BROMSGROVE-based Beko Technologies is helping to protect the environment in partnership with GKN Westland Aerospace.

The Buntsford Park Road company has provided the on-site processing equipment for separating, collecting and processing the emulsified oil content from its compressor system in the form of a Bekosplit 12 package.

Before the equipment was installed in 1997, the aerospace business used to blow down the compressor into a closed tank every night.

An operator would then try to drain off the water and separate the waste oil floating on top. The oil was then taken out to a storage tank in the yard for subsequent collection and disposal.

"The arrangement was far from ideal as it was time consuming, manual and involved heavy lifting. It was also messy, not very accurate and difficult to carry out the ecological standards," said David Palmer, GKN's mechanical foreman.

"As a major manufacturer in this part of the country we are aware that we must take full responsibility for our environmental impact." The Bekosplit is packed with electronics for checking every step of the process ensuring air, water, oil and emulsion are all fully treated and never allowed to enter or contaminate the wrong parts of the plant.

"Since its installation, the Bekosplit has been in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Mr Palmer.