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Electrical Utilities

Separation Solutions for Power Generation, Transmission & Energy Facilities

Mercer delivers engineered oil/water separation and automated hydrocarbon management systems that keep power plants, substations, and energy facilities safe, compliant, and operational.

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Overview

Electrical utilities face some of the most complicated oily-water challenges of any industrial sector. Transformer leaks, lube-oil drainage, turbine washdowns, fuel-handling runoff, stormwater, coal pile leachate, and equipment-bay containment all produce oily wastewater that must be captured, treated, and kept out of the environment.

Many facilities still rely on outdated concrete vaults, undersized skim pits, CPI units, slotted-pipe “skimmers,” or makeshift trenches originally installed decades ago. These systems clog, blind, and overflow — especially when solids, emulsions, or fuel-oil sheens enter the mix. The result is unpredictable discharge quality, heavy maintenance, and regulatory exposure.

Mercer eliminates that cycle.

Our enhanced-gravity separators with Multi-Pack™ coalescer technology deliver consistent removal of oils and solids in real time — automatically, without operator intervention, and with airtight emissions control. From aging hydro plants to modern gas turbine facilities, Mercer equips utilities with predictable separation performance, reduced labor, and compliance confidence.

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INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

Solutions Across the Power Generation Landscape

Hydroelectric

Treat turbine-bay drainage, gatehouse leaks, and powerhouse oily runoff while minimizing solids carry-through and protecting waterways.

Natural Gas

Handle lube-oil leakage, compressor drainage, turbine washdowns, and sump water in highly variable flow conditions.

Coal

Remove oils and fines from coal pile runoff, conveyor/washdown water, and process-area drainage before it enters surface water or NPDES outfalls.

Nuclear

Manage controlled-area drainage, turbine lubricants, transformer leaks, and regulated wastewater streams with predictable, documented performance.

Petroleum-Fired Generation

Capture fuel-oil spills, boiler house drainage, tank farm runoff, and oily sumps — automatically and with sealed emissions control.

Renewables

Support wind, solar, and battery storage sites with containment and drainage solutions for transformer bays, inverter pads, and maintenance hubs.

Solution

Why Mercer for Electrical Utilities

Engineered for Critical Infrastructure, Proven Across the Grid

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APPLICATION AREAS

Typical Applications

Transformer Bays & Substations

Capture dielectric oil leaks, rain-induced sheen, and containment drainage automatically.

Turbine & Generator Lubrication Systems

Remove free oils and particulates from turbine hall drainage, lube-oil sumps, and equipment washdowns.

Fuel Handling & Tank Farms

Treat oily runoff from diesel, fuel-oil, and turbine-fuel storage areas.

Cooling & Boiler House Drainage

Eliminate oil carryover from cooling water, condenser areas, and auxiliary equipment.

Coal Handling & Conveyor Areas

Manage oily solids, coal fines, and hydrocarbon sheens before discharge or reuse.

Stormwater & Regulated Outfalls

Handle first-flush loads and variable storm events with stable separation performance.

SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

Common Utility Challenges

Legacy Infrastructure

Older vaults, pits, and slotted-pipe systems foul quickly and cannot maintain proper rise time or water column stability.

Surge & Shock Loads

Storm events, turbine washdowns, or lube-oil system failures overwhelm CPI tanks and basic separators.

Mixed Solids + Hydrocarbon Streams

Utilities handle grit, fines, coal dust, and suspended solids — perfect conditions for fouled media in old systems.

Regulatory Exposure

EPA NPDES, SPCC, and state waterboard requirements demand documented, repeatable oil-removal performance.

Emissions & Odor Issues

Open pits and tanks release vapors, complicating air-quality compliance and operator safety.

99.9%

Oil Removal Rate

75%

Space Reduction

25+

Year Lifespan

Performance Highlights

MERCER ADVANTAGE

The Mercer Difference

Reliable Oil & Solids Removal + Airtight Emission Control

Power plants demand predictable performance and Mercer delivers systems that remain stable regardless of load, solids, or weather.

API-Level Performance Without the Footprint

Enhanced-gravity separation that exceeds the 150-micron limitation of open-weir devices.

Automated, Safer Operations

No confined-space skimming, no manual desludging, no “fishing for oil.”

Low Lifecycle Cost

Extend maintenance intervals, eliminate sludge buildup, and reduce hauling frequency.

Regulatory Confidence

Repeatable performance for SPCC, NPDES, and state discharge requirements.

Emission Containment Built-In

Sealed lids and vapor-control packages tackle VOC/odor issues and operator exposure, a growing mandate in utility operations.

Transform Your Utility’s Oily-Water Management

Free testing. Guaranteed performance.

Cleaner discharge. Safer operations. Fewer cleanouts. Real compliance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q.

 How are Mercer separators different from utility sump pits or CPI units?

A.

Mercer systems capture 3× smaller droplets, maintain stable hydraulics, prevent media blinding, and automate oil/solids removal.

Q.

Can Mercer retrofit existing pits or vaults?

A.

Yes. Multi-Pack™ modules drop into many existing structures, turning non-compliant pits into automated separators.

Q.

How do systems handle storm surges or variable flows?

A.

Enhanced-gravity designs maintain performance even under shock loads, unlike CPI tanks that flood or short-circuit.

Q.

Are Mercer systems suitable for transformer oil leaks?

A.

Absolutely. They capture dielectric oils efficiently and can integrate with substation containment plans.

Q.

What emissions controls do Mercer systems offer?

A.

Airtight covers, vapor-capture options, and sealed skimming prevent VOC/odor release and improve plant safety.

Q.

Will solids plug the coalescer packs?

A.

No. Mercer’s controlled-flow geometry and plate spacing resist blinding and maintain clean rise paths.

Q.

 Do these systems require daily operator attention?

A.

No. Automated skimming, timed purge cycles, and SCADA connectivity reduce daily tasks to near zero.

Q.

Are these systems compatible with remote or unmanned facilities?

A.

Yes. Automation and alarm packages make Mercer ideal for low-staff or remote power installations.