Contaminated Water Treatment
Streams Treated
Contaminated water arises across the whole production and refining chain, and the treatment duty changes with the stream. Separators and decanters apply centrifugal force to the density difference between water, oil and solids, which removes the dispersed and suspended load without dosing a reagent.
| Stream | Typical contamination | Related duty |
|---|---|---|
| Produced water | Dispersed hydrocarbon, formation solids, brine | produced water treatment |
| Slop and drain water | Free and emulsified oil, silt | slop water treatment |
| Wash and cleaning water | Oil, scale, corrosion products | tank sludge removal and cleaning |
| Process effluent | Suspended solids and dispersed oil | wastewater treatment |
Separator or decanter
| Machine | Suited to | Principal output |
|---|---|---|
| Disc stack separator | Low solids loading, fine dispersed oil | Clarified water and recovered oil |
| Horizontal decanter | High solids loading, thick slurries | Dewatered solids, water and oil |
Equipment is selected against the solids loading and the oil content of the stream, since those two figures decide between a disc stack separator and a decanter.
Equipment and Selection
Separation acts on physical properties rather than chemistry, so no reagent is consumed and no chemical sludge is created that would need its own disposal route.
Machines are built for continuous duty in field conditions, where feed composition varies and the unit is expected to run without close attendance.
PuraSpecs’ separator can handle various water treatment challenges, accommodating varying contamination levels and adapting to different water sources. This versatility allows us to meet each client’s unique needs and address specific water treatment requirements effectively.
The same equipment is applied across produced water, slop and drain water, wash water and process effluent, so one supplier covers the whole water side of the site. Related applications: produced water treatment and wastewater treatment.
Engineering FAQ
Is a reagent required?
No. Separation acts on physical properties rather than chemistry, so no reagent is consumed and no chemical sludge is created that would need its own disposal route.
How is a separator chosen over a decanter?
On the solids loading and the oil content of the stream. A disc stack separator suits low solids loading with fine dispersed oil, a horizontal decanter suits high solids loading and thick slurries.
Which streams are treated?
Produced water, slop and drain water, wash and cleaning water, and process effluent carrying suspended solids and dispersed oil.
Talk to an Engineer
Send an analysis of the stream, the flow rate and the limit that applies at your discharge point. We will return a recommended machine selection and a scope of supply. Other services are listed under services.