Blog - Page 2 of 2

How Does a Grease Trap Work? Manual vs. Automatic Grease Traps

March 21, 2021 By Loius Blyant Leave a Comment

The blockage of sewage pipes and water distribution systems is a common concern across the world. The release of grease, fats, and oils from a wide variety of sources contaminates the water bodies and causes damage to the wastewater tools. Therefore, increasing the cost of treatment technologies every year.

Grease traps are the most effective solution in this regard, as they are capable of preventing water pollution by trapping the FOG’s and other associated compounds from water bodies through manual and automatic technology.

This article brings you details about the working mechanism of grease traps based on their automated and manual nature.

How Does a Grease Trap Work? Manual vs. Automatic Grease Traps

Grease Traps and Working Mechanism

Grease traps are also known as grease catchers and grease recovery systems. These units have the ability to remove fats, oils, and grease from water and are highly useful in cafes, Hotels, Bakeries, Restaurants, and schools.

These units consist of large tanks that contain an inlet and an outlet. After the water filled with grease is discharged from the source, it enters the device. Inside the device, the water is separated into various components.

The separation system is relatively simpler and relies on the difference in viscosity of all the substances. It is a well-known fact that oil, grease, and water do not mix with each other.

Therefore, once the polluted water enters the trapping system, its rate of flow decreases and the fatty components form a separate layer on top of the water.

Another layer that forms at the bottom of the water is made up of sediment that might also be present in the wastewater. After all three layers are formed, the clean water leaves the chamber via the outlet. The remaining grease is either removed automatically from the unit or remains inside and requires manual cleanup.

Biological Treatment or Dosing

The time of water treatment varies from the size of the trap and the amount of wastewater produced.

Mostly, the time ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, but it can also extend to around eight weeks. That can be done by integrating non-pathogenic bacteria into the system, which can biodegrade the grease and other fatty compounds. Thus, enhancing the overall performance of the product.

Another advantage of biological treatment is the conversion of harmful and high weight molecular compounds into less harmful low weight molecular compounds.

The overall process of biological removal is termed dosing. However, the dosing is carried out after the grease is separated from the water. The microorganisms are incorporated to prevent the grease build-up in the piping systems.

Types of Grease Traps

There are multiple types of grease traps. The most common among which include Passive hydrochemical grease traps, also known as manual grease, automatic grease traps, and gravity grease traps.

These traps differ from each other based on their working mechanism and structure. The detailed design of each unit is discussed below in detail.

Hydrochemical or Manual Grease Traps

These are the most commonly used grease traps and are similar to traditional passive systems. In addition to this, these tools are cost-efficient and perform extremely well in removing grease from water. Thus, they are highly admired by a variety of users.

Furthermore, the diverse size range and easy installation are other prominent attributes of the system that add five stars to its performance. These products are highly suitable for small establishments such as cafes and bakeries and were first introduced in 1885.

Since then, they have been used and upgraded according to living requirements.

Moreover, the main body of the apparatus is constructed using stainless steel or plastic material to prevent corrosion.

Therefore, these traps have high durability and are not prone to damage. As the name indicates, the system must be cleaned manually on a regular basis to ensure long life as well as quality performance.

Automatic Grease Traps

Automatic Grease Removal Units work on a similar principle as their above-mentioned counterpart. However, they are capable of re-heating and skimming the fatty substances present in the water. The device is automatic and can be scheduled to perform the specified tasks.

After the fats and oils have been skimmed, they are passed down to the collector bin for further processing. Further processing of these compounds involves their removal and recycling. Apart from this, the device offers ease of use, as the operator does not have to schedule the skimming activity.

Instead, it is automatically programmed depending on the amount of grease and fatty substances present in the apparatus. However, these units are limited in size and have high investment costs. But, they are highly recommended due to their incredible efficiency and long life.

Gravity Grease Traps

Last but not the least, gravity grease traps have gained wide recognition over the years and are highly popular in the market. These tools are designed for large-scale water treatment systems and are constructed using concrete.

