Spillceptor® (Formerly SPEL Puraceptor)
FULL RETENTION OIL & WATER SEPARATOR
Spillceptor® is a full retention separator that treats all flows. It is to be sized to contain more than the anticipated maximum oil spillage — enabling it to be fully operational in treating stormwater runoff at all times.
It has two chambers, a coalescer and is fitted with an automatic closure device specifically designed to contain major oil spills, thereby making it suitable for high-risk applications. It achieves a water discharge quality of less than 5mg light liquids per litre, complying with European Standard BS EN 858.1. 2006. Treatable flow rates range from 2LPS to 200LPS. Pipe sizes range from 100mm to 450mm (larger sizes on request).
Applications
- Power Stations
- Substations & Switchyards
- Mining and Heavy Vehicles
- Windfarms
- Renewable Energy
- Waste Transfer Depots
- Re-Fuelling Areas
- Service Stations
- Asphalt Plants
Interactive 3D Drawing
Features
- Guaranteed hydrocarbon spill capture in all flow and spill conditions
- The Automatic Closure Device (A.C.D.) is precisely engineered to be sensitive to any change in water density, as a consequence of light liquids build up
- All liquid is treated – there is no by-pass operation
- Provides a coalescing process for the separation of smaller globular light liquid pollutants to reduce the light liquid content in the outlet to 5mg/litre or less
- Inlet dip pipe-flame trap provides minimum turbulence and prevents fire and inflammable vapours passing through to the drainage system
- A non-turbulent flow, through two horizontal treatment chamber, utilises the underflow principle to retain light liquids in all flow conditions
- Gravity operated
- Easy and safe maintenance, with no entering of the tank required
Spillceptor®
Case studies, webinars, projects and media.
Spillceptor (SPEL Puraceptor) FAQ
What is a full retention oil & water separator?
A full retention oil & water separator treats water runoff from sites where oil mixes with water, especially during rain. These systems, like the Atlan Spillceptor, are essential for meeting environmental compliance and regulations. The separator allows oil to rise to the surface while clean water exits through the bottom, typically taking about six minutes to pass through.
This process not only recaptures oil but also ensures clean water flows into drainage or stormwater systems. Any remaining small oil particles are caught by the coalescer. Full retention separators help protect local waterways and prevent contamination, improving downstream water quality.
How do you size an oil and water separator for each site?
When sizing an oil and water separator, two key factors need to be considered:
1. Flow rate
2. Spill containment.
The importance of each factor depends on the type of site.
- Flow rate is generally the primary consideration when dealing with locations that have large catchment areas, like airports, where the system must handle significant runoff during rain events.
- Spill containment becomes the priority at sites such as transformer yards, which generally employ oil and water separators to contain large volumes of oil if a large oil spill or fire occurs. In such cases, the full retention separator is sized to hold the expected volume of large oil spills.
- Additional factors to consider include local device standards, environmental compliance, and legal requirements.
By balancing these considerations, you can select the right separator for your site.
Can the Spillceptor be customised for different flow rates and pipe sizes?
Are there different types of full retention separators?
Yes, different sites require different types of full retention separators depending on the volume and concentration of hydrocarbon runoff. The Atlan Spillceptor (formerly the SPEL Puraceptor), for example, is a Class 1 separator designed for high-risk sites, such as areas with high hydrocarbon volumes and a greater risk of spills.
These separators can handle high flow rates and manage oil spill conditions, while also providing fire mitigation by safely storing hydrocarbons away from ignition sources. They are often equipped with warning probes to relay information to operators or maintenance teams.
For lower-risk sites, bypass separators like the Atlan Ecoceptor or Flowceptor are more suitable. These are commonly used in car parks and airports, where the volume of hydrocarbons is lower.
What are the benefits of two-chamber full retention oil & water separators?
The Atlan Spillceptor (formerly known as SPEL Puraceptor) has a two-chamber design in order to achieve improved water quality and higher hydrocarbon removal.
The importance of this design lies in the separation of processes:
- The first chamber removes 90 to 95% of hydrocarbons and traps silt, preventing contamination in the next stage.
- The second chamber contains the coalescer, which “polishes” the water by ensuring any remaining oil separates effectively. This allows oil globules to combine, improving the final separation.
Single-chamber systems combine both processes, but during high flows, they may fail to separate oil completely, increasing the risk of non-compliant discharge, particularly during heavy rain events. This can lead to environmental issues and potential regulatory non-compliance.
You can find more detailed information on the Spillcetpor’s two-chamber design by reading more below.
What environmental regulations does the Spillceptor comply with?
The Spillceptor is designed to meet stringent environmental standards, including compliance with European Standard BS EN 858.1: 2006. It achieves a water discharge quality of less than 5mg of light liquids per litre, making it suitable for high-risk applications where environmental protection is critical. This ensures operators meet local and international regulations for stormwater management.
How often does an oil & water separator need cleaning and maintenance?
Full retention oil & water separators require regular maintenance, with the frequency based on the unit’s size and the volume of water it processes, as oil buildup and coalescer cleaning are essential for maintaining functionality.
Maintenance should be performed by a trained technician with certifications for handling hazardous materials and working in confined spaces.
Without proper upkeep, separators can underperform, resulting in environmental contamination, costly repairs, structural damage, or early decommissioning.
For more information on the maintenance of oil and water separators read more.
What is the difference between fibreglass and concrete full retention separator units?
The Atlan Spillceptor (formerly known as the SPEL Puraceptor), is a fibreglass full retention separator with a 25-year warranty reflecting its design life expectancy of 100 years. A key contributing factor to the long life expectancy of the Spillceptor is its fibreglass construction and single-piece design.
Key differences between fibreglass and concrete units include:
- Impervious material: Fibreglass is chemically inert and prevents liquids or contaminants from leaching through, while concrete’s porous structure can transmit liquids.
- Faster installation: Fibreglass units are manufactured off-site, requiring less excavation and heavy machinery, making installation quicker and more efficient.
- Warranty: The Atlan Spillceptor offers a 25-year warranty, whereas concrete separators often come with shorter warranties, sometimes as brief as 12 months.
When sourcing a full retention separator, design life and warranty commitments are key factors to consider. With a range of quality options available, thorough research is necessary to ensure you select the best device for your site.
