Technology - Suparator

Technology — Suparator

What is Suparator

Suparator is a robust yet simple product that can mechanically separate not only oil and water, but really any two fluids of different densities.

Using the same principal that makes airplanes fly, it pulls denser fluid underneath a series of weirs (aka wings) allowing the less dense fluid to collect at the top. The less dense fluid concentrates more and more after each weir and is collected for reuse or waste.

This process could separate the thinnest layer of oil – like the rainbow sheen you see in a parking lot after a rainstorm.

Advantages

The Suparator Principal

The sketch above shows a channel in cross‐sectional view. The aqueous medium (blue), with oil (red), flows through this channel from left to right. A number of plates are mounted across the channel, such that the major part of the flow passes underneath (under flow) and a smaller portion passes overhead (upper flow).

1. Collection

The upper flow carries traces of oil into the top of theSuparator device.

2. Accumulation

Oil traces combine and accumulate in the first compartment. Through the opening at the bottom, aqueous medium is sucked out from this compartment.

3. Decant

The high pressure fluid below pulls out the aqueous medium, leaving a thick floating layer of oil

4. Separation

The upper fraction of the oil layer runs over the weir and pure oil is separated.

The Suparator Principal in Practice

THE BIGGER PICTURE:
SKIM AND TREAT

A good oil removal system removes oil quickly minimizing deposition and sedimentation, does not emulsify the oil, and leaves no visible traces of oil behind. The skim and treat method has proven to be just that. The method consists of four different components:
 

1. Skimmer: A Suparskim skimmer, floating or fixed to the tank wall, continuously removes the top layer from the tank to keep the surface completely oil film free.

2. Pump: A positive displacement pump transfers fluid to the oil separator without emulsifying the oil.

3. Separation Device: The Suparator oil separator accumulates, collects, and separates all traces of free oil.

4. Return:  After the oil is removed, the aqueous fluid is returned to the tank for reuse.