These in-ground tanks are also made up of steel to prevent water from seeping into the soil and groundwater systems. Hence, creating increased pollution and groundwater contamination.

The working operation of these gravity traps is similar to their manual counterparts. The major difference lies in the capacity of both models. Gravity grease traps have a larger capacity and are ideal for heavy-flow applications.

For better performance and high efficiency, it is advisable to maintain the apparatus properly but cleaning them on a regular basis.

These traps are recommended for use in restaurants, large housing facilities, hospitals, and hotels. Another advantage of these large wastewater treatment facilities is their ability to remediate a large amount of wastewater. This does not only contribute to environmental remediation but also helps in the recycling of wastewater.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do they do with grease trap’s grease?

Most of the grease separated from the polluted water streams is manually cleaned from the reservoir. If not cleaned properly, these traps might get trapped inside the cleaning apparatus and lead to blockage in the product, which might affect its efficiency.

In addition to this, some tools also involve the use of biological organisms for converting grease into simpler compounds for better removal and improving the efficiency of the device.

What happens when a grease trap is full?

Overflowing of the grease trap is a common issue. This mostly occurs when the chamber is not cleaned on a regular basis. Along with this, the situation often leads to the spilling of one compartment components to another compartment.

Sometimes, the clog often reaches the inlet and outlet pipes. Thus, blocking them and preventing the water from entering and leaving the product.

How do under sink grease traps work?

The basic principle behind the working of a grease trap is the difference in viscosity of grease and water along with the rate of flow of the contaminated water.

Once the water enters the chamber, its rate of flow decreases and the grease settles on top of the system. This occurs because fatty substances do not dissolve in the water, and thus, the settled material is removed from the top. Thus, leaving clean water which leaves through the outlet.

Why is a grease trap required?

These models are beneficial and are used to separate fats and oils from water. Their basic application involves wastewater treatment, preventing the blockage of sewage pipes, and water recycling.

As fatty substances often get stuck in the pipes and lead to blockage, such traps are highly efficient and are used in restaurants, hotels, and other related places. Therefore, they are highly recommended for daily use.

Should a grease trap be full of water?

It is advised to never fill the grease trap completely with water, as it might lead to an overflow of contaminants in the chamber.

Instead, it is recommended to include 1/4 of water inside the tool for efficient results. This will not only improve the functionality of the material but also enhance its life and prevent it from damage in the longterm.

How do you seal a grease trap?

The most effective material for this purpose includes rubber and silicone. These elements are solid and can stop the contaminants inside the equipment from overflowing.

Similarly, it is not wise to use liquid substances for this purpose as they are not very efficient in this regard. Users only need to reassemble the drainage assembly and reinstall it in the trap according to the instruction mentioned in the user manual.

Wrapping Up

Grease traps are efficient products designed to remove fats and associated substances from the water systems. The phenomenon works on the difference in viscosity of these compounds and their chemical interaction. Modern models also use bacterias to aid the process.

There are a variety of such devices available in the market, most common among which include manual and automatic tools. The apparatus is not only performance-oriented but is cost-efficient as well. Thus, it is ideal for hotels, cafes, schools, and hospitals.

Grease Trap Cleaning and Maintenance | The Beginners Guide

March 21, 2021 By Loius Blyant Leave a Comment

Grease traps are an important part of big restaurants, and their success highly depends on their cleaning and maintenance. You only get a business license in many states when you have installed this system in your kitchen. The maintenance and cleaning of this equipment are very critical as it’s a serious investment.

These systems keep your space smell fresh and run your sewer lines smoothly. A little mismanagement in this system can lead to huge economic loss. If you want your equipment to last for a long time and run your system flawlessly, it’s recommended to take good care of it.

A proper cleaning and management system can help you get the best out of a grease trap.

This guide will explain a few tips and techniques of grease trap cleaning and maintenance.

Grease Trap Cleaning and Maintainance

Proper Installation

Proper installation of grease tarp is vital for the success of the whole system. You need to ensure that the system you purchased is of the right size and the location you choose is proper. Commercial grease traps are either usually located outside the main building or the building’s basement.

