[     Product listing ](/en/technologies-1 "  Product listing")

 

 

 

#### API Gravity Separator is a primary oil and/or water separator designed to meet the needs of the oil, gas and petrochemical industries. It complies with API 421 design code.



[Contact an expert](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.com/en/contact)

 



 

 



 [Overview](#1) [Applications](#2) [Services](#3) [Resources](#4) [Contact](#5) 

 

 

## Overview

 

 

 

API Gravity Separators are crucial in safeguarding the environment by treating [industrial wastewater](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.com/en/applications/industrial-wastewater-treatment). **They effectively remove large quantities of oil and suspended solids, preventing harmful pollutants from entering waterways, protecting both aquatic ecosystems and human health.**  
  
API Gravity Separator has been specifically designed to comply with the **American Petroleum Industry standard (API 421) design code** **recommendations**, ensuring discharged water meets environmental standards.  
It is almost universally applied as a pre-separator in a full train of effluent treatment elements. Oil droplets with a diameter greater than 150 micrometers (μm) are removed effectively.



 

 

 



### How does API work?

API Gravity Separator effectively separates oil droplets from water by gravity. As per API 421 code, the length and height of the basin are calculated to have a laminar flow through the unit. An inlet distribution and laminar-inducing device ensure an optimized and shortened separator.   
  
As oil density is lighter than water, oil droplets rise to the surface during the flow from the inlet to the outlet of the unit. Oil accumulated in the top layer of the water is then pushed by a scraper to an oil skimmer device.   
  
This skimmer device removes the collected oil from the water surface. Oil droplets with a diameter greater than 150 μm are removed effectively while suspended solids in the water go down to the bottom of the API Gravity Separator unit.   
  
The same scraper system pushes the collected solids at the bottom toward sludge cones. The sludge cones then collect the solids for extraction through the sludge nozzles located underneath the unit. The volatile organic compounds are contained with the modular removable cover. Either nitrogen blanketing or air sweep system is used to keep the separator atmosphere above the upper explosion limit and below the lower explosion limit.

[Do you have a question about this technology? Ask an expert.](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.com/en/contact)

 



 

 

 



 

 

   ![Picture of 3D API 100 equiped](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/media/public/image/2025/03/3D%20API%20100%20equiped_cover%20page%20SH.jpg.webp?itok=qC4EMttE)   





 

 





 

 

 

 









 

 





 

 

 



##   
Features and benefits



 

 

 



   ![Piping-2 picto](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2021/11/piping-2.png.webp?itok=PGneDK_Y)   



Well-proven scraper mechanism in the separator.



 

 

 

 

   ![heat picto](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2021/11/Gas-picto.png.webp?itok=qI7P-lt3)   



Suitable for use in the explosive atmosphere.



 

 

 

 

 

 





   ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2024/02/Conception-design-picto.png.webp?itok=vG8ErCQM)   



Standardized product, with a short lead time to customize it with customer specifications.



 

 

 

 

   ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2023/05/Transportation%20picto.png.webp?itok=VHkoteDY)   



Pre-fabricated, modular design, fully transportable and integrated.



 

 

 

 

   ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2023/01/Grey---Productivity---New1.png.webp?itok=RjF3gXWp)   



Design suitable for a wide range of effluent (temperature, viscosity, concentration) and optimized to achieve the best separation performance.



 

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

 

## Applications

 

 

 

 [   ![Two workers wearing helmets, masks and gloves in a wastewater treatment plant. © Médiathèque VEOLIA - Jérôme Sevrette / ANDIA](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2022/05/VEOLIA_StJeanLaPoterie_JeromeSevrette_Andia_52.jpg.webp?itok=f3QoqZWE)   ](/en/applications/industrial-wastewater-treatment "Industrial wastewater treatment") 

  

 [Industrial wastewater treatment](/en/applications/industrial-wastewater-treatment "Industrial wastewater treatment") 

 Technologies, services and process expertise to meet environmental requirements, remove contaminants and transform wastewater into a resource. 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 [Read more](/en/applications/industrial-wastewater-treatment "Industrial wastewater treatment") 





 

 



 

 [   ![Produced water treatment banner](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2022/06/Produced.JPG.webp?itok=4ls9SLmO)   ](/en/applications/produced-water-treatment "Produced water treatment") 

  

 [Produced water treatment](/en/applications/produced-water-treatment "Produced water treatment") 

 Produced water treatment for oil and gas exploration. 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 [Read more](/en/applications/produced-water-treatment "Produced water treatment") 





 

 



 

 [   ![Sludge valorization: making better use of your resources](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2022/03/Veolia%20Water%20-%20%20Jones%20Island%20-%20067%20copie.jpg.webp?itok=cqn1JGbN)   



 ](/en/applications/sludge-treatment "Sludge treatment") 

 Application 

 [Sludge treatment](/en/applications/sludge-treatment "Sludge treatment") 

 Sludge valorization: making better use of your resources 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 [Learn more](/en/applications/sludge-treatment "Learn more") 





 

 



 

 [   ![stormwater content push picture](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2022/06/RAMSES%2005%20copie.jpg.webp?itok=q6_mFxgH)   ](/en/applications/stormwater-management "Stormwater management") 

  

 [Stormwater management](/en/applications/stormwater-management "Stormwater management") 

 Solutions for the control, interception and clarification of stormwater 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 [Read more](/en/applications/stormwater-management "Stormwater management") 





