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Pan America Environmental, Inc. — 35 years, made in USA

Oil Water Separators

TPI – Tilted Plate Interceptor / CPI Oil-Water Separator

Tilted Plate Interceptor

TPI Tilted Plate Interceptor

Corrugated Plate Interceptor

Tilted Plate Interceptor Product Overview

The TPI (Tilted Plate Interceptor) Oil Water Separator—also known as a Corrugated Plate Interceptor (CPI)—uses enhanced gravity separation combined with coalescence. Wastewater flows through a pack of inclined parallel (often corrugated) plates angled at 45–60 degrees. This design provides a large surface area for oil droplets to coalesce into larger globules that rise to the surface, while solids settle to the bottom.

A secondary coalescer screen captures finer oil particles (down to ~20 microns), ensuring highly effective removal. The result is clean effluent suitable for further treatment or discharge, with recovered oil that can often be reused.

Key Performance

  • Removes up to 99% of free-floating oil.
  • Outlet oil content typically <10 ppm (depending on inlet conditions and design).
  • Handles oil droplets from 50+ microns or 30+ microns.

Benefits & Features

  • Compact Footprint: Significantly smaller than traditional API separators while delivering higher efficiency.
  • No Moving Parts: Extremely low maintenance and zero chemical or power consumption during operation.
  • High Efficiency: Laminar flow between plates optimizes separation.
  • Durable Construction: Available in 304/316 SS, coated carbon steel, polypropylene or concrete.
  • Customizable: Flow rates, plate materials (oleophilic options), and configurations tailored to your needs.
  • Easy Operation: Oil skimming, sludge removal (gravity or pump), and automated options available.
  • Safe & Reliable: Suitable for hazardous areas; proven design per API 421 standards.

Technical Specifications

Specifications can be customized based on your flow rate, oil type, and site requirements.

How It Works

  1. Oily wastewater enters the inlet chamber.
  2. Flow is distributed evenly into the plate pack.
  3. Oil droplets adhere to the plates, coalesce, and rise to the top for skimming.
  4. Solids settle into the hopper bottom for periodic removal.
  5. Clarified water exits from the outlet.

This passive process leverages Stokes' Law for reliable, energy-efficient separation.

Why Choose Our TPI Oil Water Separator?

Proven performance across demanding industrial environments. Our systems offer excellent value with easy installation, minimal maintenance, and strong support for spares and service. Whether you need a standalone unit, above-ground rectangular tank, or integration into a full treatment plant, we deliver tailored solutions.

Ready to optimize your wastewater treatment?

Contact us today for a custom quote, site assessment, or technical consultation. Download brochures and technical datasheets for detailed drawings and case studies.

Industrial Applications

Ideal For:

  • Oil & Gas / Refineries / Petrochemical (refinery wastewater, stripped sour water)
  • Natural Gas Processing / Coke-Making / Gasification
  • Power Plants
  • Steel & Mining
  • Automotive / Vehicle Wash Racks
  • Food & Beverage / Dairy
  • Marine / Shipping
  • Chemical / Pharma
  • Municipal Wastewater Treatment
  • Oily wastewater treatment
  • Oil & grease removal
  • Coolant recovery
  • Pre-treatment before DAF or biological systems
  • Stormwater / rainwater runoff
  • Bilge and ballast water

Need replacement media? We supply replacement coalescing media packs for Pan America separators and many other brands, plus concrete tank retrofits. Replacement & retrofit media · Media pack builder · Parts & media

Request a quote: TPI – Tilted Plate Interceptor / CPI Oil-Water Separator

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Need help choosing or sizing TPI?

Our engineers size and configure every system for your flow rate, wastewater and site. Contact us for a consultation, pilot testing or a custom quote.

Tell us your flow rate and what's in the water

Our engineers size and configure each system for your facility. Call 262.716.0105 or send the details and we'll follow up with a recommendation and pricing.