Fox FX Series Oil Water Separators
Fox Environmental Systems’ Oil Water Separator range is designed for all types of wastewater treatment applications. These systems provide solutions for companies generating wastewater that will require treatment before disposal to the council’s sewer and commercial car wash re-use systems.
✔ Ideal for
- AQIS (Bio Security) Wash Bays
- Mechanical workshops
- Industrial washdown
- Stormwater discharge
- Trade waste sewer discharge
- Automotive workshops
- Car dealerships
- Panel beaters
- Shipping Container Wash Bays
- Plant and equipment hire
- Fuel stations
- All mechanical wash bays
Trade Waste Compliant
- Designed to support EPA stormwater protection requirements
- Suitable for trade waste discharge to the sewer
- Configurable to meet local council approval conditions
- Supports oil, fuel & hydrocarbon separation before discharge
Australian-Made
- Manufactured in Australia
- Stainless steel construction
- Vertical Tube Coalescing (VTC) filters
- 100-micron filter bags (where applicable)
- Packaged for biosecurity & council requirements
Oil Water Separator Applications
Wash Bays (Fixed & Portable)
Oil water separators are commonly required for wash bays where vehicles, plant, or equipment are cleaned.
These systems treat oily wastewater generated during washdown, preventing hydrocarbons and suspended solids from entering stormwater drains or sewer systems.
Fox oil water separators are suitable for permanent wash bay installations as well as portable and containerised wash bay setups, including biosecurity and AQIS wash bays.
Typical applications include vehicle wash bays, container wash bays, mobile washdown systems, and council or biosecurity wash facilities.
Mechanical Workshops & Automotive Facilities
Mechanical workshops generate oily wastewater from floor washdowns, parts cleaning, and general servicing activities.
Oil water separators are often required to treat this wastewater before discharge, particularly where oils, fuels, and lubricants are present. Fox systems are commonly installed in automotive workshops, panel beating facilities, car dealerships, and fuel-related service areas to support trade waste compliance.
Typical applications include automotive workshops, panel beaters, car dealerships, and fuel stations.
Industrial & Heavy Equipment Washdown Areas
Industrial sites and plant hire operations frequently require oil water separators to manage wastewater from equipment cleaning and washdown activities. These environments often involve higher contaminant loads, making correct separator sizing and reliable separation technology critical.
Fox oil water separators are used across mining, construction, and industrial washdown areas where durability and compliance confidence are essential.
Typical applications include plant and equipment hire, mining and industrial facilities, and heavy machinery washdown areas.
Stormwater Runoff
Oil water separators are also used to treat stormwater runoff from hardstand areas where hydrocarbons may be present. This includes refuelling zones, marinas, loading areas, and vehicle movement areas where oil contamination can occur during rainfall events. Installing an oil water separator at key stormwater discharge points helps reduce environmental risk and supports EPA and local authority expectations.
Typical applications include marinas, refuelling areas, industrial hardstands, and high-risk stormwater catchments.
Trade Waste Discharge to Sewer
Where oily wastewater is discharged to sewer, oil water separators are commonly required as part of a trade waste management system. Councils typically expect oils and suspended solids to be removed before wastewater enters the sewer network. Fox oil water separators are designed to support trade waste approval processes by treating wastewater to acceptable discharge standards, with configurations tailored to site-specific flow rates and contaminant loads.
Typical applications include mechanical workshops, wash bays, and industrial sites discharging to sewer under trade waste agreements.
How to Choose the Right Oil Water Separator
Sizing, Flow Rate & Capacity Explained
Selecting the correct oil water separator size is critical for performance, compliance, and long-term reliability. Undersized systems can struggle to meet discharge requirements, while oversized systems can add unnecessary cost. The right system depends on how wastewater is generated at your site and how it is discharged.
Understanding Flow Rate (L/hr)
Oil water separator flow rate is typically measured in litres per hour (L/hr) and represents the maximum volume of wastewater the system can effectively treat.
