Effect of groundwater on oil-water separators

Comparing reinforced concrete, plastic and steel separators when exposed to upward groundwater pressure

When oil-water separators are placed in an environment with the presence of high levels of ground water, it is essential to choose the right type of construction equipment. Otherwise an oil-water separator can be washed out, disturbing storm sewers. Subsequent corrections require the use of complicated technical procedures that are also expensive.

In extreme conditions during construction, the use of reinforced concrete oil-water separators is the most suitable alternative. KLARTEC statically designs them to withstand upward groundwater pressure to the height of the oil-water separator’s ceiling slab cover at a minimum embankment height of 0.6 meters above the oil-water separator’s cover plate.

Reinforced concrete tanks do not at the same time have to be permanently anchored to the base plate or additionally loaded with other reinforced concrete elements as it is when plastic or steel separators are used. Such additional measures end up in the final budget exceeding the cost of completing the structure. Correctly choosing the type of oil-water separator is justified by the following photo documentation.