McTighe Separators are designed specifically to remove free oils and other lightweight material and solids from oil-water mixtures. McTighe engineers have designed a proven system of separation, with a variety of options, that will assist you in meeting oil and grease effluent limitations.

McTighe patented separators combine the four basic theories of oil-water separation into one integral unit with an economy of space and investment. Units are designed to strictly conform to:

Operations

The McTighe oil-water separator is designed for unattended operation with minimal maintenance. Separation within the McTighe unit is on a perpetual last-in, last-out basis. As oily influent flows through the separator, oil is removed and a corresponding amount of clean effluent is discharged. Systems can be designed for complete gravity discharges or with automatic explosion proof level sensing and pump-out accessories.

The McTighe separator is comprised of a stationary tank, full of water, having an inlet at one end directing the oily influent over a specifically designed heavy corrugated plate, set at 33 degrees angle. Initially, the flow is reversed and the influent passes over the corrugated plate, the tumbling action of the oil laden water passing over the corrugations induces the oil and lighter density substances to break away. As the oil droplets start to rise they join together, and because of buoyancy, rise rapidly to the surface. The larger the droplet, the faster the rate of rise and separation. Sludge or heavy solids within the stream settle in from of the center sludge baffle plate.

The Second phase of separation begins as the influent is directed between an inclined arrangement of corrugated parallel plates, stacked at an upward sloping 45 degree angle, and spaced 4 inches apart to prevent plugging by debris and gummy solids. Buoyancy causes smaller oil droplets to rise and coalesce into sheets of oil on the underside of the corrugated plates, creep up towards the surface, and finally break loose near the top in the form of large globules that rise to the surface.

Clean water flows in a downward path to the outlet where it escapes from the lower region of the separator, as the separated oil is withdrawn from the surface. A small area at the bottom of the parallel corrugated plate is left open to allow sludge and heavy solids to pass through and collect at the center sludge baffle plate. An access opening above the baffle plate permits periodic removal of the collected solids from the tank. Oily influent having large concentrations of heavy solids should be routed throughan inteceptor tank prior to entering the separator.

In a major spill condition, the McTighe separator is designed so that the separation surface increases as the water volume decreases. In a major rainfall situation, large volumes of rainwater can pass throught the separator without disturbing any of the oil present in the system.

Installation & Maintenance

McTighe separators can be installed underground. They can also be skid-mounted or saddle-mounted for special above ground applications. Routine underground tank installation procedures are depicted in our installation instructions. For locations with high water tables, extremely low temperatures, or other unusual conditions, please contact us.

Maintencance for our typical seperator installation is minimal because of design characteristics, including the absence of any moving parts. Separators equipped with automatic level sensing and pump discharge require only routine maintenence.