INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Heavy Locomotives. Harsh Washdown Water. Hydrocarbon-Loaded Stormwater.
Separation Built for the Realities of Modern Rail Operations.
Rail facilities operate under constant pressure: heavy equipment in and out, chronic diesel and hydraulic oil leaks, brake dust accumulation, and high-traffic yards exposed to every weather condition. Wash racks, fueling pads, and paved surfaces generate oily, solids-heavy wastewater that can overwhelm traditional separators and vault systems.
Mercer International delivers enhanced gravity separation engineered specifically for rail. Our systems capture fine hydrocarbons, control solids, prevent sheen, automate oil removal, and keep maintenance facilities, yards, and terminals regulatory ready, without the chronic cleanout cycles and bypass events seen across the industry.
Request Consultation or Build Your Design
Rail wastewater isn’t just “oily water.” It’s a dynamic stream shaped by rolling stock, fueling practices, maintenance activity, heavy debris loading, and weather.
Common challenges include:
When primary separation fails, operators face:
Mercer systems support rail operations across maintenance, fueling, and yard environments.
Common applications include:
Wherever rail operations generate oily, grit-laden wastewater, Mercer brings controlled, predictable separation performance.
MERCER ADVANTAGE
Rail operations are hard on equipment, including separators. Mercer designs specifically for the environmental and operational realities of heavy rolling stock.
Our Multi-Pack™ coalescer captures droplets down to 60 microns, outperforming API-style vaults and problematic CPI packs.
Controlled flow geometry and pre-settlement zones prevent plugging from ballast fines, sand, and solids.
Timer-actuated solids purging and automated skimming reduce operator burden and confined-space entry.
Whether it’s slow shop drainage or sudden wash rack surges, Mercer prevents bypass and maintains predictable separation.
Supports SPCC, SWPPP, MSGP, and NPDES requirements for hydrocarbon and solids control.
Why Mercer
Because rail wastewater requires separation technology that can withstand heavy solids, fluctuating flows, and real-world operating conditions.
Mercer systems:
