6
PROCEPTOR®
TECHNICAL MANUAL
2 Design and Operation
2.1 COMPONENTS & CONFIGURATIONS
Proceptor is constructed out of fiberglass reinforced
plastic (FRP) and the piping arrangement is constructed of
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. A drop pipe with a tee opening
directs wastewater into the midsection of the Proceptor. A
baffle separates the unit into two chambers while the flow
distributor regulates flow into the second chamber. A riser
pipe in the second chamber allows cleaner water to displace
out of the Proceptor. The Proceptor tank is equipped with
vent ports, inspection ports and an access way for regular
inspection and maintenance. Figure 2.1 depicts components
of a standard single tank Proceptor separator. A variety of
configurations and sizes are available (See Section 3).
2.2 PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
Wastewater enters the unit through an inlet drop pipe, typically a 4” or 6” PVC sewer pipe, which discharges the wastewater
below the normal liquid surface in the tank (see Figure 2.1 and Figure 2.2). The inlet drop pipe is configured to discharge
wastewater horizontally along the tank walls. The standard separator tank has two chambers separated by a baffle and UPC
separator tanks have three chambers separated by baffles. For larger Proceptor systems consisting of two or more tanks in
series, each tank represents a chamber and is baffle-less. Upon entering the tank, oil, grease and other liquids with a specific
gravity less than water rise to the surface in the first chamber, while suspended solids settle to the bottom by gravity. The
wastewater then flows into the second chamber by a means of a flow distributor on the baffle wall, ensuring a smooth flow
path, where further separation occurs. Cleaner water from the middle elevation of the tank is displaced through the riser pipe
into the downstream sewer system.
Proceptor separators are engineered to ensure a smooth flow path. This is accomplished by the use of elliptical chambers,
which is critical in minimizing the formation of turbulent eddy currents. A non-turbulent state within the separator promotes
the separation of oil, grease, and solids from process wastewater. The separator design also minimizes the potential for short-
circuiting, ensuring the required wastewater retention time within the separator. Furthermore, the configuration of Proceptor
separators reduces the potential for influent wastewater from passing through the oil/grease or sludge layers at the top. This
feature prevents scouring and/or resuspension of contaminants if actual flow rates exceed the design flow rate.
A standard Proceptor contains two 3” diameter PVC vent connections (one per chamber) for venting gases to the outside
(see Figure 2.3). The contractor installing a Proceptor is required to provide piping from the vent connections to the venting
system. A 24” diameter extension collar located at the center or at both ends of the separator provides access for maintenance.
Maintenance is performed by a liquid disposal company using a vacuum or pump truck. The curved bottom design on the
Proceptor promotes easy maintenance including removal of contaminants.
Proceptor separators are available with an extension collar, a frame and cover (cast iron for traffic loading, fiberglass
composite for pedestrian conditions or above-ground applications). All other external piping, including pipes required for inlet
and outlet connections, venting, suction piping (optional), etc., must be supplied by the contractor unless otherwise stated.
Figure 2.1 :
Proceptor Components
