Oil/water separation experts, API separators, DAF, coalescers, and membranes for free, emulsified, and dissolved oil.

    Find a Oil & Grease Removal Provider

    Matched providers: 32

    Top countries: United Kingdom, United States

    Popular technologies: Flat Sheet UF Membranes, Hollow Fiber RO

    Oil and Grease Removal from Water: DAF, API Separators, and Coalescing Plate Interceptors

    Oil and grease (O&G) in industrial wastewater includes free oil (droplets above 150 microns, easily settled or floated), dispersed oil (droplets 20 to 150 microns, requiring coalescing or flotation), emulsified oil (droplets below 20 microns stabilised by surfactants, requiring chemical emulsion-breaking), and dissolved hydrocarbons (require biological or activated carbon treatment). US EPA effluent guidelines specify O&G limits by industry: offshore oil and gas 29 mg per L (30-day average); petroleum refining 9.9 mg per L (30-day average, 40 CFR Part 419); and food processing varies by product. EU IED BAT-AEL for refineries: 1 to 5 mg per L O&G in treated effluent. Environment Agency UK trade effluent consent typical limit: 5 to 30 mg per L O&G.

    API (American Petroleum Institute) oil-water separators (API 421) use gravity separation for free oil removal: rectangular vessel with 30 to 60-minute HRT, horizontal flow velocity below 0.003 m per s (to prevent turbulence resuspending settled solids), surface loading 1.5 to 3.0 m3 per m2 per hour, oil collection by skimmer. API separators remove droplets above 150 microns at 90 percent efficiency. Coalescing plate interceptors (CPI, parallel plate or corrugated pack media) enhance API performance: plates at 45 degrees (chevron) with 15 to 50 mm spacing provide enhanced surface area for droplet coalescence and collection, removing droplets above 50 to 60 microns at 90 percent efficiency within a fraction of the footprint of an API separator. Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) generates 20 to 80 micron bubbles (by dissolving air at 4 to 6 bar and releasing at atmospheric pressure) that attach to oil droplets and float them to the surface; removes droplets above 10 to 20 microns at greater than 95 percent efficiency.

    Chemical demulsification is required for stabilised oil-water emulsions (O/W emulsions from cooling lubricants, cutting oils, metal working fluids, food processing). Emulsion-breaking chemicals (cationic coagulants: polyDADMAC, Al/Fe salts; pH adjustment to ISO point of emulsifying agent; acid cracking of soap-type emulsifiers at pH 2 to 3) destabilise the emulsion and allow the oil phase to coalesce and separate. Acid cracking: adjust pH to 2 to 3 with H2SO4, heat to 50 to 70 degrees C, settle or DAF. Coagulation-based breaking: add 200 to 500 mg per L alum or ferric at pH 6 to 8, 2 to 5 minutes rapid mix, 15 to 20 minutes flocculation, then DAF removes floated oil-sludge complex. Ultrafiltration (UF) or microfiltration is an emerging replacement for chemical demulsification in cutting oil treatment, avoiding chemical waste.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between an API separator and a DAF unit for oil removal?

    An API oil-water separator (API 421) uses gravity separation alone: oil rises to the surface (density difference) in a quiescent chamber, removed by skimmer; heavy solids settle to floor and are removed by scraper. Effective for free oil above 150 microns. Simple, low-cost, no chemicals needed. Limitations: large footprint (30 to 60 min HRT), ineffective for dispersed or emulsified oil below 150 microns. Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) uses micro-bubbles (20 to 80 microns diameter, generated by air dissolution under pressure) that adhere to oil droplets and float them rapidly to the surface as a froth layer, removed by skimmer paddle. Effective for oil droplets above 10 to 20 microns. Chemical coagulant and flocculant addition (10 to 50 mg per L FeCl3 plus 1 to 5 mg per L polyelectrolyte) improves emulsified oil removal by breaking the emulsion before flotation. DAF achieves 95 to 99 percent O&G removal in a compact footprint (HRT 15 to 30 minutes). Capital cost: API separator $20,000 to $200,000; DAF $50,000 to $500,000.

    What are the discharge limits for oil and grease in industrial wastewater?

    US EPA effluent guidelines (sector-specific): oil and gas extraction (offshore): 29 mg per L monthly average total O&G (40 CFR Part 435); petroleum refining: 9.9 mg per L (30-day average), 15 mg per L (daily maximum) total O&G (40 CFR Part 419); food processing (meat, poultry): 10 mg per L (40 CFR Part 432); metal finishing: no explicit O&G limit but TSS and pH limits indirectly control emulsified oil. EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) BAT-AEL for refineries: 1 to 5 mg per L O&G in treated effluent per BAT Conclusions published 2015. UK Environment Agency: site-specific consent limits typically 5 to 30 mg per L total O&G for discharge to sewer; 5 to 10 mg per L for direct discharge to surface water. Petroleum-contaminated stormwater from petrol station forecourts: EN 858-1 Class 1 separator required (effluent below 5 mg per L free oil).

    How is emulsified oil removed from wastewater?

    Emulsified oil (droplets below 20 microns stabilised by surfactants or mechanical emulsification) requires chemical or physical emulsion breaking before separation. Methods: (1) Acid cracking: reduce pH to 2 to 3 with H2SO4 (breaks soap-type emulsifiers by protonating carboxylate surfactants); heat to 60 to 80 degrees C to accelerate coalescence; settle or DAF to separate broken emulsion. Cost-effective for high-pH, soap-emulsified cutting fluid waste. (2) Coagulation: add alum (200 to 500 mg per L) or polyDADMAC (10 to 50 mg per L) to neutralise surface charge on oil droplets, allowing coagulation and DAF removal. Achieves O&G below 10 mg per L. (3) Ultrafiltration (UF, 0.01 to 0.1 micron): rejects oil droplets mechanically regardless of emulsion type; effective for waste cutting oils and coolants; permeate at below 10 mg per L O&G; generates concentrated reject (10 to 30 percent oil content) requiring further disposal. (4) Biological treatment: dissolved and emulsified hydrocarbons are biodegradable; activated sludge or biofilm systems after physical oil removal achieve effluent O&G below 5 mg per L.

    Can oil recovered from wastewater be reused?

    Oil recovery and reuse feasibility depends on oil purity and concentration. High-purity free oil skimmed from API separators at petroleum facilities: can be returned to the refinery crude oil feed or sold as slop oil at $150 to $400 per tonne (well below crude oil price due to water content and contamination). Edible oil recovered from food processing wastewater (DAF float): subject to food safety regulations, cannot be returned to food production; may be used as animal feed ingredient if clean, or as biodiesel feedstock. Mineral oil from metal working coolant waste: concentrated waste coolant (5 to 30 percent oil) from UF treatment can be burned as a fuel in cement kilns or co-fired industrial boilers under waste fuel permit conditions. Oil-water mixture skimmings from refinery API separators (3 to 10 percent oil): typically mixed with crude oil or burned as fuel. Recovery economics improve when oil commodity price is high; at oil prices below $50 per barrel, recovery from wastewater may be net-cost neutral versus disposal.

    Aguato
    Find projects
    How it worksInsiderNeptiAI
    HomeDirectoryBy Challenge / ContaminantOil & Grease Removal Companies

    By Challenge / Contaminant

    Oil & Grease Removal Companies

    Oil/water separation experts, API separators, DAF, coalescers, and membranes for free, emulsified, and dissolved oil.

    32 providers

    This page is a good fit if you need:

    • Flat Sheet UF Membranes or Hollow Fiber RO capabilities
    • Suppliers with manufacturing sector experience
    • Providers operating in United Kingdom or United States
    Providers
    32
    Verified
    3
    Countries
    12

    Can't find the right fit? Post a brief and let qualified suppliers come to you.

    Post a project

    How to choose a oil & grease removal provider

    • Start with providers that clearly operate in your target geography and project footprint.

    • Look for industry exposure that matches your water challenge, compliance constraints, and deployment context.

    • Use technologies, service scope, and proof signals to narrow the list before reaching out to suppliers.

    Not sure where to start? Our experts can help.

    Filter results

    Verified providers

    3 claimed companies in this category

    Country

    United Kingdom11
    United States5
    Netherlands4
    Germany2
    India2

    Industry

    manufacturing8
    waste-management7
    agriculture6
    construction-real-estate6
    mining-quarrying6

    Technology

    Flat Sheet UF Membranes4
    Hollow Fiber RO4
    Hollow Fiber UF Modules4
    Precipitation + Filtration Systems4
    Pressure Filters4

    Find a Oil & Grease Removal Provider

    Showing 1-20 of 32

    32 results from 32 matched providers

    Ecosystems International logo

    Ecosystems International

    Verified
    Indonesia51-200 employees
    Flat Sheet Microfiltration Units · Hollow Fiber MF Systems · Ceramic Microfiltration Modules +80 more
    apac · china · europe +3 more

    PT Ecosystems International (PT ESI) was established at Jakarta on 21st November 2006. We are an industrial effluent treatment systems integrator specializing in electrocoagulation (EC), a unique waste water treatment profile. PT ESI has capabilities in designing complete waste water treatment solutions by combining various effluent treatment systems such as the electro-coagulation, biological, chemical processes and membrane filtration, offering its customers a wide and comprehensive range of solutions, tailored to suit their various needs – ranging from basic effluent treatment for discharge to effluent recycling for water reuse. The Company is experienced in handling the design, engineering, procurement, construction and operation of new Effluent Treatment Plants (“ETP”) and possesses expertise in retrofitting existing ETP to increase the flow rate and treatment capability without any major infrastructure increase PT ESI is also a premier waste water treatment service company specializing in handling waste water generated from Exploration (Drilling) and Produced Water. Customers in Indonesia include major Oil & Gas companies such as Pertamina, Exxon, Chevron, Petro-China and Medco. Operations in Indonesia are provided by both mobile and fixed units. At drill sites where waste-water recycling is required, PT ESI supplement these treatment units with skid mounted mobile Reverse Osmosis systems. The technologies and solutions employed by PT ESI are developed in-house and examples of these are its proprietary Trident™ Electro Contaminant Removal (“ECR”) system, the Stage Contaminant Removal (“SCR”) process and Mobile On-Site Waste-Water Treatment (“OWT”) units

    Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
    Ultrafiltration (UF) Systems
    Multi-media Filtration (MMF) Systems
    +63 more
    agriculture
    manufacturing
    Devram International logo

    Devram International

    Verified
    India1-50 employees
    Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters · Fixed Bed Activated Carbon Adsorbers · Powdered MOF Adsorbent Systems +19 more
    apac · mea

