Separator alarms for oil and grease separators – how they work

Why are separator alarms needed?

Oil and grease separators play an important role in preventing oil, grease, sludge and other contaminants from entering the wastewater system. If the separator becomes overloaded, clogged or is not emptied in time, it can lead to operational problems, overfilling and, in the worst case, unwanted emissions.

A separator alarm provides an early warning when action is needed. This makes it possible to plan service, emptying or troubleshooting before the problem becomes acute. For facilities with oil or grease separators, the alarm is therefore an important part of both operational safety and environmental protection.

How does a separator alarm work?

A separator alarm normally consists of a control unit and one or more sensors placed in the separator. The sensors monitor different levels depending on the type of alarm used.

When a sensor detects an alarm level, the signal is sent to the control unit. The alarm is then indicated locally by sound, light, display or relay output. Some models can also send measured values and alarm status to a cloud service for remote reading.

This allows the user to get information about the separator’s status without having to open the manhole or perform a manual inspection every time.

Oil separator alarms and grease separator alarms

The terms oil separator alarm and grease separator alarm are often used depending on the type of separator in which the alarm is installed. The basic principle is similar: the alarm warns when levels in the separator indicate that action is needed.

In an oil separator, the alarm often monitors oil layer, high liquid level and sludge. In a grease separator, it can similarly monitor grease layer, high level and the build-up of solid materials. The right sensor combination depends on the separator’s design, application and which levels need to be monitored.

Which levels can be monitored?

Layer

The layer sensor is used to alarm when the oil or grease layer in the separator becomes too high. This indicates that the separator may need to be emptied or inspected.

High level

A high level alarm is used to detect rising liquid level in the separator. This may indicate clogging, a blocked outlet or risk of overfilling.

Sludge

The sludge sensor is used to alarm when sludge, sand or other solid materials build up in the separator. Excessive sludge level can reduce the function of the separator and increase the need for service or emptying.

Measured values and remote reading

Some modern separator alarms do not only provide alarms, but can also display measured values over time. With connected solutions, measured values and alarm status can be monitored remotely, providing better control and making it easier to plan service and emptying.

Which separator alarm should I choose?

The choice of separator alarm depends on the type of separator to be monitored, which sensors are needed and how the alarm should be indicated.

ASA series is suitable when you need a modern and flexible solution with several options for power supply, sensors, display and connectivity. The series includes models with 230 V, 12 VDC, battery operation, status LEDs, display and cloud connectivity.

ASA-01 is suitable when you need measuring sensors and remote reading via AfrisoCloud.

ASA-02 is suitable when you need a local separator alarm with clear status LEDs.

ASA-03 is suitable when you need a local separator alarm with display, alarm texts and menus.

ASA-04 is suitable when the installation uses low-voltage power supply, for example 12 VDC.

ASA-05 is suitable where mains power is not available and a battery-powered separator alarm is needed.

Frequently asked questions about separator alarms

What is the difference between a layer alarm and a high level alarm?

A layer alarm monitors the oil or grease layer in the separator. A high level alarm monitors the liquid level and warns if the level rises too high, for example due to clogging or a blocked outlet.

What does a sludge sensor do?

A sludge sensor alarms when the level of sludge, sand or other solid materials becomes too high. This helps the user identify when the separator needs to be emptied or inspected.

Can separator alarms be connected to other systems?

Many separator alarms have relay outputs that can be used to forward alarms to building management systems, alarm panels or other external equipment.

Are battery-powered separator alarms available?

Yes, battery-powered separator alarms are available for locations where mains power is not available or where cabling is difficult.

Can the separator be monitored remotely?

Yes, with connected solutions such as ASA-01, measured values and alarm status can be monitored remotely via AfrisoCloud.

What does EX-rated separator alarm mean?

EX rating means that the equipment is intended for use in or in connection with environments where an explosive atmosphere may occur. For separator alarms, this is important because the sensors are often placed in separators where explosive gases may be present.

Afriso – experience in separator alarms

Afriso has long experience in level monitoring and separator alarms for oil and grease separators. The range includes both simpler local alarms and more advanced solutions with measuring sensors, display, battery operation, low-voltage power supply and cloud connectivity.

We are happy to help you choose the right solution based on separator type, sensor requirements, power supply and desired alarm function.

View our range of separator alarms here