PETRO-PIT® 401 Hydrocarbon-Filtering Cartridge for Rainwater

Description

SPI® technology

The PETRO-PIPE technology developed by SPI® has been designed since the 1990s to adapt to tanks, pits and containment areas requiring safe, gravity-fed drainage. Available in cartridges of various sizes, including the PETRO-PIPE® and PETRO-PIT® ranges, it allows continuous drainage of rainwater while retaining hydrocarbons, mineral oils and dielectric fluids present in the water. When correctly sized, installed and maintained, SPI® filters contribute to compliance with water protection requirements, water legislation, EN 858-1 relating to hydrocarbon separators, and the requirements applicable to electrical installations, particularly paragraph 471 of NF C 13-200, concerning water drainage in collection tanks.

Within the SPI® technology, the PETRO-PIT range is available with different filter cartridges depending on the fluid to be treated, for containment tanks and pits of small and medium-sized transformers. Thanks to its self-locking system, the filter traps harmful hydrocarbons and helps to prevent long-term soil pollution. Its oleophilic and hydrophobic polymer component permanently traps hydrocarbons, natural and synthetic esters, while allowing filtered rainwater to flow through.

Description of the PETRO PIT® 401 :

• Construction in rigid, UV-treated PVC: increased strength and durability.
• Oleophilic and hydrophobic polymer component: permanently traps hydrocarbons.
• Approximate filtered flow rate (*): approximately 3 to 5 L/min / Approximate saturation capacity (*): 1 L / Recommended replacement (*): every 1 to 3 years
• Features :
  • Hydrocarbon containment: PETRO-PIT 401 cartridges operate passively 24/7 to meet hydrocarbon containment requirements and prevent rainwater contamination.
  • Temperature tolerance: PETRO-PIT 401 filters are designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures, ensuring reliable performance in various environments. Indoor or outdoor, at the nominal ambient operating temperature: -60°C to +80°C.
  • Perfect sealing: the compression O-ring of the system creates a perfect seal, providing complete filtration capabilities.
  • Flow-rate customization: how much water do you need to discharge per minute? Petro-Pit filters are available in different sizes and can be adapted to ball valves, drains, wall penetrations and many piping systems.
  • Easy installation and maintenance: the PETRO-PIT filter is installed using a screw-in cartridge. The outlet allows the installation of a valve and a filter. Maintenance of the cartridges in the so-called “dry” area is simple and quick: simply close the valve, unscrew the old cartridge, screw in the new one and reopen the valve.

Recommended pre-filtration for SPI PETRO-PIT® filters

All our SPI PETRO-PIT® filters require pre-filtration to limit the risk of clogging, protect the filter cartridges and ensure optimal drainage of rainwater contaminated with hydrocarbons, mineral oils or esters. Pre-filtration helps retain sludge, sand, leaves, dust and other impurities present in the surrounding environment or carried by the water. It therefore helps preserve the hydraulic performance of the filtration system and extend cartridge service life.

• Light pre-filtration PFC-44: For environments with low levels of impurities, we recommend using the light pre-filter PFC-44. Installed upstream of the PETRO-PIT® cartridge, outside the containment area, the PFC-44 limits the risk of clogging of the filter cartridge caused by dust and particles contained in the water.
• Pre-filtration cage PFB-0810: For environments heavily exposed to dirt and debris, the PFB-0810 pre-filtration cage is particularly suitable. Installed inside the containment area, it retains common impurities such as sand, leaves, sludge and other debris carried by rainwater before they reach the filters. This solution is recommended for sites subject to difficult operating conditions or a high presence of particles.

A PETRO-PIT® range adapted to every application

The PETRO-PIT® range is available in several references depending on the type of pollutant to be treated and the intended application: hydrocarbons, mineral oils, natural esters and synthetic esters. The cartridge format also depends on the flow rate to be treated. PETRO-PIT® is the only range on the market offering a comprehensive selection of references adapted to different drainage configurations. The PETRO-PIT® 410 filter is used for the drainage and filtration of rainwater potentially contaminated with hydrocarbons, particularly in the following configurations:

• Fire-protection containment tanks ERT® and TRT®-LHD, as well as custom-made solutions ERT-MODULO® or TRT-MODULO® from SANERGRID, installed beneath transformers, autotransformers (AT), compensation reactors (CR) and station auxiliary transformers (SAT).
• Temporary installations containing dielectric oils or hydrocarbons, particularly with TRFLEX® SUPER ECO flexible containment systems under IBCs, TRFLEX® ECO TRUCK™ under mobile equipment, or TRFLEX®-ECO for temporary transformer storage.
• Outdoor substations, photovoltaic skids and BESS platforms equipped with rainwater drainage systems exposed to hydrocarbon pollution risks.

Main available references

• PETRO PIT-401: hydrocarbons and mineral oils replaced the PETRO-PIT 410 cartridge since January 2026.
• PETRO PIT-416: hydrocarbons and mineral oils
• PETRO PIT-FR3-416: natural esters
• PETRO PIT-420-SYNBLOC: synthetic esters

The PETRO-PIT 401 is one of the components included in the PETRO-PIT® Kit, but it can also be used independently.

PETRO-PIT® Kit

The PETRO-PIT® Kit can be fitted to any low point and drain valve. This kit contains:

• 1 stainless-steel 90° elbow, 1.5″ female outlet, to be screwed onto the containment system;
• 1 stainless-steel 1.5″ quarter-turn valve (Photo No. 3), or PVC valve;
• 1 pre-filter (ref. PFC-44) to limit the risk of clogging of the P-PIT-401 cartridge caused by dust contained in the water;
• 1 PPIT401 filter for non-specific hydrocarbons;
• 1 roll of PTFE tape to ensure sealing.

