The Challenge
At major oil bunkering hubs like Melones Oil Terminal, stormwater management is the last line of defense before discharge into the ocean.
High-volume terminals require a system that can handle intense tropical rainfall while processing oily water from tank dikes and loading areas. The system needed to be robust, high-capacity, and—crucially—completely accessible for visual leak detection and routine maintenance.
The Engineering Approach
Why use Below-Ground models Above-Ground?
While Ecologix manufactures dedicated above-ground rectangular units, the HQB-Series cylindrical steel tanks offer specific advantages for saddle installations: UL-58/UL-1746 structural integrity and superior high-flow processing (up to 2,000+ GPM) compared to rectangular alternatives.
Saddle Support
Mounting units on concrete or steel support saddles keeps the system visible for leak detection—a critical requirement in environmental "Zero Discharge" coastal zones.
Leak Protection
Double-walled designs with specialized FRP coatings allow for minor leak detection without risking maritime environmental damage.
Stokes' Law in Action
The system utilizes Coalescing Plate Separation (CPS). As oily water enters the diffusion chamber, turbulence is reduced, allowing the water to pass through corrugated plate packs. Oil droplets as small as 20 microns coalesce and rise to the surface for skimming, while clarified water discharges from the bottom.
- 1 First Flush Handling: Designed to handle the initial surge of debris-laden water during heavy rains.
- 2 Effluent Quality: Rated for <10 ppm, consistently outperforming the 15 ppm maritime standard.
Related Products
Below Ground Oil Water Separators
The Ecologix HQB Cylindrical Gravity Displacement Oil Water Separator will remove essentially 100% of all free and dispersed non-emulsified oil from the water stream larger than 20 microns in diameter with a specific gravity of .88 or less.