Oil/petrol interceptors should be emptied and serviced every 5 years, if they have a high silt level or following a major incident in their catchment area. All of our oil interceptor services are conducted under supervision by experienced environmental consultants who have a thorough understanding of how interceptors work and the common problems they develop. This ensures that if your interceptor is faulty or broken we are able to detect and diagnose the issues.
We provide regular oil/petrol interceptor services and interceptor integrity inspection services in line with ISO 14001 requirements, BS EN 858-2:2003 and PPG3. We have 2 levels of interceptor Integrity Service available a CCTV Integrity Service and a Confined Space Entry Integrity Service.
For most interceptors a CCTV integrity service will provide sufficient detail to fulfill the requirements of ISO 14001 and the British Standard. Using a camera engineers out the risk associated with Confined Space Entry work and reduces the cost of the service. During the integrity service the interceptor is emptied by a tanker and cleaned from the surface. A specialist CCTV camera system is then inserted and a video of the system is taken. The video will provide either a clean bill of health as to the structural integrity or will determine any failures in the system which require repair.
For some interceptors a CCTV Integrity Service will not be possible e.g. interceptors which are extremely large or over certain depths. In these instances we are able to provide an integrity service by utilising a confined space entry team with video recording equipment. During the integrity service the interceptor is emptied by a tanker and cleaned from the surface, an experienced confined space entry operative will then enter the interceptor and manually remove any excess solids.
The interceptor’s structural integrity will be inspected and the process recorded for validation. If any defects are found we can investigate the extent of the problem in order to facilitate the necessary repairs. Some minor repairs can be conducted during the service e.g. reseating the coalescer but most repairs will require a scheduled revisit with the necessary components to complete the repair.
For both CCTV and CSE integrity services you will be provided with a complete service report detailing the work undertaken, the interceptor condition and a waste audit trail, this can be used as evidence to external bodies e.g. Environmental Regulators or ISO 14001 auditors that a proper maintenance regime is being conducted. If defects are found video/photographic evidence will be provided.
If the system is not due a 5 yearly general inspection, but a high silt level has been found we can remove all contents using a tanker, we will use a jetter to remove as much silt as possible and clean the interceptor walls. The system will be visually inspected from the surface to confirm structural integrity (as far as possible). The interceptor will be recharged with clean water following the service to ensure it remains fully functioning. You will be provided with a complete service report detailing the work undertaken, the interceptor condition and a waste note.
We are experienced in servicing all makes of interceptor including SPEL, Morclean, Kingspan, Klargester, Conder, Premier Tech Aqua and Camplas. Our expertise with interceptors means that we are able to service all types of interceptor (class 1, class 2, by-pass and full retention) and pick up on any issues which specific systems can develop. We are also experienced in servicing all makes of interceptor alarms including Labkotec, Darcy, Aquasentry, Pyramid, Kingspan.
If during a 6 monthly interceptor inspection a high level of silt is found to have accumulated inside the interceptor or the interceptor has gone 5 years without a general inspection then an interceptor service will be required. If neither of these conditions exist we would recommend a interceptor inspection before paying for a full service (see more on interceptor inspections).
“GPT Environmental have provided essential services from Industrial Cleaning, Interceptor Servicing and Emergency spill response.
They always respond in record times and have worked with us to improve environmental compliance whilst reducing costs”
Environmental Engineer in Aerospace Manufacturing - COMAH site
“the SPEL Separator should be checked at 3, 6, 12 monthly intervals, depending upon site conditions, to determine the depth of retained pollutants. When the depth of light liquids retained has reached the predetermined design level in accordance with the European Standard BS EN 858-1, or if excessive silt has accumulated, it should be emptied”
SPEL Products data manual - Section 9 SPEL Separator commissioning operation and maintenance
"Every five years it is recommended that separators be emptied and given a general inspection to test the integrity and performance of the system. The separator must be refilled with clean water following such an inspection."
Use and design of oil separators in surface water drainage systems: PPG 3
"You need to inspect the oil separator regularly, clean it when necessary and keep a log of inspections and cleaning."