The function of item "7" shown in the illustration is to __________. GS-0153

Correct Answer: Option C — prevent separated oil from mixing with the incoming bilge water

The inlet baffle serves to dissipate the kinetic energy of incoming bilge water. By reducing flow velocity, it prevents the incoming mixture from churning the already separated oil layer, thereby maintaining the integrity of the oil-water interface and ensuring efficient gravity separation within the primary chamber of the separator unit.