    DEVRAM INTERNATIONAL, headquartered in Surat, India, is a pioneering enterprise specializing in Snow and Rainwater Management with advanced contamination reduction abilities for storage and artificial groundwater recharge. Established as the commercial wing of Shree Someshwar Education Trust (SSET), DEVRAM INTERNATIONAL is driven by a mission to provide tech-enabled, nature-based solutions that address the world’s most pressing water and climate challenges. The company’s work integrates Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles and contributes across the source-to-sea water management cycle, ensuring holistic restoration of the global water cycle. Its innovative portfolio includes rainwater harvesting systems, stormwater management, aquifer recharge, artificial glaciers, desert trenches, rooftop water filtration, and green infrastructure models. These interventions directly reduce salinity in soils and aquifers, restore ecological balance, and enhance resilience to droughts, floods, and climate change. As the commercial promoter of the Global Rainwater Management Program (GRMP), DEVRAM INTERNATIONAL advances the vision of GRMP as a Global Common Minimum Program (GCMP) for nations and international bodies. GRMP demonstrates how rainwater and snowwater retention can restore entire natural cycles, while delivering unmatched benefits across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Alignment with the SDGs • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): By reducing soil salinity, supporting organic farming, and ensuring water availability for agriculture, GRMP safeguards food security. • SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation): DEVRAM’s recharge structures and contamination reduction technologies guarantee safe, sustainable drinking water for communities. • SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy): By reducing dependency on energy-intensive desalination, GRMP lowers national energy bills and improves hydropower capacity. • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure): DEVRAM integrates nature-based water infrastructure with industrial operations, reducing OPEX and water footprints. • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities): Through stormwater management and aquifer recharge, GRMP mitigates urban flooding and secures municipal supplies. • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production): Promotes a circular water economy, reusing wastewater, biogas from organic waste, and aligning with industrial CSR. • SDG 13 (Climate Action): By lowering GHG emissions and cooling local climates through water cycle restoration, GRMP strengthens resilience to global warming. • SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Free-flowing rivers, improved aquaculture, and reduced dam-related aquatic pollution support marine and freshwater ecosystems. • SDG 15 (Life on Land): DEVRAM’s interventions restore wetlands, mangroves, peatlands, and biodiversity-rich ecosystems, addressing land degradation. • SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The company actively collaborates with UN agencies, governments, World Bank programs, and private investors to scale GRMP globally. Founders and Leadership Dhaval Pandya, Co-Founder of DEVRAM INTERNATIONAL and CEO of SSET, is a globally recognized sustainability leader. He co-developed the Global Rainwater Management Program (GRMP), recognized by the United Nations Global Water Partnership (GWP) and the Government of India. As a Technical Committee Member (WRD03) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), he contributes to national water policy frameworks. His work is featured in UNCCD IWRM Action Hub and global forums like COP, Stockholm World Water Week, and World Bank SDG reviews. Manalika Pandya, Co-Founder, plays a critical role in embedding social, gender, and educational dimensions into GRMP. Her focus on women empowerment, local capacity building, and community-driven adoption ensures the program’s sustainability at the grassroots. Impact and Recognition DEVRAM INTERNATIONAL has piloted groundbreaking projects such as: Kawas Village (Gujarat, India): A GRMP model village achieving self-reliance in water, organic farming, and biogas, while resolving conflicts with industries. Delhi’s Water Paradox (Figshare Study): Shows how GRMP can solve megacity water crises without costly desalination or dams. GSECL Surat Project: Demonstrates reduced industrial water costs through GRMP recharge planning, aligning profitability with SDG and ESG goals. These projects show GRMP’s potential to reduce industrial and municipal water supply costs by up 60%, avoid massive investments in desalination and dams, and enable nations to achieve water sovereignty. Core Competencies • Rainwater & Snowwater Harvesting • Artificial Groundwater Recharge & Salinity Reduction • Stormwater Management & Urban Flood Control • Transboundary Water Cooperation • IWRM & Source-to-Sea Water Governance • AI-Enabled Hydrological Modelling & Policy Analytics • Environmental Services Restoration (Wetlands, Mangroves, Peatlands) • Circular Economy.

    Activated Carbon Filtration
    Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters
    Multi-media Filtration (MMF) Systems
    +25 more
    manufacturing
    utilities
    Hainan Litree Water Purification Technology Industry Co., Ltd. logo

    Hainan Litree Water Purification Technology Industry Co., Ltd.

    Verified
    China200+ employees
    Tubular Ultrafiltration Units · Hollow Fiber UF Modules · Flat Sheet UF Membranes +17 more
    apac · china · europe +3 more

    Litree: Pioneering Ultrafiltration for a Water-Secure World Founded in 1992, Litree has dedicated 30+ years to redefining water purification through ultrafiltration (UF) membrane technology—our core expertise and passion立升(Litree). As a global high-tech enterprise rooted in independent innovation, we’ve evolved from a membrane R&D startup to one of the world’s leading water problem solvers, with over 146 core patents and state-of-the-art manufacturing hubs in Haikou and Suzhou, China立升(Litree). Our signature hollow fiber UF membranes are engineered to deliver unmatched performance: 0.01μm precision removes 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and contaminants while preserving essential minerals—striking the perfect balance between purity and health立升(Litree). This technology powers our diverse solutions, from residential whole-house systems to large-scale municipal projects and industrial wastewater treatment, all designed for sustainability and cost-efficiency. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to making safe water accessible. We’ve completed projects serving 50,000+ residents with centralized purification systems that cut construction costs and footprint by 50% compared to traditional setups—proof that advanced technology can also be affordable. Today, our solutions reach 60+ countries, supporting 3,000+ industrial clients and millions of households worldwide. At Litree, water isn’t just our business—it’s our mission. We believe every drop matters, and we’ll keep pushing boundaries to create a future where clean, safe water is a universal right, not a privilege