If you are on a small setup, it could be located right under your kitchen sink area. Make sure that it fits perfectly in this space, and a grease trap is installed first, followed by the garbage disposal.

Stainers are another important part of the whole system. If you have installed stainers all-around in your kitchen, they will protect your system from clogging.

They will prevent the solid pieces of food from falling into the system. Another important point is that no grease should go down the drain. If you let it go down the drain, it will clog the whole system, leading to damage.

See if it is Working?

After a few days of installation, it should start trapping the grease. It means there must be a build-up on the trap. If there is no build-up, it means something is going wrong, and a tarp is not working properly.

You need to check if there is any leakage. If some of its parts are not connected properly, it will lead to leakage. It could damage your whole system if you don’t take care of this matter at the right time.

When to Clean?

Proper maintenance is essential for the proper functioning of the whole system. Schedule cleaning is another critical part of the whole process. It is crucial to regularly monitor grease traps to see if they need cleaning or not. Usually, people go for cleaning when it is filled to the top, which is not recommended.

Ideally, it would be best if you cleaned the tarp when it is filled two-third. A completely filled grease trap would start smelling, and it is pretty hard to clean those tarps. It is recommended to make a cleaning schedule.

Within the first few weeks, you can know how many days the grease tanks are filled up to two-third. It would help you create a plan for the cleaning. However, it is advised to monitor the situation to overcome unusual problems and issues regularly.

How to Clean Commercial Grease Traps?

Commercial Grease tanks are pretty complex structures, and they have never been easy to clean. Moreover, the whole system’s reliability and stability largely depend on how and when you clean these grease traps. Here are some dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind if you want the best results.

Do not rely on unprofessional cleaning services. For instance, many business owners try to use their own staff and tools for this purpose. But this can be very messy and a time taking process. Plus, there are huge chances of machinery damage if you hire unprofessional staff for this job.
Many companies are offering their services, but you will have to choose the best one. The best practice is to check the other restaurants’ recommendations and reviews. Plus, budget is another important factor you must take into account when selecting a cleaning service. Try to find a professional service that fits your budget, but never compromise on the quality of services they provide. Otherwise, you will have to pay extra money in terms of plenty, fines, and repair costs.
Do not use enzymes and solvents as a cleaning remedy. These chemicals can break down the FOG, but they cannot dispose of them properly. Some of these chemicals do not properly break down the FOG and instead help them partially dissolve them in water. In this way, they flow through the main sewer lines and eventually block them. Plus, these chemicals are dangerous for aquatic life also.

Following are the steps involved in the cleaning process of the grease traps.

Before starting the process, make sure the water inside the tank is cooled down. At that time, the fats will be flowing on the top, and you can easily separate them out from the water.
The first practical step is to detach the lid from the equipment. You will need a wrench or any compatible equipment. Be careful in this step, as there are delicate parts of the equipment right under the lid and can be damaged if not handled properly.
Measure the thickness of the grease layer using a ruler. It is an important step, as EPA and other government agencies will require this record.
Then remove the grease and fats floating on the water surface. You can either use a shop vacuum for this purpose or a manual scooper.
Remove the remaining solid waste and wastewater from the tank using heavy-duty scoopers and buckets.
The next step is scrapping. This is an important process as 10% grease and solid waste sticks to the bottom and sides.
It is recommended to use top-quality scrap, lukewarm water, and gentle soap. Carefully remove all the grease and solid particles from interceptors, baffles, lid, and sides of the tank. The soap and warm water will help you get rid of the rotting and bad smell.
Now, it’s time to check whether you are done with the job or not. Flow a gallon of clean water down the sink and see if it is flowing properly or not. If not, it means there is any obstruction, and the system is not cleaned properly. It could be any problem with the plumbing lines, and you may need to call a professional plumbing service.
Once you are all done with the process, carefully put all the parts back into the equipment.
The final step is to dispose of the waste. Wait until the mixture of FOG, solid food particles, and water completely solidifies. Put all the waste in trash bags, according to the environmental and safety guidelines provided by the EPA.

FAQs

How often does a grease trap need to be cleaned?

