Managing the maintenance and safety of buildings involves many behind-the-scenes tasks, and one that’s often overlooked is dealing with flooded lifts. It might seem like just another aspect of maintenance, but water mixed with oil can create bigger problems than you might think. Here’s why oil/water separation is essential when pumping out lift shafts.
1. Environmental Protection
Water in lift shafts can come from various sources—leaks, rain, or even groundwater. However, this water often mixes with oils and lubricants used in lift & elevator machinery. If this contaminated water isn’t treated properly before being pumped out, it can pose serious risks to the environment:
- Water Pollution: Polluted water discharged into storm drains or natural bodies of water can contaminate local water sources, affecting both human and ecological health.
- Wildlife Threats: Even small amounts of oil can harm fish and other aquatic life by creating a film on the water’s surface, disrupting oxygen exchange and causing toxic exposure.
Adding an oil water separation step ensures that any water leaving your lift shaft is clean and safe, minimizing environmental impact.
2. Staying on the Right Side of Regulations
Environmental laws around wastewater discharge are strict, and for good reason. Most regions have specific standards for what can and cannot be released into public drains. Ignoring these can lead to:
- Expensive Fines: Discharging untreated, oily water can result in significant penalties as described in the Water Resources Act 1991
- Legal Consequences: Persistent non-compliance can escalate to serious legal trouble and potential shutdowns.
Using an oil-water separator helps ensure that you’re following the rules and avoiding any unnecessary legal headaches.
3. Supporting Sustainability Goals
If your building is striving for sustainability or looking to achieve certifications such as ISO 14001, oil-water separation is a smart step to take. Good water management aligns with eco-friendly practices and contributes to a better reputation:
- Strengthening Your Reputation: Showing that you prioritize environmentally friendly practices reflects positively on building management.
How Oil-Water Separation Works
Oil-water separation can be done using simple gravity separation or more advanced filtration systems. The principle is straightforward:
- Gravity: Oil is less dense than water, so it rises to the surface naturally and can be skimmed off.
- Filtration: More sophisticated systems use filters to catch smaller oil particles to ensure only clean water is discharged.
When using our OWS-ILS-1250 unit we use a combination of these 2 principles to ensure effective separation and long service life.
Choosing the Right System
When picking an oil-water separator, consider the size of your lift shaft, how much water typically collects, and what kind of oils or contaminants you’re dealing with. Consulting with experts like us can help you find the best solution to meet your building’s specific needs.
Final Thoughts
Oil-water separation might seem like an extra step, but it’s a crucial one. It protects the environment, helps you avoid costly fines, extends the life of your equipment, and keeps your building safer. Plus, it’s a clear indicator that you’re committed to responsible building management.
Taking the time to implement oil-water separation isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
Learn more today by learning about our complete systems or contact us and we would be happy to discuss any requirements