    Ultrafiltration (UF) Systems
    Membrane Filtration Technologies
    pH Adjustment and Neutralization
    +64 more
    agriculture
    manufacturing
    RCI Aquatech logo

    RCI Aquatech

    Verified
    India1-50 employees
    Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) · Multiple Effect Evaporator (MEE) · Atmospheric Evaporator +76 more
    apac · europe · latam +1 more
    1 case studies

    Founded in 2009, formerly known as Red Circle Industries (RCI), RCI Aquatech creates custom wastewater solutions based on end users’ requirements, which allow for optimally chosen components resulting in a solution that meets or exceeds customer needs. RCI Aquatech’s wastewater treatment systems combine necessary process technologies to reach required state and federal discharge limits and comply with local regulations. Our systems focus on removal of pollutants such as heavy metals, greases, suspended solids, oils, high salt content, toxic compounds, phosphates and more. Using chemical-physical treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation), biological treatment (aerobic and anaerobic) and wet chemical oxidation (persistent or toxic organics). Our expertise comprises the following technologies:  Filtration & softening systems  Physicochemical treatment (coagulation-flocculation)  Membrane filtration (UF & RO)  Ion exchange  Chemical oxidation  Biological treatment  Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system

    Activated Carbon Filtration
    Microfiltration (MF) Systems
    Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
    +52 more
    manufacturing
    chemicals-pharmaceuticals
    Brine Consulting logo

    Brine Consulting

    Verified
    Netherlands1-50 employees
    Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) · Atmospheric Evaporator · Spray Evaporator +130 more
    apac · china · europe +3 more

    BRINE CONSULTING delivers senior-level strategy, technical design, and actionable insight across the full lifecycle of water-related challenges. We support clients with advisory and due diligence, advanced brine management and resource recovery, industrial and municipal water reuse, and MLD/ZLD systems. Our team also leads ESG and climate-resilience strategy, innovation scouting, and international development and PPP advisory. With deep specialization in desalination, brine valorization, circular economy models, and high-impact infrastructure, we help organizations turn water and waste streams into opportunities, providing clear thinking, rapid delivery, and solutions built for real-world results.

    Activated Carbon Filtration
    Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
    Ultrafiltration (UF) Systems
    +85 more
    manufacturing
    energy-production
    Watch Water logo

    Watch Water

    Germany
    Catalytic filtration media · Nucleation assisted crystallization scale prevention · Adsorption with activated carbon and metal organic frameworks +2 more
    Europe

    Watch Water is a Mannheim, Germany based manufacturer of water and wastewater treatment media with more than 45 years of experience and over 45 branches worldwide. The company produces scale prevention media, adsorbents, filter media, and instant dosing chemicals for drinking water, food and beverage, boilers, cooling towers, wastewater, and reuse. Its products remove iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, heavy metals, and turbidity.

    Manufacture of filter and scale prevention media
    Adsorbent and activated carbon supply
    Instant dosing chemical solutions
    +1 more
    MW

    MITA Water Technologies

    Italy
    Oilpack lamella oil separators · Mitadaf dissolved air flotation · Pile cloth filtration +3 more
    Europe

    MITA Water Technologies, founded in 1971 in Siziano near Pavia, Italy, designs wastewater treatment equipment with deep expertise in cloth filtration and physical separation. Its Oilpack lamella-pack oil separators and Mitadaf dissolved air flotation units target oil and grease removal, while pile cloth filters, Filtrasand sand filters and Biorulli biological disc rotors handle tertiary filtration, suspended solids and BOD/COD reduction for reuse. Part of Axius Water, the firm offers pilot testing, start-up, revamping and remote monitoring.

    Equipment design and supply
    Pilot testing
    Start-up and training
    +2 more
    DP

    Depur Padana Acque

    Italy
    Membrane bioreactor · Oil separation systems · Grease removal +2 more
    Europe

    Depur Padana Acque is an Italian company with over 50 years in industrial wastewater treatment, serving industrial and agri-food sectors. It designs, installs and maintains purification systems including membrane bioreactors, oil and grease removal, stormwater treatment and biological treatment, offering plant revamping, treatment chemicals and round-the-clock technical assistance.

    Wastewater plant design and engineering
    Plant maintenance and revamping
    Treatment chemicals supply
    +2 more
    Oil Skimmers, Inc. logo

    Oil Skimmers, Inc.

    United States
    Brill tube-type oil skimmer · Active Oil Removal · Floating weir skimmer +2 more
    North America

    Oil Skimmers, Inc., headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio and operating for over 50 years, manufactures oil removal equipment that separates oil, fat and grease from process water, wash water, coolant and wastewater. Its Brill tube-type skimmers, floating weir skimmers and oil water separators with Active Oil Removal recover up to 99 percent of free-floating oils across food processing, metal machining, petrochemical and marine sectors. Product lines include CoolSkim, Skim 1st Tank, OilyBelt and the ORTS oil removal and transfer system.

