Downstream
Slop oil
As an alternative to cost-intensive disposal of slop or waste oil, GEA has developed a method to recycle the slop oils into the refining or oil treatment process. The advantages for our customers: an optimum use of resources.
Benefits of our centrifuges
Understanding the importance of slop oil treatment
Slop oil and oily sludge are by-products of upstream and downstream oil processes, generated from various sources such as DAF units, API separators, lagoons, oil pits, and tank bottoms. These waste streams contain a high percentage of oil, water, and solids, making them difficult to manage due to their high viscosity, emulsion content, and abrasive particles. Proper treatment of slop oil is crucial as it reduces hazardous waste volumes, minimizes environmental impact, and recovers valuable hydrocarbons that would otherwise be lost.
GEA's advanced solutions for efficient slop oil treatment
GEA offers a comprehensive solution for the treatment of slop oil, combining mechanical separation with heating and chemical enhancement. Our decanter centrifuges and disk-type separators are tailored to handle varying compositions of slop oil, ensuring efficient recovery of saleable hydrocarbons and reducing overall disposal costs. GEA's expertise in centrifugal separation technology ensures that our customers receive reliable, high-performance solutions that meet their specific needs.
Explosion protection according to ATEX standard
Explosion-protected versions for the zone 2 or zone 1 according to ATEX compliance make for maximum safety in all relevant process stages. Thanks to our blanketing principle, products which are classified as hazardous can also be heated and processed reliably at temperatures above their flash point.
Single stage treatment
For feedstock material that can be efficiently processed through dewatering and simultaneous oil and water separation, GEA's 3-phase single-stage decanter centrifuges are the preferred solution. These centrifuges can handle high solid content achieving maximum dewatering and clarification in one stage, making them ideal for easier slop oil treatment requirements.
Single-stage treatment with 3-phase decanter centrifuge
Double stage treatment
In cases where the feedstock is more challenging to treat or higher oil quality is required, GEA's double-stage treatment process becomes more viable. This involves using 2-phase decanter centrifuges followed by high-speed disk stack centrifuges. The disk stack machines process the decanter centrate phase, separating ultra-fine particles and maximizing water removal. This results in a high-quality oil product that can be merchandized similarly to crude oil.
Double-stage treatment with 2-phase decanter centrifuges and disk stack centrifuges
Why GEA for efficient slop oil treatment
GEA's advanced centrifugal separation technology offers a robust and efficient solution for the treatment of slop oil and oily sludge. Our tailored single and double-stage treatment processes ensure maximum recovery of valuable hydrocarbons while minimizing environmental impact and disposal costs. With GEA, you can trust in a partner that delivers reliable, high-performance solutions backed by over a century of expertise in the field.
Downloads
GEA Insights
Arla cuts spray dryer CO₂ with GEA AddCool® system
GEA AddCool® installation cuts CO2 emissions associated with the operation of a spray dryer plant by 1,500 tons per year at Arla’s milk powder factory in Svenstrup, Denmark.
GEA rings opening bell, celebrating DAX debut
On Sept. 30, 2025, GEA rang the opening bell at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, a symbolic moment that highlighted the company’s inclusion in Germany’s leading stock index, the DAX.
A headquarters with people and purpose at its core
GEA’s new corporate headquarters in the up-and-coming Derendorf neighborhood of Düsseldorf, Germany, brings together people, ideas and expertise under one roof. With its open spaces, green terraces and energy-efficient design, the building reflects the company’s commitment to collaboration and sustainability.
