The ACO spill control oil/water separator is based on the principle of gravity, where oil is lighter than water and will float and that solids are heavier and wil therefore sink. It does not use enzymes or require frequent maintenance, just periodic removal of solids and oils.

The spill control oil-water separator is manufactured from durable, chemical resistant polymer concrete to withstand the application demands of external parking areas and internal industrial areas. Polymer concrete provides up to four times the compressive strength of cement concrete and almost twice the compressive strength of HDPE, ensuring a long service life compared to many other materials commonly used for separators. It also offers a thermal expansion ratio similar to the concrete surround to prevent delamination of the concrete surround.