    Oil skimmer manufacturing
    Custom-engineered separators
    Factory repair and maintenance
    +2 more
    CE

    Condorchem Enviro Solutions

    Spain
    ENVIDEST vacuum evaporators · DESALT crystallizers · Reverse osmosis +5 more
    Europe

    Condorchem Enviro Solutions is a Catalan environmental engineering firm in Spain providing turnkey industrial wastewater and air emission treatment. Its portfolio spans ENVIDEST vacuum evaporators, DESALT crystallizers, reverse osmosis, ion exchange and activated carbon for zero liquid discharge, oily water treatment, textile and dye color removal, brine management and water reuse. The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and EcoVadis Gold, covering pollutant analysis, plant design, installation, start-up and after-sales maintenance.

    Turnkey plant design
    Pollutant analysis
    Plant installation and start-up
    +7 more
    C

    Cleanawater

    Australia
    Coalescing plate oil water separators · Vertical gravity separators (VGS) · Hydrocyclone separation +2 more
    Asia-Pacific

    Cleanawater is an Australian company established in 1996 that designs, manufactures, installs, and services wastewater treatment, wash water recycling, and odour management systems. The company is a leading supplier of oil water separators across the Australian market, removing suspended solids, free oils, and grease from wastewater at capacities from 1,000 to 50,000 litres per hour. Cleanawater serves industrial and commercial clients across Australia and Asia.

    Wastewater treatment system design and manufacture
    Oil water separator supply and installation
    pH control and chemical dosing systems
    +2 more
    Bioclear earth logo

    Bioclear earth

    Netherlands1-50 employees
    Zero-valent Iron (ZVI) · Anaerobic Systems · Natural Zeolite Packed Columns +1 more
    europe

    Bioclear earth specializes in resolving complex environmental and soil issues. We provide sustainable solutions through research and the application of innovative environmental technology. Additionally, we support companies in the areas of knowledge development, process optimization, and sustainable business practices.

    agriculture
    manufacturing
    FI

    Freytech Inc.

    Verified
    United States51-200 employees
    Environmental Balance Device technology · Methan removal · Offensive Odor Control +4 more
    north-america · latam · europe +2 more
    1 case studies

    Freytech Inc., headquartered in Miami, Florida (USA), is an environmental technology company specializing in innovative, science-based solutions for the remediation and optimization of air, water, soil, and industrial fluid systems. Since 1996, the company has developed sustainable technologies that improve operational efficiency while supporting decarbonization and environmental stewardship. Its flagship innovation, the Environmental Balance Device (EBD) Technology, is a patented and scientifically validated platform designed to enhance natural bioremediation and biotransformation processes in real time, without the use of electricity, chemicals, filters, membranes, or other consumables. EBD systems operate continuously for more than 15 years with minimal maintenance requirements. Scientific validation includes certification by the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain and confirmation as “Safe to Use” by Florida International University (USA). Freytech's technologies are deployed across municipal, industrial, agricultural, and energy sectors throughout Europe, North America, and the Middle East, supporting applications such as: Water and wastewater treatment optimization; Reduction of scaling, corrosion, biofouling, and sludge in pipelines and process equipment; Hard water conditioning and extension of reverse osmosis (RO) membrane life; Greenhouse gas, ammonia, and odor reduction; Soil, groundwater, river, and lake remediation; Agricultural irrigation improvement and soil restoration; Oil and gas infrastructure optimization, including paraffin, asphaltene, and fouling control. Freytech's solutions are designed to help organizations achieve operational excellence and sustainability goals simultaneously by reducing energy consumption, lowering maintenance costs, extending asset life, improving resource efficiency, and supporting ESG and net-zero strategies. EBD installations are highly scalable, can be completed in hours rather than months, and provide an affordable pathway for greenhouse gas mitigation at costs below USD 40 per tCO₂e. Mission: To deliver practical, sustainable, and economically viable technologies that restore environmental balance while enhancing industrial performance, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.

    agriculture
    energy-production
    C

    ChemREADY

    United States
    MagStrainer magnetic water filtration · Matec filter presses · Chlorine dioxide and hydrogen peroxide disinfection +2 more
    North America

    ChemREADY is a water and wastewater treatment company headquartered in Twinsburg, Ohio, providing integrated solutions that combine treatment chemistry, equipment, field services, and remote monitoring. The company serves industrial and commercial clients with cooling tower, boiler, and closed-loop water treatment, Legionella risk management and disinfection, industrial wastewater treatment, and dewatering and solids management. ChemREADY emphasizes system reliability and regulatory compliance, supplying ultra-concentrated chemical formulations, filter presses, and digital controllers for phosphorus removal, odor control, and water safety management.

    Cooling tower, boiler, and closed-loop water treatment
    Legionella risk assessment, testing, and disinfection
    Industrial wastewater treatment and monitoring
    +2 more
    E

    Ecofario

    Germany
    High-G-Separator · Hydrocyclone separation · High-gravity centrifugal separation +1 more
    Europe

    Ecofario, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, develops filterless microplastic removal technology for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants. Its High-G-Separator uses a high-gravity hydrocyclone principle to remove up to 99.9 percent of microplastics, including adhering pollutants, without filter media, and also serves contaminant rejection, oil extraction and fiber-loss reduction. The company partnered with Valmet for automation and was named one of Germany's most sustainable startups in the Resources category.

