How do you calculate the size of a Petrol/Oil Separator needed for a site?
The last in our customer questions regarding Petrol/Oil Interceptors/Separators is; How do you calculate the size of a Petrol/Oil Separator needed for a site?
Firstly you need to determine if you require a Bypass Interceptor or a Full Retention Interceptor; this is answered in a previous Customer Question answer; What are the different types of Petrol/Oil Interceptor (Separator) and what is the difference between them? Secondly you need to determine if you require a Class 1 or Class 2 Interceptor; this is also answered in our last customer question answer; What is the difference between a Class 1 & Class 2 Separator?
After selecting the interceptor size and type, the correct size of interceptor is based on the flow into it based on rainfall onto a given surface area, this is known as nominal size or NS.
Each interceptor is allocated a nominal size based on EN858; the European Standard for Interceptor Design and Sizing. This will indicate the nominal flow that the interceptor is sized for e.g. 4 l/s. A full retention interceptor with a capacity of 4 l/s would be designated NS04 while a By-Pass interceptor with the same capacity would be designated NSB04.
(Please note Petrol/Oil Separator and interceptor mean the same thing)
Example 1
An interceptor required for a 25,000 m2 car park discharging into a local authority surface water sewer.
As there is a low chance of oil spillage a Bypass Interceptor would be most appropriate.
As discharge is to a surface water sewer a Class 1 Interceptor, which is designed to achieve a concentration of 5 mg/l of petrol/oil at discharge under normal conditions and includes a coalescer and a closure mechanism is most appropriate. A Class 1 Interceptor is usually required for discharge to any surface water.
Based on EN858 a drainage are of 25,000 m2 gives a nominal size (NS) of 45 l/s.
So in this case BMS would select a BMS NSBP50 l/s Class 2 Bypass Interceptor, which is the closest available in our range.
Example 2
An interceptor required for a 1,700 m2 fuelling area discharging direct to surface water.
Due to the high risk or fuel spillage a Full Retention Interceptor designed to contain the full contents of a full spill is required.
As discharge is to a surface water a Class 1 Interceptor, which is designed to achieve a concentration of 5 mg/l of petrol/oil at discharge under normal conditions and includes a coalescer and a closure mechanism is most appropriate. A Class 1 Interceptor is usually required for discharge to any surface water.
Based on EN858 a drainage area of 2,600 m2 gives a nominal size (NS) of 47 l/s.
So in this case BMS would select a BMS NSFR50 l/s Class 1 Full Retention Interceptor, which is the closest available in our range. Please note that the Nominal Size of a Full Retention Interceptor can also be denoted as NSF e.g. NSF; 47 l/s.
BMS have introduced a full set of Petrol Interceptor/Holding Tank Sizing & Selection Charts to help you easily size and select an Interceptor/Holding Tank suitable for your requirements as part of updated Brochure. It can be downloaded at this link:
BMS Petrol Oil Interceptor Brochure and Selection Charts
A BMS NSFR60 Class 1 Full Retention Interceptor arriving on site in Malta
About BMS
BMS is a quality manufacturer of package products for wastewater and stormwater treatment:
Established: 1986
Global Reach: Exported to over 50 countries.
Family Business: A third-generation company with deep expertise.
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BMS provides a wide array of surface water and wastewater treatment products, including:
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Operation and Maintenance: Full services for existing installations, including repair, advice, and testing.
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