Oil-water separators are devices used to remove oils, greases, and sometimes solids from industrial wastewater and stormwater. They use physical or chemical separation methods like gravity separation, filters, coagulation, and flotation. The design and selection of an oil-water separator depends on factors like the type and size of oil droplets, oil density, water viscosity and flow rate, desired discharge water quality, and the range of oil concentrations. Parallel plate separators use upward flow through media to allow oil to coalesce, float to the surface, and be collected while cleaner water is decanted off.