    Microplastic separation systems
    Wastewater plant retrofits
    Hydrocyclone integration
    +2 more
    Biocompact logo

    Biocompact

    Netherlands1-50 employees
    Coagulation/Flocculation · Ion Exchange · pH Adjustment +1 more
    europe

    SAVE WATER, SAVE OUR PLANET! With climate change and a growing population, saving drinking water is more important than ever. 20% of our drinking water is used to flush the toilet, and therefore biocompact helps companies, governments and non-profit organisations to save drinking water in the sanitary room.

    hospitality-tourism
    construction-real-estate
    EC Solutions logo

    EC Solutions

    Verified
    United Arab Emiratesfreelance
    Conventional EC
    apac · china · europe +3 more

    EC Solutions is a specialized consultancy focused on electrochemical technologies for water and wastewater treatment. We believe electrochemical processes, and electrocoagulation in particular, are among the most promising technologies in the water sector today. As a rule of thumb, anything that can be treated with conventional coagulation–flocculation can be pretreated with electrocoagulation, without adding chemicals. That means less chemical handling, lower sludge complexity, and more controllable treatment outcomes. We help industries evaluate, pilot, and implement electrocoagulation as a robust pretreatment or core process for color removal, heavy metals, TSS, emulsified oils, and complex industrial effluents. If you’re dealing with a difficult water challenge and want a cleaner, smarter alternative to chemical treatment, EC Solutions is built for that.

    Greywater Recycling Systems
    Industrial Process Water Reuse
    Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plants
    +2 more
    manufacturing
    food-beverage
    C

    ChemTreat

    United States
    CTVista+ water management · Integrated monitoring systems · EZFloc clarification +2 more
    North America

    ChemTreat is one of the largest industrial water treatment companies in the United States, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. It designs custom chemical treatment programs for boiler water, cooling water, pretreatment, wastewater and water reuse, combining field technical support, laboratory services and digital monitoring to improve efficiency and protect equipment across many industries.

    Boiler water treatment
    Cooling water treatment
    Pretreatment and filtration
    +2 more
    S

    Sorbster

    United States
    Alumina-based adsorbent media for silica removal · Multi-metal adsorbent media · Selenium and mercury removal media
    North America

    Sorbster specializes in industrial wastewater treatment, manufacturing adsorbent media to remove contaminants from water used in boilers, cooling towers, and other industrial applications. Its product range targets silica, selenium, mercury, copper, and multiple heavy metals, achieving removal rates up to 99 percent. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the company supports customers with water diagnostics, pilot treatment programs, temporary treatment options, and pump-and-treat applications using standard industry tanks and cartridges.

    Water diagnostics and testing
    Pilot treatment programs
    Temporary and emergency treatment options
    +1 more
    BP

    BI Pure Water

    Canada
    Mobile contaminant removal systems · Flexible bladder tank storage · Custom-engineered treatment processes
    North America

    BI Pure Water designs and manufactures custom industrial and municipal water treatment plants, with over 30 years of experience serving municipalities, mining, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors. The company offers turnkey systems including mobile, trailer-based emergency potable water units deployed during disasters, as well as engineered modular fire pump plants. Based in Surrey, British Columbia, it delivers complete custom treatment solutions from design through manufacturing.

    Custom industrial water treatment plant design and manufacturing
    Emergency mobile potable water treatment systems
    Municipal wastewater treatment solutions
    +1 more
    • Previous
    • 1
    • 2
    • Next

    Oil and Grease Removal from Water: DAF, API Separators, and Coalescing Plate Interceptors

    Oil and grease (O&G) in industrial wastewater includes free oil (droplets above 150 microns, easily settled or floated), dispersed oil (droplets 20 to 150 microns, requiring coalescing or flotation), emulsified oil (droplets below 20 microns stabilised by surfactants, requiring chemical emulsion-breaking), and dissolved hydrocarbons (require biological or activated carbon treatment). US EPA effluent guidelines specify O&G limits by industry: offshore oil and gas 29 mg per L (30-day average); petroleum refining 9.9 mg per L (30-day average, 40 CFR Part 419); and food processing varies by product. EU IED BAT-AEL for refineries: 1 to 5 mg per L O&G in treated effluent. Environment Agency UK trade effluent consent typical limit: 5 to 30 mg per L O&G.

    API (American Petroleum Institute) oil-water separators (API 421) use gravity separation for free oil removal: rectangular vessel with 30 to 60-minute HRT, horizontal flow velocity below 0.003 m per s (to prevent turbulence resuspending settled solids), surface loading 1.5 to 3.0 m3 per m2 per hour, oil collection by skimmer. API separators remove droplets above 150 microns at 90 percent efficiency. Coalescing plate interceptors (CPI, parallel plate or corrugated pack media) enhance API performance: plates at 45 degrees (chevron) with 15 to 50 mm spacing provide enhanced surface area for droplet coalescence and collection, removing droplets above 50 to 60 microns at 90 percent efficiency within a fraction of the footprint of an API separator. Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) generates 20 to 80 micron bubbles (by dissolving air at 4 to 6 bar and releasing at atmospheric pressure) that attach to oil droplets and float them to the surface; removes droplets above 10 to 20 microns at greater than 95 percent efficiency.

