ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS

Oil Stop Valve Guide

Operation, Installation and Maintenance
Principle of Operation
AFL- Discharge
Max.
Outlet Max. Max. Max.
The valve operates on a buoyancy principle. The ballasted float, OSV Elbow Valve Valve Pipe Outlet Capacity Capacity
which is the only moving part, is weighted for a specified gravity Model Material Size Size Size gpm lps
of 0.95. In the water, the float will float and keep the valve OSV-4 PVC 4” 101 mm 4” 101 mm 160 10
open. An accumulation of oil around the float will decrease the
OSV-6 PVC 6” 150 mm 6” 150 mm 360 23
buoyant force on the float, causing it to float lower in the liquid.
As the oil accumulation increases, the float will sink lower and OSV-8 PVC 8” 200 mm 8” 200 mm 600 39
finally close the valve when the oil level is approximately 3” (76 OSV-4SS Stainless 4” 101 mm 4” 101 mm 160 10
mm) to 4” (101 mm) above the bottom of the float. Steel

OSV Operation OSV-6SS Stainless 6” 150 mm 6” 150 mm 360 23

Steel
The AFL Oil Stop Valve (OSV) by Contech is designed for easy,
efficient operation in confining oil spills to the premises. It is OSV-8SS Stainless 8” 200 mm 8” 200 mm 600 39
used in oil/water gravity differential separators, coalescing type Steel
separators and oil manholes to prevent the entry of oil into the OSV-10SS Stainless 10” 250 mm 10” 250 mm 900 57
effluent. Steel

Features of the valve include: OSV-12SS Stainless 12” 300 mm 12” 300 mm 1400 88
Steel
1. Dependable gravity operation OSV-4SST Stainless 4” 101 mm 4” 101 mm 160 10
2. Corrosion-resistant construction Steel
3. Only one moving part OSV-6SST Stainless 6” 150 mm 6” 150 mm 360 23
4. Outlet vent connection (siphon breaker) Steel

The valve is available in a variety of sizes to meet a wide range of OSV-8SST Stainless 8” 200 mm 8” 200 mm 600 39
flow conditions. The valve is supplied as a stand alone device and Steel
can be used in tandem with a Contech VortClarex® coalescing OSV-10SST Stainless 10” 101 mm 10” 101 mm 900 57
media separator. Steel

On a case by case basis, valve can be fabricated with a “weep OSV-12SST Stainless 12” 150 mm 12” 150 mm 1400 88
hole” which facilitates reopening of the valves after closure due Steel
to oil spill. The week hole equalizes the pressures in the valve and SS = Stainless Steel
will pass a minimal amount of oil/water mixture. This option is SST = Stainless steel extended and is used when designing for fire protection
This feature includes an extended pipe through the outlet of the structure, so
only added upon the Engineer’s written request.
there is no connection inside the valve structure to melt and fail.

Hydraulic Capacities
Table 1. Contech AFL-OSV Model Sizes and Peak Flow Capacity
A minimum recommended water level, sufficient to completely
submerge the float housing, is required for proper operation
of the OSV. Operation at less than the minimum recommended
water level will reduce the capacity of the OSV.

The recommended operating flow rate versus its associated

head loss is shown in Figure 1, 2 and 3. For the valve to operate
properly at required flow(s), the valve discharge pipe centerline
must be below the liquid level at a distance equal to (or greater
than) the associated head loss. Table 1 indicates the peak flow
capacity of each valve size and model.

WARNING: IF THE VALVE IS OPERATED AT GREATER THAN

DESIGN OR RECOMMENDED FLOWS IT MAY SHUT OFF
AUTOMATICALLY, WHICH MAY NECESSITATE THAT THE VALVE
BE REOPENED MANUALLY.

Figure 1. OSV-4 inch

2
 12. Fill manhole with clean water to outlet invert. The 3/8” (9.5
mm) guide rod should be approximately 8” (200 mm) above
the cage top plate.
13. Push down gently on guide rod, release pressure from
rod and allow float to rise. Upon rising, unit is ready for
operation.
14. Step #12 is used periodically to insure float operation. If float
remains closed, gently pull on lift cable to break seat suction.
NOTE: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN VALVE WHEN SUMP IS
EMPTY OF WATER. WATER LEVEL MUST BE AT INVERT OF
OUTLET TO LIFT.

