Keeping
grease traps clean with natural grease trap blocks and liquid FOG eating
bacteria
So...what
is the definition of a Grease Trap? Do you wonder what exactly a grease
trap is? Probably not, you probably already know and are looking for
an inexpensive and cheap way to keep things moving without regular
clean-outs.
Yep...chances are if you are reading this you already know what a
messy and stinky and horrible place a restaurant trap can be and you
are looking for a way to clean the darned thing and reduce the amount
of time and money it takes to shower off the congealed fats and oils
that can clog the drains. Increasingly, municipalities are becoming
more and more strict with regards to what is discharged into the main
sewer system.
Restaurants deal
with large amounts of FOG (fats, oils and grease) on a daily basis
and typically these elements collect in the grease trap.
A grease trap is sometimes also called a grease interceptor. Basically
this is a small mechanical receptacle that is spliced in between a
restaurants drain line and the main sanitary sewer line. This grease
interceptor, or trap, allows for the separation and collection of
fats, oils and greases (FOG) from the used water, preventing these
materials from entering the main municipal sewer system.
The grease trap usually located inside of the kitchen or somewhere
in the restaurant plumbing system or sometimes the receptacle is on
the outside of the building.
Many large restaurants, hospitals, campsites, parks and recreational
parks or school kitchens will have their grease traps and grease interceptor
located outside of the principal facility, usually in the ground in
a secure storage system.
Smaller restaurants and fast food chains usually have smaller trap
systems indoors sometimes right in the kitchen for easy access and
cleaning.
Cleaning these traps is a dirty job. Manually swabbing out the fats
and oils from these receptacles is a tough job. The spackle and buildup
of hardened and congealed fats and oils is tough to scour clean. This
buildup reduces the efficiency of the entire system and one of the
worst symptoms of a dirty or clogged grease trap is that the effluent
that drains into the municipal sewer system is often over the threshold
for discharge levels which can lead to fines or citations.
Understanding
the basic function of a grease trap system
Commercial
kitchens use fats, oils and grease as part of the process of preparing
food. The disposal of these elements can create issues as these coagulated
substances can clog and block municipal sewer line systems. More and
more by-laws and environmental protection laws are cracking down on
these commercial kitchens that do not meet specific targets and overload
the sewer system with excessive amounts of grease, oils and fat.
A grease trap is basically a mechanical system where the grease, oil
and fats are allowed to separate from the effluent of the kitchen
establishment so that the coagulated fats can cordoned off and collected
before they can be flushed into the sewer system. The properly functioning
and well maintained grease trap slows down the flow of water from
drains (floor drains, dishwasher drains, cooking surface drains) and
allowing the fats, grease and oils time to cool so that the fat content
can rise to the surface and heavier solids to fall to the bottom of
the trap allowing only the cleanest waters to pass into the main sewer
line of the municipality.
Using the natural grease eating bacteria to reduce this coagulated
mess will reduce the pumping time and pumping expense that is required.
Without the proper monitoring of the levels of FOG's in a system issues
like foul odors, drain blockages and sewer backups can result. Adding
bacteria is the easiest way to ensure compliance with local laws and
to reduce cleaning and pumping costs and time-loss.
A regular application of either a liquid, powdered or block format
is now the new standard operating practice for any smart restaurant
or commercial kitchen. They are an ultra-easy and super-convenient
way to ensure lift stations or any sort of industrial trap system
are clean and grease-free.
Grease
Trap Blocks
Blocks come ready to use. Each block
comes inside a mesh straining bag with ropes to suspend the
block properly in any sized grease trap. Simply suspend each
block from the included rope and tie it off so that the block
remains completely submerged in the grease trap's water at all
times. Avoid letting the block sink
to the very bottom of the grease trap, where it can become caked
with grease and unable to dissolve properly.
Safe without harsh chemicals or enzymes:
These grease trap slow-release blocks do not contain any surfactants
or enzymes which, more and more, have become increasingly banned
by municipalities and local governments due to their negative
effect of waste water sewage treatment treatment downstream.
