The Effectiveness of ACO’s Grease Trap Systems
ACO’s range of grease traps includes a variety of gravity grease traps for preventing the build-up of grease, oils and fats in wastewater from commercial kitchen and food processing applications.
The principle is simple. Light substances (fats and oils) rise to the top of the grease traps and heavy substances (grease and food waste) sink, as treated wastewater continues through to the sewers via a drainage outlet pipe.
This article will show you that not only are ACO’s traps systems highly advanced, they’re compliant to the requirements of the water industry, councils, building operators and other stakeholders.
The Management of Fats, Oils and Grease
As one of the most detrimental problems found within food processing industry and commercial buildings, the build-up of fats, oils and grease (also known simply as ‘FOG’) presents a significant challenge. This causes pungent odour and reduces the efficiency of pipes due to solidification. Ultimately, these problems lead to an increase in maintenance which costs you both time and money over the life of a building.
Fortunately, animal and vegetable fats can be separated easily within a gravity grease traps.
The image below demonstrates how wastewater from food processing plants enters the grease traps, and shows you how FOG substances rise and float to the surface:
Additionally, grease traps can be used for more substantial installations where necessary, in order to manage larger hydraulic demands. Turbulence can be reduced and hydraulic flow and efficiency can be maintained by incorporating a flow distributor for splitting flow into different traps.
Grease Trap Products
ACO offers two products which are equally as effective at separating FOG substances, but designed specifically for different applications:
EcoJet – for above ground installations
Lipumax – for below ground installations
Material Properties of grease traps
Trap bodies can be manufactured from a choice of materials. These can have a significant impact upon the trap’s durability, design and lifespan. Whilst not obvious to the purchaser or specifier, some contain implicit weaknesses that can lead to early failure. Let’s take a look at some of the most common materials used:
Cement Concrete
These bodies require thick walls to provide structural integrity; precast concrete traps involve high installation costs as they are heavy and cumbersome. Cranes and other types of lifting equipment will be required throughout the installation process. Cement concrete is generally prone to deterioration and traps made from this material also require relining.
Glass Reinforced Concrete
Occasionally used in the manufacturing of grease traps, glass reinforced concrete contains a mixture of elements including glass fibres, cement, chemical admixtures, water and fine aggregate. Although GRC is lightweight, it is brittle, prone to cracking and deterioration and as a result of this, does require relining and repair.
Rotomoulded Polyethylene
Polyethylene is the best option for use in the manufacturing of grease traps. Exhibiting excellent long-term corrosion resistance, this material is lightweight and flexible, making it an ideal option for installation, particularly in sensitive environments. Chemically resistant, polyethylene doesn’t require lining and therefore is superior when in contact with wastewater and strong cleaning agents
If you want to find out more about ACO’s grease traps, get in touch with us by calling on 1300 765 226.
