Petroleum filter cartridge PETRO-PIT® 401

oildepthpolymer

Summary
The PETRO-PIT® 401 by SPI® is a filtration cartridge designed to treat rainwater contaminated with dielectric oils and hydrocarbons. It is intended for installation on small to medium retention sumps and trays. The filter operates passively and features a self-sealing mechanism and an oleophilic, hydrophobic polymer component that permanently traps hydrocarbons while allowing filtered water to pass.

SPI® technology
The PETRO-PIT® range includes cartridges tailored to the fluid to be treated (mineral oils, natural esters, synthetic esters). The self-sealing system ensures long-term containment of hydrocarbons and prevents soil pollution. The oleophilic/hydrophobic polymer component permanently retains hydrocarbons, natural esters and synthetic esters while permitting the discharge of filtered water.

PETRO-PIT® 401 description

• Rigid UV-treated PVC construction for durability.
• Oleophilic and hydrophobic polymer component that permanently traps hydrocarbons.
• Approximate filtered flow rate: about 3–5 L/min (indicative).
• Approximate saturation capacity: 1 L (indicative).
• Recommended replacement: every 1 to 3 years depending on operating conditions and exposure.
• Passive operation 24/7 for hydrocarbon containment.
• Nominal operating temperature range (indoors or outdoors): -60° to +80°C.
• Sealing ensured by a compression O-ring providing leak-tight threads.
• Customizable according to required flow; available in several sizes and compatible with ball valves, drains and various piping systems.
• Screw-in cartridge installation; simple maintenance in dry conditions (close valve, unscrew used cartridge, screw in new cartridge, reopen valve).

Typical applications

• Fire-retention sumps (ERT®, TRT®-LHD) and bespoke solutions (ERT-MODULO®, TRT-MODULO®) installed under transformers.
• Autotransformers (AT), compensation impedances (IC), auxiliary station transformers (TSA).
• Temporary installations containing dielectric oils or hydrocarbons (flexible retentions under IBC, TRFLEX® for rolling equipment, etc.).
• Outdoor substations, photovoltaic skids and BESS platforms exposed to hydrocarbon pollution risk.

Pre-filtration and recommended accessories
Pre-filtration is recommended to limit clogging and protect the cartridge (retention of sludge, sand, leaves, dust and other impurities). Depending on site exposure, pre-filtration can be light or a pre-filtration box for heavily loaded environments.

• Light pre-filter: suited to low-load environments (retains dust and fine particles upstream of the cartridge).
• Pre-filtration box: suited to very fouling environments (retains sand, leaves, sludge and debris before the filters).
• Rechargeable pre-filter foams to reduce waste production during maintenance.
• Protective housing (BRAD®): protects threaded heads and pre-filters from impacts and preserves sealing and hydraulic performance.

PETRO-PIT® kit (example of a typical kit including PETRO-PIT® 401)

• 90° stainless elbow, 1.5" female outlet to screw onto the retention.
• 1.5" stainless quarter-turn valve (or PVC valve as option).
• Appropriate pre-filter upstream of the cartridge to limit clogging.
• PETRO-PIT® cartridge (P-PIT401) for non-specific hydrocarbons.
• Teflon tape roll to ensure thread sealing.

Installation and maintenance

• The filter screws onto a 1.5" female outlet valve provided on the retention.
• It should be positioned horizontally or slightly inclined in the direction of flow to promote optimal drainage.
• An upstream pre-filter can be installed optionally to retain impurities and limit premature clogging.
• Recommended cartridge replacement: every 1 to 3 years depending on usage conditions, environment and exposure level.
• Filters are sensitive to sludge, sand, leaves and other impurities; an effective pre-filter and regular inspection/flush are essential.
• At end of life, the filter and pre-filter must be managed via standard hydrocarbon waste recycling streams (waste code listed on the manufacturer's technical documentation).

Certifications and performance
The PETRO-PIT® range is regularly tested in independent laboratories and has been used for decades by major industrial operators. Installations equipped with SPI® filters help meet water regulation requirements (discharged water < 5 ppm hydrocarbons according to EN 858-1 for light liquid separators).

Technical characteristics / specifications

• Weight: 0.8 kg
• Dimensions: 25 × 10 cm
• Operating conditions: Outdoor, Indoor
• Material: Rigid PVC
• Filtration: Dielectric oils, Hydrocarbons
• Approximate filtered flow rate: 3–5 L/min (indicative)
• Approximate saturation: 1 L (indicative)
• Nominal operating temperature: -60° to +80°C