Discoil and durability – Redesign of a system to reduce water pollution by hydrocarbons

Authors

  • Laura Badalucco ‘Iuav’ University of Venice (Italy)
  • Rosa Chiesa ‘Iuav’ University of Venice (Italy)
  • Giorgio Gaino ‘Iuav’ University of Venice (Italy)
  • Elisa Marchetto OCS SpA - Officine Costruzioni Speciali (Italy)
  • Chiara Silvestri Synthesis Design (Italy)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69143/2464-9309/18242025

Keywords:

water, circularity of resources, eco-design, sustainability, oil pollution

Abstract

This paper presents the results of applied research, funded through a competitive call for proposals and carried out in 2022-23, for the redesign of a low environmental impact system for the recovery of oils and hydrocarbons. The Research Group worked on the analysis, evaluation, and redesign of the Discoil oil separator from a circular economy perspective, a machine which separates hydrocarbons from water in industrial plants or open waters without the use of chemicals or absorbent materials. The result provides a concrete example of applying sustainability and circularity strategies in the design of complex industrial products, directly targeting reductions in environmental impacts and offering methodological guidelines for replicating the process.

 

Article info

Received: 10/09/2025; Revised: 18/10/2025; Accepted: 20/10/2025

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Author Biographies

Laura Badalucco, ‘Iuav’ University of Venice (Italy)

She is a Full Professor in Design at the Department of Design Cultures, Coordinator of the Degree Course in Design (Vicenza campus) and Scientific Director of the ‘Futuro Continuo’ Study Centre. She carries out research activities mainly in Ecodesign, Design for the Circular Economy, and Packaging Design and focuses on training on environmental sustainability issues. 
E-mail: laurabada@iuav.it

Rosa Chiesa, ‘Iuav’ University of Venice (Italy)

Architect and PhD in Design Sciences, she is an Associate Professor in Design. Her research is mainly focused on the History of Design, glass and photography in relation to archives. Co-Director of the AIS / Design Journal, she is part of the Scientific Committee of the ISEC Foundation (Institute for the History of the Contemporary Age).
E-mail: rchiesa@iuav.it

Giorgio Gaino, ‘Iuav’ University of Venice (Italy)

He is an Architect, Designer and Adjunct Professor. Founding partner of the Synthesis Design studio (Italy), he carries out industrial design projects across the automotive, nautical, medical, and product sectors.
E-mail: giorgio.gaino@synthesisdesign.it

Elisa Marchetto, OCS SpA - Officine Costruzioni Speciali (Italy)

Graduate in Economics, Markets and Management, she is a Sales and Marketing Manager at OCS SpA (Officine Costruzioni Speciali) in Albignasego (PD, Italy). She works on commercial and marketing activities related to Discoil, an oil separator patented by OCS for treating oil-water.
E-mail: elisa.marchetto@ocs.it

Chiara Silvestri, Synthesis Design (Italy)

Designer, she focuses on industrial design, with particular attention to product and process innovation. In partnership with the Synthesis Design studio (Italy), she designed projects that have won national and international awards, including Good Design Awards, an Honourable Mention at the Compasso d’Oro, the Gran Design Etico award, and the Well Tech Awards.
E-mail: chiara.silvestri@synthesisdesign.it

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The shape of the new oil separator reduces the materials used in the casing and makes the product’s functioning explicit (credits: G. Gaino and C. Silvestri, 2023). AGATHÓN 18 | 2025

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Published

30-12-2025

How to Cite

Badalucco, L., Chiesa, R., Gaino, G., Marchetto, E. and Silvestri, C. (2025) “Discoil and durability – Redesign of a system to reduce water pollution by hydrocarbons”, AGATHÓN | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, 18, pp. 384–397. doi: 10.69143/2464-9309/18242025.