What is a Drainage Interceptor?
An interceptor is a tank installed in a pipe to collect and hold contaminants so that the remaining wastewater can be safely discharged into the main sewer system.
Sewer interceptors are also known by other names, such as catch traps, catch tanks, and filter tanks.
It is also called a separator because it separates contaminants from the wastewater. However, they all perform the same task. There are different types of dewatering separators, depending on the type and amount of contaminants that need to be removed before discharging the wastewater.
Proper installation and proper maintenance of interceptors are critical to prevent pollution incidents that can damage the environment and expose facility owners to severe legal penalties.
Example of interceptor requiring emptying
Where Should Interceptors be Installed?
Drainage separators are typically required to capture and contain fuels, oils, and chemicals that end up in surface waters or are inadvertently released in large quantities during undesirable incidents at commercial and industrial facilities. ​
Interceptors are often named for this use. For example, petrol interceptors, oil interceptors, chemical interceptors, etc.
Equipment is installed where there is a high risk of these contaminants entering surface drains, spilling out of industrial process lines, or being accidentally released from fuel, oil, or chemical spills.
Therefore, the facilities where dewatering separators are commonly installed are:
- parking
- logistic park
- commercial garage
- petrol station vestibule
- street
- oil and fuel storage
- A factory, especially one with heavy machinery
- car wash
How Do Interceptors Work?
Most standard wastewater interceptors consist of a series of chambers or tanks that hold water and separate contaminants in two ways.
- Heavy solids in the drain fall to the bottom of the tank
- Lighter oil, fuel and chemicals float on water
A dip tube in the chamber then allows the effluent, cleared of solids and light contaminants, to flow into his second chamber. The purified water flows into the sewage system.
How Often Should an Interceptor be Emptied?
The Environment Agency recommends interceptor cleaning is carried out every six months to prevent clogging and reduce the risk of contamination. Emptying regularly prevents the accumulation of sludge and debris that reduces capacity and increases the risk of pollution.
Hazclear Professional Interceptor Cleaning
It is important that the Interceptor is cleaned by a professional waste disposal contractor to ensure legal disposal. Hazclear, understand the need for a fully functional interceptor and the importance of maintenance and regular maintenance. Leveraging Hazclear's nationwide list of suppliers, we can provide complete Interceptor maintenance in his package, from his one-time cleaning of the Interceptor to full drainage by our flushing team, removing all sludge and contaminants can be removed for sure. Additionally, Hazclear can provide an enclosed space access team to perform a visual inspection after cleaning the interceptor. This is a form of quality control and we check that a full interceptor clean has been performed to ensure it is complete. We ensure every job is completed using the correct equipment, find out more about the PPE we use.
Call us today: 01902 482526 OR email us: info@hazclear.com
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