It depends upon the amount of grease a restaurant produces and the storage tank’s capacity. On average, grease tarp’s capacity reaches ¾ in two to three months. It is advised to regularly monitor your grease traps and make a cleaning schedule accordingly.

How does a grease trap work?

Fats and oils being less dense than water, do not mix with water and float on top. Grease traps consist of baffles that trap fats and oils and don’t let them go into the sewer lines. These traps have a separate storage capacity that fills up with time and needs to be cleaned regularly. Here is complete details on How Does a Grease Trap Work? Manual vs. Automatic Grease Traps.

Why grease trap is required?

A grease trap is essential for any food business, as it prevents the oil and fats build up from flowing into the sewer lines. These fats and oils can lead to huge sewer lines blockage, if not trapped and disposed of at the initial trap.

What is fog in grease trap?

FOG means Fats, Oils, and Grease. This is an abbreviated term collectively used for the insoluble hazardous waste produced by restaurants and food businesses.

Should a dishwasher be connected to a grease interceptor?

Yes, it is highly recommended to connect the dishwasher with a grease trap directly. However, grease traps should not be installed very close to the dishwasher because a high flow rate and temperature can prevent proper separation and trapping of FOG and the initial stages.

Small Grease Traps – Working Process of Grease Traps

March 20, 2021 By Loius Blyant Leave a Comment

Have you gotten tired of grease buildup in your pipelines? Small grease traps are an ideal solution for you. These objects are used for domestic purposes and have small sizes.

Therefore, they can be easily installed under the kitchen sinks. Similarly, these units are renowned for their small capacity, low flow rate, and inexpensiveness. Therefore, they require more maintenance than their larger counterparts.

This article encapsulates the working mechanism, size, construction, flow rate, capacity, maintenance, and installation of small grease traps.

Small Grease Traps

Small grease traps are an efficient alternative to large grease interceptors that are usually placed outside the facilities to separate grease, fats, and oils from the wastewater.

Due to the large size and increased cost of grease interceptors, they are not feasible for the majority of consumers. Thus, smaller grease traps are mostly preferred.

These units can be easily played under the sink and other associated spaces for curing the problem of wastewater at the source rather than the sink.

These grease traps are efficient because they prevent the blockage of grease inside the pipes and are highly useful in restaurants, hospitals, cafes, schools, and other establishments.

Working Mechanism of Grease Traps

The trap works on a straightforward mechanism. It is a well-known fact that oil and grease do not intermix, and thus, once the wastewater enters the trap, its flow rate is slowed down to perform further tasks.

After the flow rate decreases, grease can be separated from the top of the water, while heavy solid particles can be eliminated from the bottom.

Thereby leaving clean water behind. The remaining water is discharged through another pipe for further treatment. Sometimes, microorganisms are also used in the process for cleaning additional impurities from the water.

These organisms include digesting bacterias that break down heavy-weight compounds and clear the blockage in pipelines. Thus, they are highly recommended.

Flow rate and Capacity of Small Grease Traps

Small grease traps have less capacity as compared to their larger counterparts because of their limited size. These tools have the ability to hold up to 50 gallons of water per minute.

However, it is recommended to avoid exceeding up to 30 gallons per minute for enhanced performance.

In addition to this, small grease traps require low water flow for separating more fats from the contaminated water.

It is also advised to never completely fill your model with water to avoid any mishap. Only 1/4 of the trap should be filled with water at a time for better output.

Maintenance of Mini Traps

Due to the small size of these tools, they require more maintenance and careful handling by the consumers. These objects should regularly be cleaned to prevent blockage or performance concerns.

The reason for this is the limited size of the model, which gets filled with grease quickly. Thus, preventing the system from removing fats from the incoming water.

It is recommended to get the system cleaned every month by specialists. However, it should also be cleaned on a daily basis by consumers. As mentioned earlier, only 1/4 of the system should be filled with water.

Increased amounts of water will lead to leakage or overflow and impact the efficiency of the tool.

Size of the Mini Traps

Grease trapping materials are available in a diverse variety of sizes and, therefore, can be selected depending on the use. The size of the device varies from 10 gallons to 500 gallons.

