In many industrial facilities, waste oil and sediments gradually accumulate in basins, manholes, tanks, and pipelines, until they form large-volume layers. This is usually a mixture of water, waste oil, and solid materials that cannot be effectively removed by manual means. This is where vacuum cleaning makes the difference.
Why Large-Volume Sediments Are a Challenge
Removing large quantities of waste oil is not simply a matter of time. It presents specific difficulties:
- The material is often heavy, sticky, and non-uniform
- Liquid and solid residues coexist and must be removed together
- Manual removal is slow and increases personnel contact with the material
- Transporting the material away from the work area requires suitable equipment
How Vacuum Cleaning Works
Cleaning is carried out with specialized high-suction vehicles which, through flexible hoses, reach the accumulation point and suction up waste oil, sediments, and liquid residues. The material is collected directly into the vehicle’s tank, without intermediate handling. This way the area is cleaned faster, and the work is cleaner and safer.
When Sediments Have Become Compacted
When the layers have hardened over time, vacuum is often combined with hydro blasting. The high-pressure water jet breaks up and detaches the compacted material, while the vacuum collects it at the same time. This combination allows for the complete removal of sediments, even in places where they have remained for a long period.
Where the method is applied
The method is frequently used for:
- Draining pipelines, vessels, and oil/water separators
- Suction of waste oil, sediments, and product residues from tanks
- Immediate response to emergency incidents, such as water or oil leaks
STEPE’s Experience
STEPE has ADR-certified vacuum vehicles with a suction capacity of up to 10,000 m³ per hour, and trained personnel for projects of any scale. With experience in factories and industrial units, refineries, and port facilities, it undertakes the removal of large-volume sediments with speed and safety.