Oil-Water Separator
Corrugated Plate Interceptor (CPI)
High-Efficiency CPI Oil-Water Separator for Industrial and Petrochemical Waste
FRC’s CPI Separator uses corrugated plates for gravity-driven oil and solids separation—ideal for refineries, terminals, and food processors.
FRC’s Corrugated Plate Interceptor (CPI) is a high-efficiency oil-water separator designed to outperform traditional API separators by leveraging corrugated plate technology. The CPI system delivers superior separation of oil, water, and solids in a compact footprint with minimal operator intervention—making it ideal for industrial and petrochemical wastewater streams.
Influent oily wastewater enters the CPI separator and flows across inclined corrugated plate packs that slow the flow and promote phase separation. Due to density differences, solids settle to the bottom while oil droplets rise and coalesce on the plate surfaces. Skimmers remove the oil to a recovery trough, and sludge is discharged via augers. This gravity-based method efficiently separates immiscible phases, delivering cleaner effluent without the need for high-pressure or chemical inputs.
Key Features
High-efficiency separation using inclined corrugated plate packs
Compact design compared to traditional separators
Stainless-steel construction resists corrosion in harsh environments
Minimal moving parts for low maintenance
Available with static or rotating oil skimmers
Gas-tight cover options for volatile environments
Fully customizable system configuration including skids, catwalks, and controls
Specifications
Flow Capacity: Up to 6,000+ GPM
Free Separation Area: 5.5 – 151 sq ft
Effective Separation Area: 32 – 3,101 sq ft
Construction: Stainless steel (304, 316, duplex, or custom alloys)
Applications
Oil and gas production wastewater
Petrochemical and refinery effluent
Produced water and frac flowback
Food processing and meat/dairy operations
Transportation terminals and bulk handling facilities
Renewable fuels and LNG plants
Why choose a CPI?
FRC’s CPI separator is a modern upgrade to outdated API systems—offering faster separation, better space utilization, and robust stainless-steel construction. With scalable designs and low-maintenance performance, it’s the preferred choice for reliable oil-water separation across diverse industrial applications.
CPI FAQ
Q: How is a CPI separator better than an API separator?
A: CPI systems use corrugated plates to increase separation surface area, allowing more efficient gravity separation in a smaller footprint.
Q: What types of oil can a CPI separator handle?
A: It efficiently separates free-floating oils, including those in refinery effluent, food processing wastewater, and frac water.
Q: Is the CPI available in gas-tight designs?
A: Yes, optional gas-tight covers with nitrogen sweep and flame arrestors are available for hazardous environments.