Flow rate requirements are influenced by:
- The type of wash equipment used (pressure washers, spray systems, hoses)
- Whether washdown occurs intermittently or continuously
- Peak flow conditions rather than average usage
- Whether stormwater runoff is also entering the system
Designing for peak flow ensures the separator can maintain effective oil separation during high-load events without bypassing or re-emulsifying contaminants.
| Model | Max Flow Rate (L/h) |
|---|---|
| FX1000SS |
1,000
|
| FX1500SS |
1,500
|
| FX3000SS |
3,000
|
| FX6000SS |
6,000
|
| FX10000SS |
10,000
|
| FX15000SS |
15,000
|
| FX20000SS |
20,000
|
| FX30000SS |
30,000
|
What Affects Separator Capacity
Several site-specific factors determine the appropriate separator size and configuration:
- Type of contaminants – oils, fuels, grease, and suspended solids
- Wash bay or catchment size – larger areas generate higher runoff volumes
- Frequency of washdown – daily, weekly, or occasional use
- Discharge point – sewer (trade waste) or stormwater system
- Local council or authority requirements
Sites with higher contaminant loads or variable flows may require larger systems or additional pre-treatment to maintain consistent performance.
Not Sure What Size You Need?
An appropriately sized oil water separator helps ensure:
- Consistent oil and hydrocarbon removal
- Compliance with council and EPA expectations
- Reduced maintenance and sludge build-up
- Long-term system reliability and service life
Incorrect sizing is one of the most common causes of poor separator performance and compliance issues.
Because every site is different, oil water separator sizing is best confirmed during the design stage. Fox Enviro works with clients to assess flow rates, usage patterns, and compliance requirements to recommend a system that suits your application.
Contact our team to discuss your site conditions and ensure the right oil water separator is specified from the start.
Compare Oil Water Separator Models
Custom configurations available up to 200,000 L/hr.
| Model | Max Flow Rate (L/h) | Inlet Size | Outlet Size | Gate Valve | Weight Empty | Weight Full | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FX1000SS | 1000 | 40mm BSP Female | 50mm BSP Female | 40mm BSP Male | 44kg | 165kg | Download spec sheet Download FXP 1000 diaphragm pump spec sheet |
| FX1500SS | 1500 | 40mm BSP Female | 50mm BSP Female | 40mm BSP Male | 56kg | 220kg | Download spec sheet Download FXP 1500 diaphragm pump spec sheet |
| FX3000SS | 3000 | 40mm BSP Female | 50mm BSP Female | 2 x 40mm BSP Male | 80kg | 430kg | Download spec sheet |
| FX6000SS | 6000 | 2 x 65mm BSP Female | 100mm BSP Female | 2 x 40mm BSP Male | 245kg | 1170kg | Download spec sheet |
| FX10000SS | 10000 | 2 x 80mm BSP Female | 2 x 100mm BSP Female | 4 x 50mm BSP Male | 340kg | 2240kg | Download spec sheet |
| FX15000SS | 15000 | 2 x 80mm BSP Female | 2 x 100mm BSP Female | 4 x 50mm BSP Male | 590kg | 2935kg | Download spec sheet |
| FX20000SS | 20000 | 2 x 80mm BSP Female | 2 x 100mm BSP Female | 4 x 50mm BSP Male | 590kg | 3630kg | Download spec sheet |
| FX30000SS | 30000 | 2 x 80mm BSP Female | 2 x 100mm BSP Female | 4 x 80mm BSP Male | 740kg | 4090kg | Download spec sheet |
Need something larger? Custom-built FX units available up to 200,000 L/hr.
Supplied Complete with Pumps & Control Systems
All Fox oil separator units are supplied with matching diaphragm pumps and smart control systems, ensuring precise flow handling in oily wastewater treatment and stormwater runoff environments.
Low-Voltage Pump/Control Box: Automates pump operation, featuring:
- On/Off auto selector switch
- An hour run meter ((X3 model only) to track runtime)
- A high-level alarm (top, amber-colored) for alert visibility
- Safety warnings and labels for electrical hazard control
Float Switches (Blue & Yellow): These detect water levels inside the separator tank and automatically trigger the pump to turn on/off, preventing overflows or dry running.
Diaphragm pump: Ideal for transferring oily wastewater and sludge to an oil separator.
- Non-emulsifying operation: Prevents oil and water from blending, which helps maintain clear separation and simplifies treatment.
- Self-priming: Works even in low water level conditions or dry starts.
- Corrosion-resistant materials: Built to withstand harsh trade waste environments.
Related Systems
- First Flush Systems – for pollutant diversion at the source
- Gross Pollutant Traps – for large debris interception
Need a Certified Oil Water Separator for Your Site?
Speak directly with the manufacturer – Fox Environmental Systems – for fast quotes, spec sheets, and nationwide delivery.