NOTE: IF FLOAT DID NOT OPEN, FILL VENT PIPE WITH WATER
TO EQUALIZE PRESSURE ON THE VALVE FLOAT.

Figure 2. OSV-6 and OSV-8 inch

OSV discharge pipe (not shown here and plain end connections)
to be supplied by others. The contractor, at his discretion, may
solvent glue to the valve discharge elbow, or select other suitable
means for connecting OSV discharge elbow to outlet pipe.
Figure 3. OSV-10 and OSV-12 inch
A. Plain End Connections
Installation Valves with plain end connection can be connected with PVC
coupling and two stainless steel worm drive hose clamps. Slide
1. Unit must be installed utilizing a crane, backhoe, fork
the coupling on valve discharge elbow and install the clamps by
truck, or similar equipment due to the size and weight
sliding them on the coupling. Line up the valve discharge elbow
(approximately 300-425 pounds [136-193 Kg]).
with outlet pipe, leave ¼” gap (6 mm) between pipe ends, and
2. Pick up unit slowly using the supplied lifting cable harness. slide this coupling and clamp on the outlet pipe. Do not tighten
3. Unit will tip to the outlet pipe side. This is the desired angle to the hose clamps at this time.
prevent excess pressure on the float cage.
4. Lower unit into manhole.
B. Flanged End Connections
Line up the flange bolt holes, insert a gasket and bolt flanges. Do
5. Remove lifting harness for use on next valve.
not tighten bolts at this time.
6. Remove rubber boot. (To be installed outside of sump)
7. Reposition valve to allow outlet pipe of valve to extend ATTENTION: FLANGES SUPPLIED WITH THE VALVES ARE FLAT
through manhole plus 4” (101 mm). Make sure valve top FACE; MAKE SURE THE MATING FLANGE IS OF THE SAME
plate is level in both directions. DESIGN. USE OF RAISED FLANGES WILL BREAK THE PVC
FLANGES.
8. Grout outlet pipe in place.
9. Install anchors using the (4) 5/8” (16 mm) diameter holes C. Anchorage
provided in the support angles at the bottom of the valve. OSV valves are supplied with hold down straps, which are
10. Attach the stainless steel float guide cable to the under side designed to secure the valves to the concrete. After the valve has
of concrete lid within reach of the manhole cover. This will been lined up with outlet nozzle, install the strap on the valve
allow the manual opening of the valve. body and use the two holes as a template for locating the anchor
11. Install 1” (25 mm) 76 vent/siphon leaving approximately 1” bolts.
(25 mm) gap between pipe and underside of lid.
Remove straps and drill in anchors.
Replace the strap and bolt down the strap.

