PROSPIN
Oil Water Separator System
HOW IT WORKS
Procon Environmental Technologies is at the forefront of innovative oil water separation technology primarily focused on addressing water pollution caused by hydrocarbon residue generated by processing plants on the mines.
Prospin is a complex design that works on a simple principle, the oil water is pumped tangentially into the large diameter end of the separator, this initiates a spinning vortex which is accelerated as it moves down the tapered separation tube.
The motion propels the water to the outer walls due to its higher density, while the oil with lower density is moved to the centre. The separated oil is extracted via an orifice located at the outlet of the separator, then the treated water is discharged on the other end of the tube.
Recycled Waste Water
Re-use of effluent water in the wash bays and pollution control dams and other water-based applications.
Cost Effective Solution
Lower maintenance, reduced equipment failure which increases production and optimizes plant performance.
HYDROCARBON RECOVERY
Increased hydrocarbon & contaminants recovery from the effluent plant.
Our Journey
Procon through strategic partnerships has been involved in the design, installation and commission of over 300 oil water separator systems throughout the sub- saharan african countries. Our experience and expertise over the years has contributed to the design of Prospin, tailored for mining operations in Africa with enhanced capabilities and durability
key benefits
- Durable & Reliable Equipment 100%
- Low life cycle cost 100%
- regulatory compliance 100%
wHY OWS SYSTEMS?
Despite its critical role, water infrastructure in many mining operations is often underprioritized, water reticulation systems that distribute and recycle water throughout a mining site, must be regularly maintained and environmentally compliant. When these systems are poorly designed or inadequately managed, the consequences have a ripple effect far beyond the mine itself.
Key Failures and Their Environmental Impacts
- Leakages and Overflow: Cracked pipelines and overburdened reservoirs can release contaminated water into the soil and nearby water bodies, leading to persistent pollution.
- Tailings Dam Failures: Insufficiently designed maintained tailing storage facilities can collapse or overflow, releasing toxic sludge into rivers and wetlands.
- Cross-Contamination: Inadequate separation of process water from clean water supplies can result in widespread contamination of potable water sources.
- Stagnant Water Pools: Poor circulation fosters breeding grounds for disease vectors such as mosquitoes, escalating public health risks.
Comparison Table
Free Oil Recovery
The ProSpin Free Oil Recovery system is a highly effective and innovative solution designed to efficiently remove free floating oil from the surface of the water. Unlike standard rope or mop skimmers, ProSpin can handle greater volumes of oil, making it an ideal choice for various industrial and environmental applications.
Primary Function
Recover floating (free-phase) oils from water surfaces
Oil Type
Free-floating oil only (non-emulsified)
Separation Mechanism
Self adjusting skimmers
Recovery Output
Recovered oil can often be reused or sold
Oil Water Separator
The Prospin Oil Water separator is a revolutionary system that solves the issue of residual oil waste in by using mixed flow de- oiling hydrocyclones which results in higher separation rate. Prospin has been tried and tested with results that demonstrates the efficient separation of oil and other contaminants from water.
Primary Function
Separate oil and suspended solids from water to prevent pollution.
Oil Type
Free oil & emulsified oil
Separation Mechanism
Hydrocyclone
Recovery Output
Separated oil typically sent to disposal or further treatment
Pre-Installation Checklist
Installation Process Flow
1
Mobilization and Site Preparation
Process Flow
- Secure the work area with barriers and signage
- Excavate and prepare the foundation as per separator footprint
- Lay crushed stone or install concrete pad (as specified)
2
Base & Placement
Process Flow
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Placement of system unit with crane or heavy duty equipment
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Ensure level installation to maintain hydraulic efficiency
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Install anti-flotation measures if required
3
Piping and Connections
Process Flow
- Connect Inlet from oil-contaminated water source
- Connect Outlet to sewer, holding tank, or treatment plant
- Connect Overflow/bypass system if applicable
- Install isolation valves, flow meters, and inspection points
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4
Electrical & Control Integration
Process Flow
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Wire control panels, alarms, and pumps (if electric system)
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Integrate sensors (oil layer thickness, high water level)
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Test backup power if critical system
5
Testing and Commissioning
Process Flow
Fill system with clean water for leak and level testing
Simulate inflow conditions to verify:
- Flow direction
- Separation efficiency
- Alarm response
Record results in commissioning log
6
Handover & Documentation
Process Flow
Train operations team on daily checks and maintenance
Compliance & Technical documents issued
- As-built drawings
- Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manual
- Emergency response plan
System Maintenance
Despite its critical role, water infrastructure in many mining operations is often underprioritized, water reticulation systems that distribute and recycle water throughout a mining site, must be regularly maintained and environmentally compliant. When these systems are poorly designed or inadequately managed, the consequences have a ripple effect far beyond the mine itself.
Key Failures and Their Environmental Impacts
- Leakages and Overflow: Cracked pipelines and overburdened reservoirs can release contaminated water into the soil and nearby water bodies, leading to persistent pollution.
- Tailings Dam Failures: Insufficiently designed maintained tailing storage facilities can collapse or overflow, releasing toxic sludge into rivers and wetlands.
- Cross-Contamination: Inadequate separation of process water from clean water supplies can result in widespread contamination of potable water sources.
- Stagnant Water Pools: Poor circulation fosters breeding grounds for disease vectors such as mosquitoes, escalating public health risks.
The cost of substandard systems
The installation of substandard oil water separator system can be detrimental to production and can lead to following:
- Decrease in treated water quality
- Large volumes of liquid hazardous waste
- Limited possibility for water re-use
- Endless breakdowns and equipment failures