    Chemical demulsification is required for stabilised oil-water emulsions (O/W emulsions from cooling lubricants, cutting oils, metal working fluids, food processing). Emulsion-breaking chemicals (cationic coagulants: polyDADMAC, Al/Fe salts; pH adjustment to ISO point of emulsifying agent; acid cracking of soap-type emulsifiers at pH 2 to 3) destabilise the emulsion and allow the oil phase to coalesce and separate. Acid cracking: adjust pH to 2 to 3 with H2SO4, heat to 50 to 70 degrees C, settle or DAF. Coagulation-based breaking: add 200 to 500 mg per L alum or ferric at pH 6 to 8, 2 to 5 minutes rapid mix, 15 to 20 minutes flocculation, then DAF removes floated oil-sludge complex. Ultrafiltration (UF) or microfiltration is an emerging replacement for chemical demulsification in cutting oil treatment, avoiding chemical waste.

    Post your oil & grease removal project — get matched proposals

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between an API separator and a DAF unit for oil removal?

    An API oil-water separator (API 421) uses gravity separation alone: oil rises to the surface (density difference) in a quiescent chamber, removed by skimmer; heavy solids settle to floor and are removed by scraper. Effective for free oil above 150 microns. Simple, low-cost, no chemicals needed. Limitations: large footprint (30 to 60 min HRT), ineffective for dispersed or emulsified oil below 150 microns. Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) uses micro-bubbles (20 to 80 microns diameter, generated by air dissolution under pressure) that adhere to oil droplets and float them rapidly to the surface as a froth layer, removed by skimmer paddle. Effective for oil droplets above 10 to 20 microns. Chemical coagulant and flocculant addition (10 to 50 mg per L FeCl3 plus 1 to 5 mg per L polyelectrolyte) improves emulsified oil removal by breaking the emulsion before flotation. DAF achieves 95 to 99 percent O&G removal in a compact footprint (HRT 15 to 30 minutes). Capital cost: API separator $20,000 to $200,000; DAF $50,000 to $500,000.

    What are the discharge limits for oil and grease in industrial wastewater?

    US EPA effluent guidelines (sector-specific): oil and gas extraction (offshore): 29 mg per L monthly average total O&G (40 CFR Part 435); petroleum refining: 9.9 mg per L (30-day average), 15 mg per L (daily maximum) total O&G (40 CFR Part 419); food processing (meat, poultry): 10 mg per L (40 CFR Part 432); metal finishing: no explicit O&G limit but TSS and pH limits indirectly control emulsified oil. EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) BAT-AEL for refineries: 1 to 5 mg per L O&G in treated effluent per BAT Conclusions published 2015. UK Environment Agency: site-specific consent limits typically 5 to 30 mg per L total O&G for discharge to sewer; 5 to 10 mg per L for direct discharge to surface water. Petroleum-contaminated stormwater from petrol station forecourts: EN 858-1 Class 1 separator required (effluent below 5 mg per L free oil).

    How is emulsified oil removed from wastewater?

    Emulsified oil (droplets below 20 microns stabilised by surfactants or mechanical emulsification) requires chemical or physical emulsion breaking before separation. Methods: (1) Acid cracking: reduce pH to 2 to 3 with H2SO4 (breaks soap-type emulsifiers by protonating carboxylate surfactants); heat to 60 to 80 degrees C to accelerate coalescence; settle or DAF to separate broken emulsion. Cost-effective for high-pH, soap-emulsified cutting fluid waste. (2) Coagulation: add alum (200 to 500 mg per L) or polyDADMAC (10 to 50 mg per L) to neutralise surface charge on oil droplets, allowing coagulation and DAF removal. Achieves O&G below 10 mg per L. (3) Ultrafiltration (UF, 0.01 to 0.1 micron): rejects oil droplets mechanically regardless of emulsion type; effective for waste cutting oils and coolants; permeate at below 10 mg per L O&G; generates concentrated reject (10 to 30 percent oil content) requiring further disposal. (4) Biological treatment: dissolved and emulsified hydrocarbons are biodegradable; activated sludge or biofilm systems after physical oil removal achieve effluent O&G below 5 mg per L.

    Can oil recovered from wastewater be reused?

    Oil recovery and reuse feasibility depends on oil purity and concentration. High-purity free oil skimmed from API separators at petroleum facilities: can be returned to the refinery crude oil feed or sold as slop oil at $150 to $400 per tonne (well below crude oil price due to water content and contamination). Edible oil recovered from food processing wastewater (DAF float): subject to food safety regulations, cannot be returned to food production; may be used as animal feed ingredient if clean, or as biodiesel feedstock. Mineral oil from metal working coolant waste: concentrated waste coolant (5 to 30 percent oil) from UF treatment can be burned as a fuel in cement kilns or co-fired industrial boilers under waste fuel permit conditions. Oil-water mixture skimmings from refinery API separators (3 to 10 percent oil): typically mixed with crude oil or burned as fuel. Recovery economics improve when oil commodity price is high; at oil prices below $50 per barrel, recovery from wastewater may be net-cost neutral versus disposal.

    Case Study·Automotive component manufacturer, West Midlands
    Challenge

    A machining facility generating 180 m3 per day of mixed cutting fluid and rinse water with oil and grease concentrations ranging from 150 to 600 mg per L was discharging to sewer under a trade effluent consent specifying below 30 mg per L O&G. Consent exceedances were triggering consent review proceedings with the sewerage undertaker.

