Corrugated Plate Interceptor CPI

Underlying Technology & Scientific Principle

CPI (also called a parallel- or tilted-plate interceptor) applies the same Stokes' gravity separation as an API unit, but a closely spaced corrugated plate pack cuts the vertical rise distance to a few millimetres, dramatically accelerating droplet capture and coalescence.

Working Mechanism

Water flows between oleophilic corrugated plates inclined at 45–60°. Oil droplets rise the short gap to the underside of a plate, coalesce along the corrugation crests into a film, and migrate up to the surface oil layer; solids slide down the troughs to a sludge hopper.

Separation / Removal Efficiency

Removes free oil down to ~60 µm, achieving 10–50 mg/L oil-and-grease — significantly better than a bare API basin in the same area.

Operating Principle & Parameters

Plate spacing 6–20 mm, projected-area loading 0.3–0.6 m/h. Performance governed by plate angle, spacing and feed temperature (lower viscosity improves rise rate).

Flow Rates & Volumetric Capacities

Modular packs handle 10–400 m³/h per vessel; multiple packs paralleled for higher flow. Compact enough for skid and offshore deck mounting.

Fluid Media Compatibility

Polypropylene, PVDF or 316L plate packs in CS, FRP or stainless vessels. Suited to hot, saline and moderately sour produced and process water.

System Schematic & Process Integration

Installed downstream of an API separator or as the primary de-oiler on space-constrained sites, ahead of flotation, walnut-shell or membrane stages.

Options / Variations Available

Cross-flow vs. down-flow packs; removable cassettes for cleaning; optional inlet coalescer and gas-blanketed (sour-service) vessels.

System Complexity & Automation Level

Low–moderate — interface level control and automated oil draw; plate packs periodically isolated for chemical or mechanical wash.

Applications & Performance Delivered

Contaminant Removal Profile