Also known as a grease interceptor, the grease trap is a
receptacle installed between the restaurant drain lines and the sanitary sewer
lines. This piece of equipment will
prevent fats, oils and greases
from entering the sewer systems. It does so by separating those items from the
used water. School and large food establishments utilize larger model grease
traps and install them outside. Smaller models are all interior.
Many towns require the use of grease traps knowing that
these fats, oils and greases can impair municipal wastewater systems. Although,
a minimal amount of these impurities may be acceptable in the water exiting
your drains, many cities and towns will impose a fine for exceeding their
acceptable limits.
How do Grease Traps Work?
By reducing the speed of water leaving through your drain, a
grease trap allows the water/grease mix to cool. This cooling will make the
grease solidify, causing it to float. Heavier fragments will sink below. The
remaining water is freed up to flow freely into the city sewer lines.
Formula to determine the Grease Trap size you need
{ ( # OF BOWLS) (LENGTH) (WIDTH) (DEPTH) (.75) (.5) } = GPM
231
Basically, the size grease trap you need, is determined by
the amount of waste streaming from your
place. Sizing of grease traps determined by your GPM (Gallons per Minute). Use
this easy calculator to help find your GPM production rate.
Examples:
THREE COMPARTMENT SINK @ 21” x 27” x 14” DEEP EACH
3 x 21 x 27 x 14 x .75 x .5 / 231 = 38.6 GPM Recommend to use BIG DIPPER # W-500-IS
THREE COMPARTMENT SINK @ 16” x 20” x 14” DEEP EACH
3 x 16 x 20 x 14 x .75 x .5 / 231 = 21.82 GPM Recommend to use BIG DIPPER # W-250-IS
Local CT note: Some vendors make grease traps that are not
acceptable in Connecticut. Globe Equipment sells the Big Dipper brand in
CT. Many models catch the grease in a
cup that can be easily emptied. Other of
types trap the grease and you’ll have to manually shovel it out of the unit.
How are Grease Traps Maintained?
In order for the Grease Trap to continue to perform
efficiently, it must be maintained correctly. Improper maintenance may cause
drain line blockages, back- ups, foul orders and too much of the fat, oil and
grease to be released into the sewer lines. Doing so, may result in large fines
for your business. Please check with your local health department before
setting up a cleaning plan, as many health departments have regulations and certain
criteria in what actions should be taken.
Typically, a smaller model can be manually shoveled and
pumped out. Some models collect waste in a cup too be emptied as mentioned in
our CT note about Big Dippers. Liquids are soak into an absorbent, much like kitty litter. This
will ensure that the waste is collected. Larger units are most often maintained
by a professional recycler who will pump them out.
Note: Keeping the materials in the grease trap cool is most
important. This way when maintenance is performed on the unit, unwanted items
don’t rinse or flush out the drains or Grease Trap with hot water. You want the
fats, oils and grease to remain solidified.
For more info, or to order
a Big Dipper Grease Trap, call Globe at 800-972-4972.