design center

Oil & Gas: Midstream

Protecting Pipelines, Terminals, and Midstream Operations

Mercer delivers field-proven separation systems for spill containment, sump drainage, and transfer operations thus ensuring compliance, protecting assets, and preventing hydrocarbon discharge.

Talk to an Oil & Gas Specialist

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Midstream Operations: Protecting Pipelines and Terminals

Pipeline and terminal facilities operate at the heart of the oil and gas transport network. The spot where hydrocarbon control is both a compliance mandate and a business imperative. Every pump station, loading rack, containment area, and sump must be ready to handle accidental spills, stormwater runoff, or intermittent oily discharges without risking fines, downtime, or environmental damage.

Mercer International’s Compliance Master™ oil-water separators, powered by the Multi-Pack™ coalescer system, are designed specifically for these mission-critical midstream environments. Engineered to meet EPA SPCC and stormwater requirements, they provide enhanced gravity separation performance that replaces unreliable corrugated plate or undersized fiberglass tanks.

Compact, corrosion-resistant, and adaptable to tight site constraints, Mercer’s systems have become the standard for midstream operators who demand long-term reliability with minimal maintenance.

ENERGY INDUSTRIES

Common Midstream Challenges

Tight Site Constraints

Pump and valve stations, terminals, and compressor sites often have limited footprints. Mercer’s compact above- or below-grade systems fit where conventional units cannot.

Intermittent & Surge Flows

Drainage and containment systems must handle both low-flow seepage and full-volume storm or spill events. Mercer designs accommodate variable flow without short-circuiting or oil carry-over.

Regulatory Pressure & Environmental Liability

Facilities must meet federal SPCC and NPDES stormwater discharge limits, while mitigating cleanup and liability exposure from hydrocarbon release.

Corrosion & Longevity

Midstream systems see heavy exposure to weather, chemicals, and hydrocarbons. Mercer’s internally coated carbon steel and stainless options deliver decades of service life.

Daily Intervention

Manual skimming and solids removal eat up operator hours and introduce safety and compliance risks. Mercer systems eliminate these daily interventions through automated product recovery and solids management.

Talk to an Oil & Gas Specialist

MERCER ADVANTAGE

Mercer’s Solution

Mercer’s midstream separators combine engineered simplicity with advanced internal hydraulics.

Key Design Features:

Full-Width Flow Baffles and Weirs

Maintain laminar flow and prevent turbulence during surge or storm events.

Multi-Pack™ Coalescer System

Provides superior oil-water-solids separation without clogging. With no small pockets, no corrugated plates, so no fouling.

Automation-Ready Oil & Solids Management

Integrated controls automate skimming, solids evacuation, and valve cycling—reducing operator intervention in daily treatment processes and preventing buildup that derails throughput.

Compact Above- or Below-Grade Construction

Ideal for confined midstream installations, including valve pits and pump station sumps.

Corrosion-Resistant Coatings

Extends lifecycle in harsh chemical or salt environments.

Optional Integrated Controls

Auto-close valves, leak detection, and level alarms for active spill response and SCADA integration.

APPLICATION AREAS

Typical Applications

Pipeline Pump and Compression Stations

Sump and containment drainage compliant with SPCC standards.

Rail Tanker Transfer Sites

Capture oily washdown and accidental drips before they reach the environment.

Tank Terminals and Storage Farms

Manage stormwater and secondary containment drainage efficiently.

Marine and Barge Offloading

Treat transfer area runoff to prevent sheens and violations.

Fuel and Chemical Loading Racks

Control discharge from washdowns and incidental spills with automated separators.

Featured Projects

Performance You Can Depend On

Oil Removal

Up to 99.9% of free and dispersed hydrocarbons

Compliance

Meets EPA SPCC and stormwater discharge standards

Maintenance

Simplified access for inspection and cleanout with no confined-space concerns

Longevity

Proven 25-plus-year lifespan with proper coating selection and maintenance intervals

Safety

Optional containment valve automation for immediate isolation in spill conditions

Ready to Safeguard Your Midstream Operations?

Discuss your application with Mercer’s engineering team and explore the right Compliance Master™ configuration for your facility.

Talk to an Oil & Gas Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.

Are Mercer separators compatible with existing containment systems?

A.

Yes. Mercer units are available in multiple configurations for retrofit into existing sumps, pits, or containment drains.

Q.

Can systems be installed in confined areas?

A.

Absolutely. Compact, skid-mounted, and below-grade options are designed specifically for constrained midstream sites.

Q.

How are these systems serviced or cleaned?

A.

The removable Multi-Pack™ assembly and wide manway access allow fast, safe maintenance without entering the tank.

Q.

Do you provide alarms or SCADA connectivity?

A.

Yes. Options include oil level alarms, auto-shut valves, and SCADA-ready monitoring packages.

Q.

How do I size a separator for intermittent or variable flows?

A.

Mercer’s engineering team models flow dynamics to ensure adequate residence time during surges and storm events.