PRAB tramp oil separators are designed to automatically remove unwanted oils, emulsions, and contaminants from machine coolants, washwater, and other fluid systems — extending fluid life, reducing waste, and cutting operating costs.
In metalworking and manufacturing operations, “tramp oil” describes unwanted hydrocarbon-based lubricants, machine oils, or coating oils that migrate into coolant and washwater systems.
Left uncontrolled, tramp oil degrades coolant performance, reduces cooling and lubrication efficiency, shortens tool life, promotes bacterial growth, produces odors, and increases disposal costs.
A dedicated tramp oil separator restores fluid integrity—reducing downtime, improving part quality, and boosting overall plant efficiency.
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Contaminated fluid flows into the separator’s baffle- and porous-media chamber. Within this chamber, gravity and coalescence cause free-floating and mechanically dispersed oil droplets (as well as light emulsions) to separate from the fluid.
Clean fluid then overflows an effluent weir and returns to the reservoir for reuse.
Separated oils, emulsions, bacteria, and sludge accumulate at the top of the separator and are automatically discharged — typically into a tote or collection container.
Q: What types of tramp oil can be removed?
A: Floating, mechanically entrained, and lightly emulsified oils can be removed with coalescing or skimming technology.
Q: How often should tramp oil be removed?
A: Ideally, tramp oil should be removed daily or continuously using automated systems.
Cut new coolant and fluid purchases by up to 75%—reuse fluids longer and reduce chemical spend.
Reduce hazardous waste volumes by up to 90%, lowering disposal costs and environmental impact.
Decrease tramp oil content to < 1% in a single pass, dramatically improving fluid quality and longevity.
Typical payback period: 6–9 months, making the system cost-effective even for small-to mid-size shops.
No consumable media required — minimal maintenance, low operating cost.
Separated tramp oils can be collected for recycling or resale, potentially recapturing value rather than being wasted through disposal.
Compact footprint, reliable unattended operation — suitable for individual machine sumps, central systems, or wash tanks.
Coolant systems for CNC machining, grinding, and metal cutting (synthetic, semi-synthetic, and soluble oils)
Washwater and parts-washing systems, including alkaline or acidic washwater streams
Primary metals operations — rolling, drawing — where lubricants and process oils contaminate fluids
Quench tanks, cooling water systems, and other fluid reservoirs where oil contamination may occur
Wastewater pre-treatment, oily-water discharge handling, and facilities seeking regulatory compliance or closed-loop recycling
Running CNC machining, grinding, or high-volume metalworking operations with coolant usage.
Managing washwater or wash-tank operations with oil contamination.
Looking to reduce chemical and fluid purchasing costs, minimize hazardous waste, or meet environmental compliance goals (e.g., ISO 14001, POTW discharge limits).
Wanting to extend coolant life, reduce tool wear, improve part finish, minimize machine downtime, and lower overall maintenance workload.
If you’re considering upgrading your fluid management — or simply want a cost-effective way to reduce waste and improve coolant performance — a tramp oil separator is often one of the highest-value investments your shop can make.
Various models are available to accommodate different flow rates, including:
| Flow Capacity (USGPM) | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 150 |
| A | 24″ | 12″ | 24″ | 48″ | 60″ | 72″ | 96″ | 96″ | 120″ | 144″ |
| B | 12″ | 8″ | 16″ | 18″ | 24″ | 30″ | 36″ | 48″ | 60″ | 72″ |
| C | 18″ | 36″ | 36″ | 46″ | 46″ | 46″ | 46″ | 48″ | 60″ | 72″ |
Product Brochures
Product Brochure: Tramp Oil Separator
Product Brochure: Cross Flow Separator
Product Brochure: Drum Type Scraper Separator
Product Brochure: Mobile Cross Flow Separator
Wastewater System Example
Application Review
Application Review: Automotive Supplier of Metal Fasteners Achieves Labor Savings with Improved Quench Tank Oil Removal Process
Case Studies
Case Study: Aerospace Components Manufacturer Turns Its Waste Stream into a Revenue Stream
Case Study: Ford Utilizes TW’s To Reduce High Tramp Oil Levels
Case Study: Pratt & Whitney Adds 26 TOS To Middletown Facility
Case Study: Tramp Oil Separator Extends Washwater Life
White Paper
White Paper: Avoiding Accidents, Injuries & Illnesses In Metalworking Operations
White Paper: Green Engineering
White Paper: Making Wastewater Compliance Part of A Profit Strategy
White Paper: Prioritizing Plant Housekeeping In A Metalworking Operation
White Paper: Reallocating Labor in the Metalworking Industry
White Paper: Taking Control of Wastewater Treatment
Other Downloadable Content
PRAB Fluid Filtration Solutions Product Selection Chart Brochure
PRAB Fluid Filtration Systems and Wastewater Treatment Brochure
PRAB Filtration Spectrum Brochure
PRAB Builds Equipment for the Toughest Jobs in Manufacturing and Metalworking
PRAB offers FREE Fluids testing to establish an accurate understanding of the unique characteristics of your mixed solution and its industrial applications. This test determines the optimal centrifuge system design and capacity to optimize filtration within your facility.
To receive a free test, contact us today at (800) 968-7722.
Challenge Aircraft engine manufacturers use non-standard sump sizes, making it difficult to change out coolant from the sumps and reduce odors and bacteria. Customer Pratt & Whitney Industry Aerospace Products Tramp Oil Separators, Automatic Air Sparger Business Benefits Realized Reduces new fluid purchase costs Reduces cost of washwater detergents, heating and disposal ROI in less than one year Separated tamp […]
The Challenge: A global manufacturer of metal fasteners for the automotive industry faced an operational challenge: improving labor allocation and enhancing cost centers while maintaining tight delivery times amid growing customer demand for its fasteners. The Answer: PRAB Tramp Oil Separators The company identified the heat treatment process as an area where upgrades and […]
CHALLENGE Automaker suffers with production downtime and reduction in productivity due to excessive build-up over time of tramp oil from machining centers. CUSTOMER Ford Motor Company INDUSTRY Automotive PRODUCT Tramp Oil Separator, Magnetic Separators, Mobile Separator Business Benefits Realized Longer tool life of CNC machine Reduced maintenance requirements Consistant tramp oil levels which increase production When the “Big Three” automakers […]
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