows into the tank where there is sufficient dwell time for some of the solids / mud (if any are present) to sink to the bottom of this section of the tank. The oil water mixture now contains fewer solids as it continues downstream to the section of the tank where the coalescing media panel is installed. Some of the larger oil droplets present in the waste stream will start to rise to the surface and form an oil layer or a sheen floating on the surface of the water.
The wastewater still contains small oil droplets which have not had enough retention time to rise to the water surface and this waste stream continues its flow downstream and enters the coalescing media.

What actually separates the oil from the water is our oleophilic media made of washable and durable reticular polyurethane-polyether material. Oil is attracted to this media. As soon as each oil droplet in the waste stream comes into contact with the coalescing media, it is separated and immediately collides with other oil droplets which are also being simultaneously separated.

As these oil droplets continue to collide with each other, they coalesce together forming larger oil droplets and then detach from the media and rise to the water surface because of their specific weight (oil being lighter than water). 

The reticular polyurethane-polyether material which separates the oil from the water has a surprisingly large surface area given its composition and consistency.

The formula for the minimum effective surface of the coalescing media is A = 1.4 x NS m² Surface (in m²) = 1. 4 x Nominal size.
A conventional 50 GPM / 3 l/s treatment flow rate below ground separator has: 3 x 1.4 = 4.2 m2 (45 ft2 ) of minimum required coalescing surface area. The Freytech Inc. EcoLine B-ADD 3 model has  9 m2 (97 ft2) of effective coalescing surface area.

ECOSORP

FOR EMULSIFIED AND DISSOLVED OIL: (ECOSORP BELOW 1 PPM)

The EcoSorp oil water separator is for use to obtain below 1 part per million (PPM) separation efficiencies. It is for use with free or PHYSICALLY EMULSIFIED AND DISSOLVED OIL by adsorption from water. This represents exceptionally clean separation. The EcoSorp requires filter / coalescing media cartridge replacement since it works through adsorption and the media becomes saturated over time (typically once a year). Recommended for use downstream of a Freytech Inc. above or below ground 5 PPM oil water separator to prolong its useful life. The media can absorb up to 22 lbs (10 kg) of oil. Units available with flow rates up to 100 gallons per minute (GPM) / 380 liters per minute (L/M). No electrical power requirements.

Typical Fields of Application

  • For emulsified and dissolved oil. 

HIGH FLOW RATE OIL WATER SEPARATOR

Each XL Separator Panel can effectively treat oily water flow rates ranging from 320 GPM (20 l/s) to 640 GPM (40 l/s). Achieves 5 Part per Million (PPM) separation of free non-emulsified oil. By far, the most affordable method for large industrial oil-water separation since panels can be installed side by side like windowpanes in a submerged cross-wall in locally procured concrete or steel tanks. This unique solution represents a huge advantage over shipping conventional bulky separators since there is no limit to the flow rate that can be treated and the panels are washable and reusable. Maintenance is conducted from above ground making it safer, cleaner, quicker and of course, more affordable. Each panel requires 1 yard / 1 meter of submerged wall space. Optional polishing system available to also separate trace emulsified oil down to 0.1 PPM.

With the optional ADD Skimmer, the oil being separated by the XL Panels is mechanically and automatically collected 24/7 and drained by gravity to a separate receptacle. The skimmed oil will contain only 0.3% of water thus providing the operator with an outstanding 99.7 % concentration of pure used oil. This represents a significant advantage over other skimmers in that the operator no longer has to pay for the separated oil and the excess water to be removed from the separator by septic truck and shipped/ treated in a wastewater treatment plant. The operator can even sell or donate the pure separated oil since it is now possible to skim it free of water from the separator on site.