    Approach

    The existing gravity interceptor was replaced with a two-stage system: a coalescing plate interceptor removed free oil above 60 microns, followed by a DAF unit (with 20 mg per L ferric dosing and 2 mg per L polyelectrolyte) treating the plate interceptor overflow. A weekly oil skimmer servicing programme was implemented on both units. UF (0.05 micron PVDF) was added as polishing for the emulsified fraction from the grinding bays.

    Outcome

    Combined O&G in the DAF/UF effluent averaged 6.8 mg per L over the first 12 months of operation, well within the 30 mg per L consent limit. The sewerage undertaker formally withdrew the consent review. Recovered oil from the skimmers (3 to 4 tonnes per month) was collected by a licensed waste oil contractor and co-processed as secondary fuel.

    Questions to Ask Shortlisted Providers

    1. 1

      What is the oil and grease concentration, type (free, dispersed, emulsified), and flow rate of the wastewater stream?

      Technology selection depends entirely on droplet size distribution; misidentifying emulsified oil as free oil will result in a system that cannot meet the consent limit.

    2. 2

      What is the trade effluent consent O&G limit and how is it measured (total O&G, free oil, or n-hexane extract)?

      Measurement methodology matters; EN ISO 9377-2 (n-hexane extractable) and gravimetric methods give different results for the same sample, affecting compliance assessment.

    3. 3

      Are any surfactants, detergents, or emulsifying agents used in the process that could stabilise oil-water emulsions?

      Surfactant type and concentration determine what emulsion-breaking chemistry is required; some synthetic surfactants resist standard coagulation and require specific demulsification agents.

    4. 4

      What is the proposed oil skimmings disposal route and is there a licensed waste oil contractor with collection capacity?

      Recovered oil is classified as hazardous waste; disposal must be by a licensed contractor and tracked under waste duty of care; disposal cost affects the O&M budget.

    5. 5

      What are the ATEX zone classifications in areas where oil mist concentrations could reach flammable levels?

      Cutting oil mists can form flammable concentrations; DSEAR 2002 zone classification affects equipment specification for fans, motors, and control panels in the treatment enclosure.

    What Drives Cost in This Category

    Wastewater flow rate and O&G loading

    DAF unit capacity (and therefore capital cost) scales with flow; high O&G loads increase chemical consumption and skimmate volume, raising OPEX proportionally.

    Emulsification level and demulsification chemistry

    Highly stabilised emulsions requiring specialist coagulants (polyDADMAC, polymer blends) can increase chemical OPEX by 3 to 8 times compared with simple ferric-based DAF for free and dispersed oil.

    Polishing stage requirement

    UF or biological polishing adds 100,000 to 400,000 GBP capital for systems treating mixed free and emulsified oil streams; justified only where the consent limit is below 10 mg per L O&G.

    Recovered oil disposal contract and frequency

    Licensed waste oil collection costs 50 to 150 GBP per tonne; high-volume generators with oil quality suitable for re-refining may negotiate zero-cost or credit collection contracts.

    Key Regulations & Standards

    WIA 1991 Section 118 Trade Effluent Consent

    Governs all industrial discharges to public sewer; O&G consent limits (typically 30 to 50 mg per L) are enforced by the sewerage undertaker, with consent review and surcharge for persistent exceedances.

    EN 858-1:2002 (Separator Systems for Light Liquids)

    European standard for the design, performance, and testing of oil separators; Class 1 separators (below 5 mg per L free oil in effluent) are required for petrol station forecourts and vehicle servicing areas.

    DSEAR 2002 (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations)

    Requires ATEX zone classification where flammable oil mist or vapour may be present; affects equipment selection for fans, motors, and electrical installations in oil treatment enclosures.

    Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 (England and Wales)

    Recovered oil and oily sludges are classified as hazardous waste (EWC 13 02); disposal must be by licensed carrier with Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes and registered waste site; retained for 3 years.

    Explore Related Categories

    Treatment Technologies

    Coagulation & Flocculation CompaniesWater Filtration Systems CompaniesBiological Wastewater Treatment CompaniesMembrane Filtration Companies

    Related Challenges

    COD/BOD Reduction CompaniesTurbidity Removal CompaniesHeavy Metals Removal Companies

    Key Industries

    Oil & Gas Water Treatment CompaniesFood & Beverage Water Treatment CompaniesManufacturing Water Treatment Companies

    Browse the full provider directory

    Comparing oil & grease removal companies is one slice of a larger shortlisting decision. Explore the complete directory of water treatment suppliers, then filter by region, sector, and technology before you request scoped proposals.

    Open the directory

    Related Articles from Aguato Insider

    • Sludge Dewatering: Methods, Equipment and Disposal Costs
    • Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF): How It Works and Costs
    • Offshore Produced Water Treatment: The 30 mg/L Compliance Train
    • Oil & Gas Produced Water Treatment: Options and Regulations
    Aguato

    The operational layer for the water industry.

    Connecting industrial buyers with vetted water and wastewater experts. Aguato is the ecosystem. Nepti is the intelligence engine.

    Clients

    • Post a project
    • Browse providers
    • Browse by category
    • How it works
    • Talk to us

    Providers

    • Browse projects

    Intelligence

    • Nepti
    • Nepti Design
    • Nepti Diagnose

    Company

    • About
    • Team
    • How it works
    • Insider
    • Get in touch
    © 2026 Aguato·All rights reserved
    TermsPrivacyNepti