What is an Interceptor?
Interceptor tanks are typically located at commercial and industrial sites where vehicles may leak fuel and oil onto the ground including; fire stations, supermarkets, garage forecourts, car parks, car wash bays, bus depots and industrial yards. They are found in these sort of commercial premises and the owner is legally obligated to prevent oil based contaminates from entering the surface water system or watercourse.
Interceptors, also known as fuel interceptors or oily water separators are fitted to drainage systems to separate oil, silt, and other hazardous contaminants from the wastewater. This helps prevent pollution to the local watercourse.
How Does an Interceptor Work?
Interceptors are installed to remove contaminants from surface water before it enters the main sewer system. This is done through a series of tanks or chambers, where the surface water from roads and car parks enter the first chamber, which is vented to remove any odours or gases safely. The interceptor is engineered to allow heavy solid contaminants to fall and settle at the bottom of the tank, while the lighter oils rise to the top. The residual water passes through the system and is then discharged to the main sewer system.
Installing an Interceptor
Our oil interceptor installation procedure includes:
- Site Survey & Groundwater Management: We conduct thorough surveys to manage groundwater levels and surface water drainage during installation. Before installation, we will assess the ground conditions to determine the best location and size for the separator.
Specialist Components & Commissioning: During installation, we install and commission specialist components like high oil alarms, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Post-Installation Monitoring & Maintenance: We provide monitoring and maintenance plans for safe, efficient and economical operation.
During the initial site visit, our engineers will consider the best size and specification of interceptor system required along with any potential risks that could arise with liquid and solids stored on the site.
The placement of the interceptor is crucial as it needs to capture all the run offs from every possible contaminated liquid while also providing a point of discharge.
We will take into account any existing utility service lines including electricity, water, gas and machinery.
Types of Interceptors
There are several types of interceptors, each designed to manage different types of contaminant and pollution sources:
Full Retention Interceptors: These are large-capacity interceptors designed to capture and retain the full volume of contaminants, ensuring complete separation before the treated water is discharged. They are commonly used in industrial and commercial settings to manage large volumes of runoff.
Bypass Separators: These are similar to full retention interceptors but include a bypass system that allows excess water to bypass the interceptor during periods of heavy rainfall or high flow rates. This helps prevent flooding and ensures that the interceptor is not overwhelmed.
Fuel Forecourt Separators: Also known as petrol interceptors, these are specialised interceptors designed to capture and separate fuel and oil from water runoff in areas such as petrol stations, car washes, and vehicle maintenance areas.
Wash Down Separators: These are designed to capture and separate solids, oils, and greases from water used in wash down activities, such as cleaning vehicles or equipment. They are often used in car wash bays, industrial facilities, and construction sites.
Silt Separators: These are designed specifically to capture and retain silt, sediment, and suspended solids from water runoff, preventing them from entering the drainage system and polluting water bodies.
Get in Touch
CountyClean Group is your trusted partner for oil interceptor and separator installation. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a site visit.
Call us on: 0800 171 2204 or 01323 741818
Email us at: info@countycleangroup.co.uk
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