Effectiveness:The separator should be able to maintain its effectiveness at separating the liquids even when subjected to sudden variations in flow rate and concentration. It should be designed to handle the anticipated flow rate and contaminant concentrations under normal operation. It should also be capable of accepting flow rate increases up to 125% of rated capacity for a short duration without causing remixing of the oil/water interface. In addition, it should be capable of treating an upset where the quantity of pure oil may be 10% of the volume of the separator.Proper Inlet Design:The inlet to the separating section should be configured to uniformly distribute the flow and to prevent disturbing the oil/water interface.Solids Handling:Liquid mixtures introduced into the separator may contain entrained settleable solids. The design should allow these solids to settle prior to the introduction of the mixture into the separating section.Enhanced Separation:The separating section should be configured to accelerate separation. Enhanced separation may be achieved by reducing turbulence and controlling the velocity profile. It should not only prevent remixing at the oil/water interface and, but also stabilize it. This may be achieved by keeping the water flow parallel to the interface, i.e., never inclining it upwards.Separate Oil Section:The separator should be equipped with a separate compartment where oil may be removed without disturbing the interface in the separating section and where the flow within the separator will not disturb the oil removal operation.Clean Water Section:A final compartment that is isolated from the other sections should be provided in the separator to receive the clean water and to prevent any possible remixing of the separated components. This section should be designed to control the system hydraulics and regulate effluent discharge.