These
grease trap blocks are made of a high concentration of beneficial
grease digesting bacteria that quickly and effectively eat and
degrades FOG, converting it into basic carbon dioxide and water
thus eliminating the risk of accumulation and coagulation further
downstream in the plumbing or beyond the municipal sewer system.
These time-release slow-dissolve blocks
are the simplest, most effective way to control and break down
the accumulation of fats, oils and grease (FOG) in a grease
trap. These handy blocks slowly dissolve and release a natural
grease digesting bacteria that significantly reduces pump outs,
cleaning and controls odors. The standard one pound blocks are
ideal for smaller systems. In large systems it may be more efficient
to use the two pound blocks every 4 weeks. Adjust according
to the FOG output of your system.
Application Rates: Add one block per 250 gallon trap
capacity per month. Adjust
according to the FOG output of your system.
4
x 2lb Grease Trap Blocks
Bio-Flow Block delivers continuous maintenance
of grease traps, interceptors, lift stations, wet wells, and
collections systems at less cost and effort.
This solid bacterial block breaks down grease, fat, and sludge
buildup while reducing strong odors. Utilizing naturally occurring
bacteria, each new block is suspended from a rope into the treatment
area, where it dissolves gradually over a 45-90 day period.
Reduce labor time for dosage maintenance and the need for pump-outs
by automating septic and grease trap maintenance with Bio-Flow
Block.
Directions: Complete directions on product label Easy to use,
simply suspend the block into the treatment area, allowing the
block to be placed just away from the higher flow areas. The
block will dissolve over a 45-90 day period as the waste water
flows over it. Higher flows will result in faster degradation
of the block.
Grease
Trap Concentrated Liquid Bacteria
This is
a liquid bacteria formulation for the treatment and maintenance of
grease traps. The bacteria in NE1000 break down and digest fats, oils
and greases (FOG) along with other organic waste that accumulate in
grease traps and drain lines.. This powerful and natural grease digesting
bacteria significantly reduces pump outs, cleaning and controls odors.
Application Rates: Set the automated dosing injector
to apply 4 fluid ounces per 100 gallons of grease trap capacity
every 24 hours. Adjust according to the FOG output of your system.
Can also be poured directly into drain lines.
Each gallon of grease trap liquid concentrate will treat:
- 100 gallon capacity grease trap for about 32 days. - 250 gallon
capacity grease trap for about 13 days.
Dry
Grease Trap Packets
Pre-dosed 2 ounce dry powder packets.
Simply toss one packet of powder per 100 gallons of grease trap
capacity every 1 to 4 weeks as required.
This is a dry powdered grease trap bacteria formulation for
the treatment and maintenance of grease traps. The bacteria
in this formula break down and digest fats, oils and greases
(FOG) along with other organic waste that accumulate in grease
traps and drain lines. This powerful and natural grease digesting
bacteria significantly reduces pump outs, cleaning and controls
odors.
Application
Rates: Add one 2 ounce soluble packet per 100 gallons of
grease trap capacity every week or as required. Adjust according
to the FOG output of your system. Can also be mixed with water
and poured directly into drain lines.
|
Maintenance
and cleaning of grease trap interceptors
Cleaning
a grease trap is a horrible job. Asking your employees to clean
the grease trap will not make them happy to comply. The easiest
way to maintain the system and reduce costs and avoid any fines
for noncompliance is to use a natural bacterial additive (slow dissolve
block, liquid, or powder) to the drain lines or interceptor tank.
Dry
Grease Crystals
Established
commercial fast-food or industrial kitchen facilities typically use one
of the more well-known brands of grease traps. When initially asking where
to buy a grease trap you should look at some of the regulatory requirements
of your state or province and then calculate the proper size of the system
you will need. Some of the more popular brands of grease traps available
for retail and commercial sale in North America are manufactured by Dormont
grease traps, Big Dipper grease traps, Zurn grease traps, Jonesspec grease
traps. Whenever purchasing an important system for a commercial or municipal
enterprise it is recommended to always look for a local supplier and installer
of such a system. Once you have your system installed correctly the use
of bacteria is the key to proper care in the future.