 

 



 

 

 





 

 

 

## Services

 

 

 

 [   ![Hubgrade make your ressources smarter banner ](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2021/12/210394_VWT_CORPOC_HUBGRADE_web_banner_1542x528.jpg.webp?itok=HkeBYHRm)   ](/en/hubgrade-digital-solutions "Hubgrade digital solutions") 

  

 [Hubgrade digital solutions](/en/hubgrade-digital-solutions "Hubgrade digital solutions") 

 A combination of digital tools and Veolia expertise that make all your water processes smarter, safer and more sustainable. 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 [LEARN MORE](/en/hubgrade-digital-solutions) 





 

 



 

 [   ![Service man controlling valves](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2019/06/Service.jpg.webp?itok=hm8uob12)   ](/en/services/installed-base-services "Installed Base Services") 

  

 [Installed Base Services](/en/services/installed-base-services "Installed Base Services") 

 Providing best-in-class water treatment services tailored to your exact needs to optimize the operational performance of your facility. 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 [LEARN MORE](/en/services/installed-base-services) 





 

 



 

 [   ![Man walking near Hydrex Chemicals cans](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2021/04/Hydrex-push.jpg.webp?itok=qE6wsNax)   ](/en/services/water-treatment-chemical-programs "Water Treatment Chemical Programs") 

  

 [Water Treatment Chemical Programs](/en/services/water-treatment-chemical-programs "Water Treatment Chemical Programs") 

 Providing water hygiene and HYDREXⓇ chemical solutions serving the performance of utility and water treatment equipment. 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 [Learn more](/en/services/water-treatment-chemical-programs) 





 

 



 

 

 





 

 

 

## Resources

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 [PDF

  API Gravity Separator Brochure  (1.35 MB)  

    ](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/document/2025/04/TiPSS%20API%20Brochure%20-%20Print.pdf) 

 



 

 [PDF

  API Gravity Separator Datasheet  (157.63 KB)  

    ](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/document/2025/04/API_Datasheet_LR.pdf) 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

## Contact

 

 

 

API Gravity Separator not only meets industry standards but also drives ecological transformation. By effectively removing oil and suspended solids from water, we're safeguarding our environment while ensuring operational efficiency for our customers.

####  

   ![Picture Harm Uenk](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2025/04/Capture%20d%27e%CC%81cran%2001.04.2025%20a%CC%80%200.png.webp?itok=rEb6gGfW)   




#### Harm Uenk

Product Manager - Veolia Water Technologies

**Contact Harm through his** [**Linkedin page** ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/harm-uenk/)

<harm.uenk@veolia.com> - +316 20284511

## FAQ about API Gravity Separator



 

 

 



###  How can the impact of upstream energy operations on water sources be reduced?

  

API Gravity Separator is designed to reduce the impact of oil and gas operations on water sources by treating the water with gravity segregation of oil and solid particles increasing the water quality.



 

 

 

 



###  How customizable is the API separator for specific industry needs?

  

API Gravity Separator is developed for the energy and chemical processing industry and offered as a standard product in four flow ranges. Industry standards and client requirements are included.



 

 

 

 



###  How does the modular design of API Gravity Separator benefit installation and transportation?

  

As a standard product, the time from order to delivery is relatively short. A combination of our standardized internal components reduces the lead production time while offering options to the client.



 

 

 

 



###  How does API Gravity Separator’s design differ from existing installations?

  

Existing API units are often constructed as below-ground-level civil basins, often lacking technology such as scraper systems or covers. Upgrading these units increases performance with high-quality internal components, improving maintenance through above-ground accessibility and preventing hazardous vapors from reaching the atmosphere thanks to a closed covers system.



 

 

 

 



 

 





 

 

 

 

 

## Technologies related to API Gravity Separator



 [   ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/vwt_product_content_push/public/image/2019/02/TiPSS-push.jpg.webp?itok=cbVZ4y1G)   





 

### TiPSS™

Tilted Plate Separator Systems - oil water separation based on tilted plate packs to increase the separation surface.

 

 

Sedimentation - Clarification - Flotation

 

 

 

 ](/en/solutions/technologies/tipss) 





 [   ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/vwt_product_content_push/public/image/2023/02/MPPE-push.jpg.webp?itok=M6jjzNHi)   





 

### MPPE (Macro Porous Polymer Extraction)

Veolia Water Technologies MPP Systems has developed a one step process that will remove both dissolved and dispersed hydrocarbons from water.

 

 

Adsorption - Extraction

 

 

 

 ](/en/solutions/technologies/macro-porous-polymer-extraction-mppe) 





 [   ![MPPS unit in details](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/vwt_product_content_push/public/image/2024/07/MPPS-push.jpg.webp?itok=Dnvm8DF7)   





 

### Macro Porous Polymer Sorption (MPPS)

Solvent removal and recovery in the semiconductor industry.

 

 

Adsorption - Extraction

 

 

 

 ](/en/solutions/technologies/macro-porous-polymer-sorption-mpps) 





 [   ![View of a MPPCompact unit](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/vwt_product_content_push/public/image/2024/07/MPP-Compact-push.jpg.webp?itok=wp0j-N74)   





 

### MPPCompact

A plug and play solution for hydrocarbon removal from low capacity wastewater streams.

 

 



 

 

 

 ](/en/solutions/technologies/mppcompact)