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Abstract
Several authors have pointed out the need to improve the design procedure of conventional oil-water separator. In this work, a batch test and various continuous runs based on a Plackett-Burman statistical plan were performed, in order to optimize a small (10 L/min) gravity oil-water separator technology intended to pre-treat wastewaters from vehicle service facilities. The results from the tracer tests realized did not show a coherent relationship between the performance of the separator (E) and the mixing regime qualified by means of the variable ε (ratio between the actual and nominal mean residence times). The statistical analysis showed that the oil removal efficiency variations (69-82%) were mainly dictated by the way the separator is configured. A two-step design procedure alternative of small gravity separators was suggested.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]