Safely Draining Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Rainwater with SPI

The discharge of rainwater contaminated with hydrocarbons represents a major challenge for industrial sites, electrical substations, and power generation facilities.

Since the 1990s, SPI has established itself as the inventor and global benchmark in the field of secure drainage and transformer oil-contaminated water filtration, thanks to a unique technology capable of solidifying hydrocarbons while allowing continuous gravity flow, without the need for electricity, and in full compliance with current environmental regulations.

An Effective Solution for Electrical Transformers

Gravity Drainage of Contaminated Rainwater, Without Electricity

SPI filters enable the gravity discharge of contaminated rainwater, without mechanical intervention or electrical power supply. They ensure continuous and secure drainage of retention basins, photovoltaic skids, and concrete containment pits beneath transformers, while automatically blocking hydrocarbons in the event of leakage or accidental pollution.

Strict Compliance with Environmental Standards (EN 858-1, NF C 13-200)

Thanks to their patented design and proven efficiency, SPI filters guarantee hydrocarbon discharge levels below 5 mg/L (ppm), in accordance with European standards, the French Water Law (“Loi sur l’eau”), and EN 858-1 governing discharge limits for oil separators.

They also contribute to compliance of substations with NF C 13-200, by ensuring the required environmental protection and containment, particularly by guaranteeing that the pit or containment basin remains permanently free of water and therefore ready to receive the transformer’s dielectric oil in the event of a leak.

SPI® Rainwater Filtration and Hydrocarbon Removal System

SPI Hydrocarbon Filters: The Standard for Transformer Oil Containment

The SPI® (Solidification Products International) range, distributed by SANERGRID®, offers the most advanced hydrocarbon filter cartridge technology for continuous drainage of rainwater from retention bunds and transformer pits.

Designed for HV/MV substation environments, these filters use a patented oleophilic polymer that is naturally hydrophobic. This allows water to pass through while trapping hydrocarbons. In the event of a major leak, the polymer reacts and expands, ensuring an automatic shut-off to prevent any environmental contamination.

A Modular Solution for Every Retention Size

The SPI® range scales according to your retention sizing and the site rainfall data:

  • Small Retention: Use the PETRO-PLUG® for small volumes or the PETRO-PIT 410® for standard distribution transformers.

  • Medium Retention: The PETRO-PIPE PI616® is the industry standard for medium-sized pits, offering a balanced flow rate and high filtration capacity.

  • Large Retention: For high-capacity needs, the PETRO-BARRIER™ system allows for significant flow rates while maintaining strict pollution control.

Technical Compatibility: From Mineral Oils to Natural Esters

Whether your equipment uses traditional mineral oils, synthetic esters, or natural esters like FR3, there is a specific SPI hydrocarbon protection solution available. Each hydrocarbon filter cartridge is formulated to react specifically with the type of dielectric oils present on site, ensuring environmental safety regardless of the fluid used.

Environmental Compliance and Regulations

Our filters help operators meet the requirements of NF C 13-200 and other international environmental standards. By preventing the discharge of contaminated water into the ground, the SPI® system is a cornerstone of environmental compliance for any modern electrical substation.

Key Features of the SPI® Range:

  • Passive Filter: Operates without electricity or moving parts.

  • Quick Installation: Can be fitted via a mounting kit on new or existing piping.

  • UV Resistance: Components are designed for long-term outdoor exposure.

  • Overflow Prevention: High flow capacity avoids water accumulation in the bund.

Optimize Your System with Pre-filtration

To extend the lifespan of your filters in dusty or silty environments, we recommend sediment pre-filtration. The PFC-44 pre-filter or dedicated pre-filter canisters trap solids before they reach the active polymer, reducing field maintenance frequency and ensuring optimal performance of the rainwater filtration process.

Why Choose SANERGRID® for your SPI Hydrocarbon Filters?

With a deep expertise in engineering and oil transformer risk management, SANERGRID® provides more than just hardware. We assist you in:

  1. Retention Sizing and flow rate calculation based on local rainfall.

  2. Selection of the correct hydrocarbon filter cartridge (Mineral, Ester, or FR3).

  3. Providing complete mounting kits for seamless integration into your substation oil containment system.