Safe drainage and filtration of hydrocarbon-contaminated rainwater with SPI®

The discharge of rainwater contaminated with hydrocarbons, mineral oils or dielectric fluids is a major environmental challenge for electrical substations, oil-filled transformers, photovoltaic skids, BESS installations and industrial power sites.

Since the 1990s, SPI® anti-hydrocarbon filtration technology has become a benchmark solution for passive drainage and contaminated rainwater filtration. Distributed and integrated by Sanergrid, the SPI® range combines gravity drainage, hydrocarbon filtration and automatic pollution containment, without electricity, pump or mechanical operation.

Passive drainage for transformer bunds, pits and retention areas

SPI® filters allow rainwater to drain continuously by gravity while trapping hydrocarbons, mineral oils and dielectric fluids. In the event of an oil leak, the active filtration media blocks pollution inside the retention area, helping protect soil, groundwater and downstream drainage networks.

This technology is used on transformer containment bunds and retention tanks, concrete oil pits, metallic bunds, outdoor substations, photovoltaic skids and BESS platforms. It helps keep the retention volume available while managing rainwater safely during normal operation.

A complete SPI® filtration range for every retention configuration

Sanergrid offers a complete selection of SPI® solutions according to the type of liquid, drainage flow rate, retention volume and site configuration:

Environmental compliance and water protection

Correctly selected and maintained SPI® filters help operators address European water protection requirements, oil separator discharge expectations and environmental constraints for transformer substations. They support the objectives of Water Law, EN 858-1 and electrical installation standards, while contributing to safer rainwater management on high-voltage and industrial sites.

By keeping transformer pits and containment bunds drained during normal operation, SPI® filtration helps preserve the available retention volume, so the installation remains ready to contain dielectric oil in the event of leakage, accidental pollution or transformer failure.

Sanergrid expertise and Technikelec online availability

Sanergrid supports utilities, EPC contractors, industrial operators and engineering teams with SPI® filter selection, transformer bund design, drainage strategy and environmental risk management. For standard cartridges, ready-to-install kits and spare parts, Technikelec® provides online access to SPI® PETRO-PIT® products.

Explore the full Sanergrid SPI® anti-hydrocarbon filtration range to select the right drainage and pollution-control solution for your transformer, substation, photovoltaic or BESS project.

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SPI® Rainwater Filtration and Hydrocarbon Removal System

SPI Hydrocarbon Filters: The Standard for Transformer Oil Containment

The SPI® (Solidification Products International) range, distributed by SANERGRID®, offers the most advanced hydrocarbon filter cartridge technology for continuous drainage of rainwater from retention bunds and transformer pits.

Designed for HV/MV substation environments, these filters use a patented oleophilic polymer that is naturally hydrophobic. This allows water to pass through while trapping hydrocarbons. In the event of a major leak, the polymer reacts and expands, ensuring an automatic shut-off to prevent any environmental contamination.

A Modular Solution for Every Retention Size

The SPI® range scales according to your retention sizing and the site rainfall data:

  • Small Retention: Use the PETRO-PLUG® for small volumes or the PETRO-PIT 410® for standard distribution transformers.

  • Medium Retention: The PETRO-PIPE PI616® is the industry standard for medium-sized pits, offering a balanced flow rate and high filtration capacity.

  • Large Retention: For high-capacity needs, the PETRO-BARRIER™ system allows for significant flow rates while maintaining strict pollution control.

Technical Compatibility: From Mineral Oils to Natural Esters

Whether your equipment uses traditional mineral oils, synthetic esters, or natural esters like FR3, there is a specific SPI hydrocarbon protection solution available. Each hydrocarbon filter cartridge is formulated to react specifically with the type of dielectric oils present on site, ensuring environmental safety regardless of the fluid used.

Environmental Compliance and Regulations

Our filters help operators meet the requirements of NF C 13-200 and other international environmental standards. By preventing the discharge of contaminated water into the ground, the SPI® system is a cornerstone of environmental compliance for any modern electrical substation.

Key Features of the SPI® Range:

  • Passive Filter: Operates without electricity or moving parts.

  • Quick Installation: Can be fitted via a mounting kit on new or existing piping.

  • UV Resistance: Components are designed for long-term outdoor exposure.

  • Overflow Prevention: High flow capacity avoids water accumulation in the bund.

Optimize Your System with Pre-filtration

To extend the lifespan of your filters in dusty or silty environments, we recommend sediment pre-filtration. The PFC-44 pre-filter or dedicated pre-filter canisters trap solids before they reach the active polymer, reducing field maintenance frequency and ensuring optimal performance of the rainwater filtration process.

Why Choose SANERGRID® for your SPI Hydrocarbon Filters?

With a deep expertise in engineering and oil transformer risk management, SANERGRID® provides more than just hardware. We assist you in:

  1. Retention Sizing and flow rate calculation based on local rainfall.

  2. Selection of the correct hydrocarbon filter cartridge (Mineral, Ester, or FR3).

  3. Providing complete mounting kits for seamless integration into your substation oil containment system.