3
D. Siphon Breaker SECTION 02723
Siphon breaker connection is located on the valve discharge
elbow and is furnished with a union to facilitate installation of AFL-OSV by Contech SPECIFICATIONS
siphon breaker pipe. PART 2.0 Oil Stop Valves
In order to calculate siphon breaker pipe length, determine A. Manufacturers
the maximum liquid level in the sump/tank at a spill condition,
subtract elevation of the top of the OSV discharge pipe from 1. Contech Engineered Solutions: Model AFL-OSV-4SST with
maximum liquid level and add 1’-6” (450 mm). After the length slave valve (stainless steel) or approved equal installed
of the pipe has been cut, attach the pipe to the union using PVC inside prefabricated manhole.
solvent cement. Install the siphon breaker pipe on the valve and B. General
support it as required. Ideally, the top of the pipe should be as
close to grade as possible. 1. Description: Fabricated control valve designed to control oil
spills. Valve assembly shall consist of a base, guides, inlet
ATTENTION: IMPROPER SIPHON PIPE ELEVATION WILL RESULT housing, float and outlet connection. Valve shall be designed
IN OIL DISCHARGE THROUGH THE SIPHON BREAKER DURING to operate on specific gravity differential principle.
SPILL CONDITION. 2. Float Weight: Ballasted for 0.95 specific gravity
3. Flow: 160 GPM (10 lps) Gravity (Maximum)
Maintenance 4. Inlet Pipe Size: 12” (300 mm) Diameter
1. Remove solids from bottom of sump as required. Six (6”) [150
5. Vents: 1” (25 mm) SS threaded coupling located on top of
mm] of build up maximum.
discharge pipe. Vent pipe to extend above maximum oil level
2. With water level in sump at outlet invert, gently push guide to be supplied by Contractor. Material to be galvanized pipe.
rod downwards approximately 6” (150 mm). This will allow
6. Coupling: 1” (25 mm) SST threaded coupling and plug located
float to come in contact with the bottom flange.
on side of discharge pipe.
3. Release guide rod. The rod should rise up to the original
7. Outlet connection to 12” (300 mm) Diameter plain end pipe.
position. If this procedure was successful the valve is in proper
Contractor to supply connection flexible connector and
working order.
clamps.
4. Occasionally the float will stay seated on the bottom flange
when pushed down. Simply pull upwards on the stainless C. Materials of Construction
steel cable attached to the guide rod. This will break the 1. Base, Housing and Outlet Piping. 304L SST
suction and allow the float to rise. If when attempting to
2. Float: SST with Teflon Seat
push the guide rod downwards and it appears to be stuck,
pull up on stainless steel cable to raise the float again 3. Float Guides: Type 304 Stainless Steel sleeves
approximately 6” [150 mm]. If the float rises, release cable. If D. Design Requirements
the float sinks it is inoperable and must be replaced.
1. Pressure Rating: Atmospheric
5. This procedure should be performed at least yearly.
2. Temperature: Ambient with 450 ºF (232 ºC) maximum
ATTENTION: UPON VALVE CLOSURE DUE TO A SPILL, THE OIL
COLLECTED IN THE SUMP, TANK OR OIL SEPARATOR, MUST BE PART 2.10 Slave Valve
EVACUATED FROM THE VALVE CHAMBER AND DISPOSED OF
A. General
PROPERLY. AFTER THE OIL HAS BEEN REMOVED, FILL CHAMBER
WITH CLEAN WATER AND RE-OPEN THE VALVE BY LIFTING THE 1. Application: Oil spill prevention
FLOAT BY PULLING ON LIFT CABLE. THE SAME PROCEDURE MUST 2. Model Number: SV-S.S/PVC
BE USED DURING PROCESS START UP.
3. Description: Fabricated to reopen oil stop valve in the event of
Support water loss caused by leakage or evaporation, etc.)
• Drawings and specifications are available at www.conteches.com 4. Float Weight: Ballasted for 0.95 specific gravity
• Site-specific design support is available from our engineers.
B. Materials of Construction
©2015 Contech Engineered Solutions LLC Base, Housing, and Piping: SS
Contech Engineered Solutions LLC provides site solutions for the civil Float: PVC
engineering industry. Contech’s portfolio includes bridges, drainage,
sanitary sewer, stormwater and earth stabilization products. For Float Guides: Type 304 Stainless Steel
information on other Contech division offerings, visit www.conteches.com Pressure Rating: Atmospheric
or call 800.338.1122
Temperature: Ambient with 130 ºF (54 ºC) maximum
NOTHING IN THIS CATALOG SHOULD BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXPRESSED
WARRANTY OR AN IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR C. Principle of Operation
FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SEE THE Contech STANDARD
CONDITION OF SALES (VIEWABLE AT WWW.Contech-CPI.COM/COS) FOR 1. The slave valve is added to an oil stop valve to allow the main
MORE INFORMATION. float to reopen. Due to the lack of water the main float will
The product(s) described may be protected by one or more of the following
close. When additional rain enters the sump, the slave valve
US patents: 5,322,629; 5,624,576; 5,707,527; 5,759,415; 5,788,848; float will open and allow water to enter the oil stop valve
5,985,157; 6,027,639; 6,350,374; 6,406,218; 6,641,720; 6,511,595; body. As the water level rises the main float will open due to
6,649,048; 6,991,114; 6,998,038; 7,186,058; 7,296,692; 7,297,266; water pressure pushing up against the bottom of the main
related foreign patents or other patents pending.
float. In the event of an oil spill, the slave valve float and the
main float will close containing the spill.
ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS osv_manual 12/15

800.338.1122 • www.conteches.com