Managing oil-contaminated wastewater is a challenge for industries like manufacturing, automotive, food processing, and transport. Effective oil-water separation not only helps you stay compliant but also protects equipment, cuts maintenance costs, and reduces environmental impact.
Baldwin Industrial Systems has over 35 years of Sydney-based experience, offering custom oil-water separation solutions for your industry.
Why is Oil-Water Separation Important?
In industries that handle large volumes of liquids, mixing oil with water can cause equipment damage, downtime and environmental risks. Oil-water separation protects your operations by:
- Preventing machinery wear and blockages
- Reducing costly downtime and repairs
- Meeting strict environmental discharge regulations
- Protecting your company’s reputation by avoiding pollution incidents
Baldwin’s wastewater treatment systems use reliable, proven technology to help your site meet both compliance standards and environmental targets. For expert advice on choosing the right oil-water separator for your application, call our Sydney team on (02) 4954 0440.
How Does Oil-Water Separation Work?
Oil and water separate naturally due to their density. Industrial systems use this principle, enhanced by coalescing plate separators and oil skimmers to remove oil contaminants efficiently. By tailoring separation techniques to your wastewater, you get optimal treatment results with minimal environmental impact.
Coalescing Plate Oil Water Separator
These systems filter wastewater through chambers that merge small oil droplets into larger ones, making it easier to separate and remove the oil. Commonly used in mining, petroleum refining and power stations, coalescing plate separators are built to handle variable flow rates and can be tailored to your operational needs.
A Texas chemical plant case study demonstrated that these units recovered over 3,000 gallons of hydrocarbons, all while maintaining compliance, even when surfactants complicated separation.
They offer several key benefits:
- Customised designs to suit different industries
- High oil removal efficiency
- Durable construction for long-term performance
RM-10® Oil Separator
The RM-10® system uses a unique clay-based chemical to treat oily, emulsified wastewater. It simplifies the process by reducing the need for multiple chemical additives and produces a stable, non-leachable sludge that’s easier to dispose of and less harmful to the environment.
It’s commonly used in paint manufacturing, metalworking and die-casting operations, helping companies meet both compliance requirements and sustainability goals.
Key benefits include:
- Streamlines chemical treatment
- Handles a wide range of industrial contaminants
- Produces sludge that’s easy and safer to dispose of
Belt & Tube Oil Skimmers
Available in a range of sizes, belt and tube skimmers remove oil from wastewater with minimal maintenance. Belt skimmers can manage up to 150 litres per hour, while tube skimmers handle up to 450 litres per hour. Compact stainless steel models are also available for harsh or outdoor environments.
In one case study, Allegheny Ludlum Corporation found that using belt skimmers reduced both labour and disposal costs, while improving the performance of their overall wastewater system.
These skimmers are commonly used in coolant tanks, metalworking and outdoor ponds, offering the following advantages:
- Versatile models for a range of industrial settings
- Robust and reliable in tough environments
- Low-maintenance design
Compliance and Efficiency
Oil-water separation is not only a legal requirement but also essential for protecting natural resources and smooth industrial operations. Regular system maintenance, monitoring and choosing the right equipment to ensure long-term performance and compliance.
Ready to Improve Your Oil-Water Separation?
Contact Baldwin Industrial Systems today to discuss your wastewater treatment challenges. Our Sydney-based experts will help you choose and customise the right oil-water separator for your operation.
Industrial Oil-Water Separation FAQs
Which industries rely on oil-water separation systems?
Industries like manufacturing, automotive, food processing, mining and petroleum use oil-water separation to treat oily wastewater and stay compliant with environmental regulations.
How often should oil-water separators be maintained?
Regular maintenance keeps systems running efficiently and extends their service life. Maintenance frequency depends on usage, flow rates and site conditions.
Can Baldwin customise oil-water separators to suit my site?
We design systems to match your specific flow rates, contaminants and space constraints, ensuring effective treatment and compliance.
How long does installation take?
That depends on the complexity of your setup, but we coordinate with your team to keep downtime to a minimum and fit the install into your schedule.
Do you provide post-installation support?
Yes, we offer ongoing maintenance, performance monitoring and troubleshooting to keep your system operating reliably.