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.

How SPI Filters Work

Reactive Polymer Hydrocarbon Filtration Cartridge

At the core of SPI technology lies a highly efficient oleophilic and hydrophobic reactive polymer. This innovative material attracts and captures hydrocarbons (mineral oils, esters, dielectric oils, fuels, etc.) while allowing only water to pass through.

Continuous Filtration of Hydrocarbons and Dielectric Oil Traces

SPI filters provide continuous gravity drainage of rainwater while retaining emulsified or diluted hydrocarbon traces present in the water.

They ensure clean discharge compliant with environmental standards, even during heavy rainfall events.

Automatic and Instant Blocking in Case of Saturation

When the polymer reaches its maximum absorption capacity, it instantly solidifies, blocking all flow and preventing any hydrocarbon leakage.

This passive, self-blocking system guarantees maximum safety without continuous monitoring, while requiring manual intervention after blockage for reactivation.

A Recognized and Proven Technology Since the 1990s

Compatible with Dielectric Oils, Mineral Oils and Natural or Synthetic Esters

SPI filters are compatible with all types of hydrocarbons:

  • Dielectric oils
  • Mineral oils
  • Natural and synthetic esters
  • Gasoline
  • Diesel
  • Jet fuel

This versatility allows integration with any transformer using dielectric fluid (mineral oil, vegetable ester oil, synthetic ester oil), as well as fuel storage tanks for heating oil, gasoline, diesel or jet fuel.

SANERGRID is the exclusive European distribution partner of SPI – Solidification Products International.

Passive, Robust and Maintenance-Free System

Fully passive, SPI systems require no electrical power supply and no complex mechanical maintenance.

Manufactured from robust, UV-resistant and weather-resistant materials, they ensure exceptional durability even in the most demanding environments. With nearly 40 years of operational experience, they are designed to withstand both Canadian cold climates and semi-desert temperatures in Texas.

Multiple Applications in Industrial Environments

MV / HV Transformer Pits and Electrical Substations

SPI filters are widely used in MV/HV substations, where they ensure environmental protection of transformer containment pits and compliance with regulatory requirements.

PETRO PIPE, PETRO BARRIER and STORM BARRIER ranges are particularly suited for large-volume treatment.

For SANERGRID-type containment basins, PETRO PIT, PETRO PIPE and PETRO PLUG ranges are optimized in terms of flow capacity and compactness.

Firewater Pits, Underground Tanks, Parking Areas and Risk Zones

SPI systems are also suitable for firewater pits, retention basins, parking areas, industrial zones and underground storage tanks, ensuring continuous drainage with efficient hydrocarbon filtration and no pollution risk.

Flagship Products of the SPI Range

PETRO-PIT® and PETRO-PIPE® for Small and Medium Volumes

PETRO-PIT® and PETRO-PIPE® models are designed for small and medium containment systems, such as transformer pits or oil top-up installations. They ensure rapid drainage and continuous hydrocarbon filtration.

PETRO-BARRIER® and STORM-BARRIER® for Large Volumes

For large containment systems or firewater storage basins, PETRO-BARRIER® and STORM-BARRIER® provide high treatment capacity and reinforced durability, even in harsh environments.

Pumped PTB and PTP Versions for Complex and Deep Pits

Pumped versions PTB (PETRO-BARRIER) and PTP (PETRO-PIPE) enable controlled pumping drainage in deep or remote pits, while maintaining the same SPI filtration efficiency.

Need to Make Your Pit or Basin Smart? Discover MONITOFLOW Solutions

With our MONITOFLOW™ monitoring and level sensor ranges, we can provide autonomous systems featuring remote alarms and intelligent detection.

Universal Hydrocarbon Compatibility

Dielectric Oils, Gasoline, Diesel, Synthetic Esters

SPI filters operate with a wide range of polluting liquids:

  • Dielectric oils
  • Gasoline
  • Diesel
  • Natural and synthetic esters

This universal compatibility ensures optimal environmental protection regardless of the fluid type.

Primarily designed for mineral dielectric oils and electrical transformers, SPI filtration systems can also be adapted to applications in the electrical, chemical, energy and logistics sectors, including vegetable ester oils, synthetic ester oils, heating oil, gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.

Why Choose SPI Filters from SANERGRID?

Reliability, Simplicity and Proven Efficiency for Over 30 Years

With more than three decades of experience, SANERGRID supports industrial and energy stakeholders with SPI solutions recognized for reliability, efficiency and ease of integration.

Each filter is designed for long-term operation and requires minimal maintenance, provided it is correctly installed and equipped with appropriate pre-filtration for organic matter.

A Passive and Sustainable Environmental Protection Solution

SPI technology combines simplicity, safety and performance.

It enables operators to reduce environmental impact while fully complying with regulatory and operational requirements of modern industrial installations.

Need a Hydrocarbon Filtration System?

Contact Our SPI Experts

Our teams assist you in sizing your containment systems, selecting the most suitable SPI filter and configuring on-site installation.

Contact SANERGRID® for a personalized engineering study, fast quotation and tailored technical advice ensuring environmental safety and regulatory compliance for your installations.