The bacteria to clean the interceptor comes in powder, block or
liquid formats. The powders and blocks are often preferred as they
are lighter and cheaper to ship. Liquids are easily poured into
drains. The best procedure is the one that works best for your staff.
A block put into the trap once a month or every two weeks is often
the easiest. The powders can be tossed into the open trap easily
and the liquids can be mixed and poured into the drain line at the
end of the night after the kitchen staff or bar has closed.
Beyond the actual grease interceptors, adding any of these products
to all drains will reduce the slow accumulation of pipe clogging
substances, those damaging and odor causing oils and fats and grease.
By making daily or weekly dosing of the drain system with sludge
devouring microbes will ensure that there is no clogging of any
plumbing lines or drains and no buildup of odors due to crusts of
organic materials forming on pipes and drain sleeves.
Instead of contracting out costly servicing by septic pumping and
cleaning services to haul and pump accumulated solids and grease
it makes fiscal sense to use natural bacteria and do the job in-house
to reduce labor costs and expenses. Even by reducing the frequency
of pump-outs you can save money and time. Avoiding any citations
and fines is also in the best interest of any business or corporate
structure.
Clogged drains and backed-up sewers can lead to shutdowns and inventory
loss. Something as seemingly benign and unseen as a grease trap
can be a financial hardship if not properly cleaned and cared for.
The simple, regular addition of liquid or dry cultures into the
system will reduce losses to almost zero and ensure smooth running
pipes and grease traps.
Benefits of
using grease trap bacteria agents
• Helps eliminates the frequency or the need for grease
trap pumping
• Greatly improves and restores drain lines
• Eliminates the need for frequent drain jetting and pressure
washing
• Eliminates the odors and smells from grease traps
• Cost-effective control and adherence to pollutant discharge
requirements
• Environmentally safe
• Easily and automatically digests & liquefies solids
• Eliminates costly plumbing service and emergency drain cleaning
due to blockage
• Extends the life of drains, fixtures and mechanics of the
grease trap system
• Helps maintains the proper pH in grease traps
• Helps control TSS (Total Suspended Solids)
• Constant assurance that F.O.G. levels are in compliance with
municipal discharge requirements
• Restores lines and pipes and drains to their original diameter
Some interesting links on grease traps:
1.Wikipedia:
"Grease traps (also known as grease interceptors, grease recovery
devices and grease converters) are plumbing devices designed to
intercept most greases and solids before they enter a wastewater
disposal system. Common wastewater contains small amounts of oils
which enter into septic tanks and treatment facilities to form a
floating scum layer. This scum layer is very slowly digested and
broken down by microorganisms in the anaerobic digestion process.
However, very large amounts of oil from food production in kitchens
and restaurants can overwhelm the septic tank or treatment facility,
causing a release of untreated sewage into the environment. Also,
high viscosity fats and cooking greases such as lard solidify when
cooled, and can combine with other disposed solids to form blockages
in drain pipes. Grease traps have been used since the Victorian
days, although Nathaniel Whiting obtained the first patent for a
modern day grease trap in the late 1800s. They are used to reduce
the amount of fats, oils and greases (FOGs) that enter the main
sewers. Effectively they are boxes within the drain run that flows
between the sinks in a kitchen to the sewer system. They only have
kitchen waste water flowing through them and are not served by any
other drainage system such as toilets. They can be made from a number
of different materials; e.g. stainless steel, plastics, concrete
& cast iron. They range from 35 lifter capacity to 45,000 lifters
and above capacity. They can be located above ground, below ground,
inside the kitchen or outside the building.
