The performance of oily water separators from an operational perspective

This study explores the effects of pre-treatment on oily water separator performance at the shipboard level. An online survey of marine personnel was carried out, in which respondents were asked to rate the performance of separator systems and to provide technical information. The results of the study indicated that the use of pre-treatment resulted in improved effectiveness ratings of between 11 & 18%, with increases of between 14 & 43% found for the failure running hours. Given these findings, it was concluded that the use of pre-treatment offers a relatively simple method of improving oily water separator performance, and that there is a need for the International Maritime Organization to further encourage its use via legislation.