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Electrical Utilities: Natural Gas

High-Efficiency Separation for Gas Turbine, Compressor & Combined-Cycle Plants

Mercer delivers automated, enhanced-gravity separation systems purpose-built for natural-gas–fired power generation, from turbine lube-oil drainage to compressor skids, HRSG washdowns, and auxiliary equipment sumps.

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Overview

Modern natural gas power plants operate with complex lubrication systems, thermal cycles, and high-energy components that generate oily wastewater across multiple drainage points. Lube-oil leakage from gas turbines, compressor skid drainage, HRSG and condenser washdowns, auxiliary boiler rooms, and fuel-handling areas all converge into sumps originally sized for much lower flow and solids loading.

Most facilities still rely on CPI units, corrugated packs, slotted-pipe skimmers, or simple pits that were never designed for today’s lubrication volumes or variable-flow events. When turbine fines, rust scale, and gasket debris, enter the system, these legacy separators quickly blind, stall, or short-circuit. Sheen breakthrough becomes unpredictable. Maintenance becomes weekly. Regulators take notice.

Mercer stops that cycle.
Our Compliance Master™ separators with Multi-Pack™ coalescers deliver stable droplet capture, automatic oil removal, and reliable solids evacuation, especially with rapid load swings. Natural gas facilities gain consistent discharge quality, reduced operator intervention, and documented compliance, all in a compact footprint designed for tight turbine halls and retrofit constraints.

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

Mercer’s Solution

Mercer brings predictable, automated performance to natural-gas fired generation by stabilizing hydraulics, controlling velocity, and removing oil and solids before they can foul downstream systems.

Mercer units capture 3× smaller droplets than simple gravity systems in a footprint typically ¼ the size of legacy separators.

Electromechanical skimming removes oil the moment it forms a layer, preventing collapse, sinking, and emulsification.

Automated sludge valves timed to solids buildup prevent accumulation of fines, metal shavings, and gasket debris.

Airtight covers reduce VOC seepage, eliminate odor issues, and keep debris out, all critical in indoor turbine settings.

Multi-Pack™ modules drop into existing vaults and pits, upgrading performance without large civil modifications.

APPLICATION AREAS

Typical Natural Gas Applications

Gas Turbine Lube-Oil Drainage

Capture and remove lubricating oil from bearings, seals, and failsafe drains with high efficiency.

Compressor Skid Drainage

Handle compressor lube-oil leakage and washdown water without solids buildup.

HRSG, Boiler & Condenser Washdown

Treat oily water mixed with cleaning agents, silt, and metal fines.

Auxiliary Equipment & Mechanical Rooms

Manage pump seal leakage, fuel-oil residue, and general facility drainage.

Fuel-Handling & Tank Farm Areas

Control hydrocarbon runoff during transfers and maintenance operations.

Stormwater & Containment Sumps

Handle first-flush loads during storm events with consistent, documented oil removal.

SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

Common Natural Gas Plant Challenges

High-Temperature Flows

Hot lube-oil drainage and warm condensate accelerate fouling in legacy separators and disrupt rise times.

Variable & Shock Loads

Turbine start-ups, washdowns, and fuel system purges produce unpredictable flow spikes that defeat conventional separators.

Fine Solids & Metal Debris

Bearing wear particles, gasket fragments, rust scale, and compressor fines sink oil into the sludge layer and choke removal systems.

Odor & Vapor Concerns

Open pits release VOCs from lube oil, solvents, and cleaning fluids, now a growing air-quality priority.

Tight Mechanical Spaces

Turbine halls offer limited access for pits or large concrete structures, making retrofit-friendly solutions essential.

99.9%

Oil Removal Rate

75%

Space Reduction

25+

Year Lifespan

Performance Highlights

MERCER ADVANTAGE

The Mercer Difference

Predictable, Automated Oil & Solids Removal

No more hand-cranked skimmers or emergency CPI cleanouts. Mercer systems remove oil and solids continuously.

Built for Interiors & Tight Spaces

Small footprints, sealed covers, and quiet automation make Mercer ideal for turbine halls and compressor platforms.

Better Performance Than CPI in Every Metric

Smaller droplet capture, fewer cleanouts, stable flow paths, CPI (Corrugated Plate Interceptors) simply can’t match it.

Operational Safety & Emissions Control

Airtight systems reduce operator exposure, eliminate odor, and support modern air-quality compliance.

Lower Lifecycle Cost

Reduced sludge hauling, fewer outages, and improved reliability all translate to measurable savings.

Upgrade Your Natural Gas Drainage Management

Free testing. Guaranteed performance.

Reliable, automated performance for the modern turbine environment.

Request a Natural Gas Consultation View Separator Models

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.

Can Mercer systems handle surfactants from turbine washdowns?

A.

Yes. Controlled-flow geometry and optimized plate spacing maintain separation when CPI units collapse.

Q.

Can these units tolerate hot lube-oil drainage?

A.

Absolutely. Materials and coatings are selected for high-temperature performance.

Q.

How often do operators need to service the system?

A.

Typically every 6–12 months, versus the weekly attention CPI and pits require.

Q.

Can Mercer retrofit into existing plant pits?

A.

Often yes. Multi-Pack™ modules drop into many existing structures with minimal modification.

Q.

Does automation integrate with existing plant controls?

A.

Yes. Full SCADA/PLC connectivity, alarms, and telemetry are available.

Q.

Are these systems suitable for combined-cycle facilities?

A.

Yes, especially where HRSG washdowns and condensate systems introduce variable flows and chemicals.