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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Reduction of oil and hydrocarbons in waste water

2000

I would like to know of a simple and cost effective way to reduce oil, grease and hydrocarbons of waste water.

I am considering to install a waste water treatment plant, consisting of clarifier, pH adjustment and flocculant to precipitate metals. But I do not know how to reduce the above mentioned.

Comments or advise would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Oscar Infante
- Santiago-Chile

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Depending on your flow rate and environmental restrictions you may be able to use a simple weir system to float and skim the oil. For higher flow rates, especially with lower concentrations of oils, I am currently testing a filter system that will remove oils and chelated metals very efficiently.

Jeff Watson
- Pearland, Texas
2000

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Pleated polypropylene filters are a good coalescing media. Flo-King in Florida and Serfilco (a biggie) both sell pump systems that use skimmers and a PP filter. The filter housing has a drain where you can bleed off the oil. The filter lasts until it gets dirty and does filter which is of some benefit. This rig(s) are usually used on the first rinse tank after the caustic cleaner.

They are not a cure all and must be used as instructed, but do help, especially where there is a lot of oil.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2000