Interceptor vs Separator
The terms “Oil Interceptors” and “ Oil Water Separators ” are often interchanged. They are, however, as their names indicate, very different. Oil interceptors are designed for use in drain lines where oils, sediment and other liquids are intercepted. Oil interceptors are designed for use in drain lines where oils, sediment and other liquids may be found in small quantities and flow rates and the contaminants can be “intercepted”. These drain lines may come from parking garages, machine shops, service stations, and manufacturing facilities where there is a chance that at spill may occur. They are usually simple, steel, fiberglass or poly boxes which include a baffle plate, a solids bucket, and a separation area. As the water enters the interceptor, a baffle plate diffuses the flow, reducing the turbulence of the incoming water. Depending on the water flow, some solids and sludge are stopped by the baffle and collected in the solids bucket. A low flow rate and little turbule
