Facet International is the world leader in jet fuel handling, industrial coalescer separators, bilge water separator and other separation technology. Advanced filtration and separation products and systems for aviation, marine, petrochemical, water treatment, power generating and general industrial markets.

Facet MPakŪ oil water separator plate packs are self-cleaning, but even self-cleaning packs can become plugged with solids under adverse conditions.  For this reason, they are designed to be cleaned in place to remove accumulations of solid particles.

Plate type separators that are provided in large modules must be lifted out of the separator by a crane when contaminated with dirt.  This is inconvenient and expensive, and it is possible to damage the packs during the removal or reinsertion process.

Facet's MPakŪ plates are designed to be cleaned in place using a special cleaning wand and city water pressure.  The wand has a connection just like an ordinary garden hose and is equipped with a small conical strainer in the connection so that solids in the inlet water will not clog the cleaning holes. 

Directions for using the cleaning wand
Facet's MPakŪ plates can either be be cleaned in place or removed and cleaned.  To clean the packs, first stop the flow to the unit, remove the oil, and drain the water.

For cleaning in place, connect a pressure water hose (at least 60 psig) to the special cleaning wand.  Provide a vacuum truck (or other means of disposing of the sludge and dirt) in the vessel.  Turn on the water to produce a spray from the wand and insert the tip of the wand slowly into each hole of the plate pack, starting at the upstream end.  As the water flushes the dirt out of the plate packs, it should be removed by the vacuum hose or directed to an oil water sewer if one is available.

For cleaning outside of the vessel, remove the plate packs and other internals (except bolted-in internals).  Flush with hose and cleaning wand to oil water drain.

(NOTE: The cleaning wand produces a vigorous spray.  Operators should wear waterproof clothing and goggles or face mask.)