Restaurant and foodservice
kitchens produce a lot of waste grease which is present in the drain lines
from the various sinks dishwashers and cooking equipment such as combi
ovens and commercial woks. If not removed the grease will congeal within
the sewer and cause blockages and back-ups. In the United States, sewers
back up annually “an estimated 400,000 times, and municipal sewer overflows
on 40,000 occasions”.[1] The EPA has determined that sewer pipe blockages
are the leading cause of sewer overflows, and grease is the primary cause
of sewer blockages.[2] Even if accumulated FOG does not escalate into
blockages and sanitary sewer overflows, it can disrupt wastewater utility
operations and increase operations and maintenance requirements” [3] For
these reasons, depending on the country, nearly all municipalities require
commercial kitchen operations to fit some kind of interceptor device to
collect the grease before it enters the sewer. Additionally where FOG
is a concern in the local wastewater collection system communities have
set up inspection programs to ensure that these grease traps and/or interceptors
are being maintained on a routine basis. ."
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_trap
2. Goslyn™ Informs On Passive Grease Trap Technology
"Passive Grease Traps and Grease Interceptors are metal or plastic tanks
required in foodservice facilities to prevent fats, oil, and grease from
entering the sanitary sewer or septic system. Grease interceptors are
large in-ground outdoor tanks that (usually cement or fibreglass) trap
grease and food solids from foodservice kitchen facilities. Conventional
Grease Traps are referred to as passive grease traps and gravity based
grease traps. Grease Traps were originally designed over 100 years ago.
Passive Grease Trap technology has remained virtually unchanged since
the 1880's. Over fifty percent of all sanitary sewer overflows in Canada
and the USA result from grease blockages. What is the cost of a raw sewage
spill? "
Goslyn™ Informs On Passive Grease Trap Technology http://www.greasetrap.ca/grease-trap-gallery.htm
3.Boston Water and Sewer Commission
"Can I Add Any Cleaning Agents to the Trap to Help Clear the Grease Faster?
No. Never add bleach, emulsifers, enzymes or any other chemical to the
grease trap. Tese agents harm the natural bacteria that eat grease and
oils in grease traps. Te only additive allowed into the sewer system by
BWSC is bacteria. Bacteria consume fat, oil and grease in the trap, turning
them into water and carbon dioxide. What Methods of Disposal are Available
for Used Grease? Te food establishment's waste hauler or renderer that
removes used fryolater grease and oil normally accepts materials removed
from the grease trap. Large in-ground grease traps normally hold 500 gallons
or more and are usually cleaned by a contractor equipped to deal with
the large quantities of grease, oil and non-foatables. It is the responsibility
of the establishment owner to ensure the trap is completely cleaned. ."
Boston Water and Sewer Commission http://www.bwsc.org/REGULATIONS/GREASE_TRAP_GUIDELINES.PDF
4. Bio-Systems International
"BIOBUG® DC is specially formulated and packaged for direct addition to
drains and grease traps in restaurants and commercial buildings. The concentrated
bacterial formulation is also ideal in residential applications for cleaning
and maintaining drains and garbage disposals, while removie grease trap
odor. To assure optimal performance of these organisms, under the toughest
conditions, they are produced and blended together with “high potency”
nutrients, stimulants and surfactants. BIOBUG® DC contains microorganisms
that are capable of degrading a wide range of animal and vegetable oils
and greases as well as food residuals combined with natural biological
enhancers, micronutrients and macronutrients. ."
Bio-Systems International http://www.biobugs.com/Products/HII/GreaseTrapDrainPowder/tabid/434/Default.aspx
5. REX-BAC-T® The Environmentally Safe, 100% Natural, Alternative
To Current Waste Treatment Methods
"Bioaugmentation is the introduction of highly efficient natural microbial
strains grown in environmentally controlled fermentation processes that
are inoculated into the waste grease interceptor system to treat contaminated
wastewater. These highly effective microbes use the simple and complex
carbohydrates as a food source yielding water and carbon dioxide. In grease
interceptors, bioaugmentation is used to ensure that the in situ microorganisms
that are selectively chosen to efficiently degrade or digest the (FOG)
contaminating the wastewater maintain the dominant population culture
and most efficient microbes.."
REX-BAC-T® The Environmentally Safe, 100% Natural, Alternative To Current
Waste Treatment Methods http://www.rex-bac-t.com/c-51-grease-trap-treatments.aspx
|