Usually, large interceptors that are required to clean increased amounts of water are about the size of a mini-fridge and can be inserted outside the facility they are required for.

Contrary to this, mini traps are only the size of a bread box and can be installed under the sink and near pipes for on-spot cleaning. The size of the trap required for separation can be determined by the establishment in which they are going to be used.

Small and medium-sized buildings like cafes and houses are ideal for mini traps, while restaurants and hospitals require large interceptors and commercial grease traps.

Materials for Construction

Over the years, a wide variety of materials have been used to manufacture grease traps. The quality of the material is determined by its durability and water holding capacity. Materials that cause rusting or are less durable are not preferred because of efficiency concerns.

Therefore, plastic, steel, polyvinyl chloride, and fiberglass are the most common substances used for the construction of these devices. Here you may check PVC plastic grease trap reviews.

Rusted and leaking units are often repaired or completely replaced depending on the damage. Similarly, large interceptors are made up of cement, fiberglass, and polyvinyl chloride because of the enhanced durability of these substances, even in extreme conditions.

Since large units are mostly placed outdoors; thus, they should be more durable and sturdy than their indoor counterparts.

Location for Installation

Mini traps are smaller in size as compared to large interceptors and thus, require less space for installation. They can be conveniently installed under the sinks in your kitchen.

Contrarily, large interceptors can not be installed inside the houses because of their large size and are mostly designed for outdoor purposes.

The perfect location for the installation of most grease traps is near the fixture. However, it should be kept in mind that these objects might produce an unpleasant odor.

Thus, it should be installed carefully, keeping all the aspects into consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you size a grease trap?

In order to identify the size of a grease trap, it is advised to multiply the length, width, and diameter of the sink (where it needs to be installed) collectively known as X (the capacity of the sink).

After capacity has been identified, it should be divide by 231, i.e., X/231 for the identification of flow rate in gallons per minute, also known as Y. Then multiply the value of Y to 0.75 in order to obtain the size of a grease trap for a commercial kitchen.

How much does a grease trap cost to install?

The smaller grease traps ranging between 10 to 100 gallons cost around $250 to $1500 and are relatively less expensive. Similarly, the large interceptors with a capacity of around 500 gallons cost more and are available at the price range of $4000 to 48500.

Some other grease recovery devices mostly cost between $3500 and $6000.

Are grease traps a legal requirement?

At smaller facilities and household levels, it is completely optional to use grease traps, and consumers have the liberty to stop using the device if they do not want to.

However, in large establishments like restaurants and hospitals or places opened for business where excessive water is contaminated with fats and oils, such traps are a legal requirement. They must be installed for health and environmental safety.

How long do grease traps last?

Most grease traps have a lifetime of around five to eight years. Steel grease traps are prone to rust and thus should be replaced every five years to ensure good quality and efficient output.

If maintained properly and regularly, these tools can last a year or more than their average lifetime.

How do you maintain a grease trap?

For cleaning a grease trap and preventing blockage, it is advised to pour baking soda and vinegar in 1: 2 quantity down the drain. Let it soak the trap for 15 to 20 minutes.

After the bubbles start to produce, wash the system with hot water. Rinse properly. However, it is recommended to seek expert guidance while doing so in order to prevent accidental damage or any mishap.

What could occur if a grease trap is not properly maintained?

If a grease trap is not cleaned properly, grease can build up inside the system and can solidify with time. Thereby blocking the pipes and preventing the water from passing through.

The blockage inside the traps can also lead to the blocking of toilets, drains, and skins; hence, generating a foul smell throughout the house.

Wrapping Up

Small grease traps are a suitable alternative to large interceptors and can be placed easily inside the house and under the kitchen sinks. The reason for this is the minute size of the unit, which requires less installation space. In addition to this, these tools are characterized by a low water flow rate and small capacity.

In addition to this, they also require increased maintenance and might impact performance to a great extent if not cleaned properly on daily basis. These materials are also less expensive as compare to large traps and are highly recommended for domestic use.