ACCESSORIES AND OPTIONS

• It is strongly recommended to equip PETRO-PIT® filters with a PFC-44 pre-filter or a PFB-0810 pre-filtration cage, depending on the site’s level of exposure to impurities.
• The pre-filtration foams are refillable, helping to reduce the amount of waste generated during maintenance operations. Thanks to these refillable solutions, it is possible to reduce waste by more than 50% for an equivalent maintenance scope.
• BRAD® protective housing – New: the BRAD® protective housing protects SPI PETRO-PIT® and PETRO-PIPE® filters and pre-filters against accidental impacts. It is particularly suitable for photovoltaic skids, containment tanks, concrete pits and installations equipped with cartridge-filter drainage systems designed to treat rainwater contaminated with hydrocarbons.

The BRAD® housing notably helps to:

• reduce the risk of breakage of the threaded PVC heads of filter cartridges and pre-filters;
• maintain system tightness;
• preserve the hydraulic performance of the system;
• make maintenance operations around containment tanks, transformers and associated equipment safer.

Spare parts and consumables

For spare parts, consumables and accessories, you can contact SANERGRID or SYNERDIS. For standard cartridges, ready-to-install kits and maintenance parts, Technikelec®, our online sales website, offers the PETRO-PIT® range for easy purchasing and fast delivery.

Additional information

Applications of the PETRO-PIT® 401 Cartridge

Depending on the country, applicable regulations and operating conditions, installing a containment system beneath industrial equipment or storage units containing hydrocarbons may be strongly recommended or even legally required. Sanergrid supports you in selecting SPI® filters, defining the drainage strategy and managing environmental risks. To install an SPI® filtration system, the containment system must be equipped with a watertight wall penetration compatible with the cartridge or connection accessories.

Before Installing the PETRO-PIT® 401 Cartridge

Before installation, it is important to check the configuration of the lowest point of the containment tank or pit. This configuration determines the appropriate filtration system:

• screw-in solution with the PETRO-PIT® or PETRO-PIPE® ranges;
• recessed solution with the PETRO-PIPE® range.

Make sure that the containment system is clean and free of oil, and that the wall penetration is compatible with the 1.5″ threaded head onto which the pre-filter or optional valve is fitted.

Installation of the PETRO-PIT® 401 Cartridge

• The filter is screwed onto a 1.5″ female connection on the valve outlet provided for this purpose (to be supplied by the customer). The use of PTFE tape or thread sealant on the threads is recommended to ensure complete sealing at the threaded connections.
• The filter must be positioned horizontally or slightly inclined in the direction of flow to promote optimal drainage of filtered rainwater.
• A PFC44 pre-filter for PETRO-PIT® can optionally be installed upstream of the cartridge. It retains impurities present in the water and helps prevent premature clogging of the filter.

Maintenance of the PETRO-PIT® 401 Cartridge

• The P-PIT401 filtration cartridge should be replaced every 1 to 3 years, depending on operating conditions, the site environment and the level of exposure to hydrocarbons and impurities.
• SPI® filters are sensitive to sludge, sand, leaves and other impurities carried by water. These elements can significantly reduce the drainage flow rate or even block the filter. Effective pre-filtration is therefore essential to protect the cartridge inlet and maintain its hydraulic performance. The pre-filter should be checked regularly and rinsed with clean water as often as necessary. The rinsing frequency depends directly on the amount of impurities present at each drainage point.
• To facilitate filter monitoring and replacement operations, SPI products feature a batch serial number corresponding to the batch of active material tested and validated as compliant by the manufacturer. This identification makes it possible to trace installed filters, monitor their service life and schedule recommended replacement dates through a simple visual inspection.
• At the end of its service life, the filter and pre-filter must be disposed of through standard hydrocarbon waste treatment channels under waste code [150202*].

For specific traceability requirements and automatic reminders of your maintenance dates, SANERGRID® can set up individual tracking through a maintenance contract with one of our national partners.

• Belonging to the SPI filter technology^® , the PETRO-PIT^®  range is the European reference for filtration cartridges for hydrocarbon contaminated rainwater in small retention volumes. It is the only filter on the market that has been validated for more than 30 years by the largest French and European manufacturers (EDF, ENEDIS, SNCF, SCHNEIDER, RTE, ABB HITACHI, SIEMENS, IBERDROLA, NATURGY, REE, EDP, ENEL, IREN, TERNA, E-ON, RWE, VATTENFALL, ELIA, ESB, SCOTTISH POWER, NATIONAL GRID, NETWORK RAIL, UK PN, BRITISH PETROLEUM, TOTAL ENERGIE, BASF, BAYER, ELES, CERN, ITER, VOLVO, DEUTSCHE BAHN, ADIF, SNCB, REPSOL, etc list not exhaustive).
• Rainwater drainage and hydrocarbon contamination: thanks to the SPI hydrocarbon water filter system, the tank is mostly empty of water and ready to receive hydrocarbons. In accordance with the Water Act, the water discharged from the tanks is not contaminated with more than 5 ppm of hydrocarbons, in accordance with EN 858-1 (“light liquid separation plants”).
• SPI^® filters PETRO PIT are regularly tested in independent laboratories: SANERGRID Bureau Veritas report COFRAC certified I.D.: 003606/2776443/1/1/1 in 2015 (France), SPI Phoenix I.D. laboratory reports: AR67044 from 2002, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2018, 2022 (USA), TÜV report Nr 2432974 in 2016 (Germany), NUA report -Z-11895-1/1-2016.

2605 BROCHURE Anti-hydrocarbons filters SPI SYNERDIS [ENV00-2605]