Plastic grease traps

Types of plastic grease traps

The main purpose of a grease trap is to separate solid fats, oils, and greases, collectively known as FOG, from wastewater. Grease traps are designed to retain FOG while allowing water and other substances to pass through, eventually flowing into the main sewer line. There is a wide variety of plastic grease traps suitable for diverse settings.

• Outdoor plastic grease traps

  Outdoor grease traps are typically installed underground, following the sewer line. They have inlet and outlet pipes connected to the building's plumbing system. Outdoor grease traps generally have larger storage capacities, making them suitable for high-flow establishments like restaurants, cafeterias, and food processing facilities. FOG is removed on a monthly or quarterly basis, and routine maintenance is essential to keep the system functional and avoid clogs in the plumbing.

• Indoor plastic grease traps

  Indoor grease traps, also known as kitchen or inline grease traps, are usually installed inside buildings, commonly under sinks or within kitchen floors. Due to space constraints, indoor grease traps are much smaller, meaning they need to be emptied more regularly than outdoor grease traps. Indoor grease traps can handle waste from small to medium-sized food establishments, residential complexes, and commercial kitchens. Grease is extracted on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on the size of the trap and the establishment's grease production.

• Hydraulic grease traps

  Hyrdaullic grease traps work by naturally separating FOG from wastewater based on their distinct densities. Once the wastewater enters the hydraulic grease trap, it flows through multiple chambers or compartments. As the water settles, solid FOG floats to the top of the chamber, forming a layer known as scum. The substance then gets stuck in the outlet pipe, where water and other matter separate and flow out through the outlet pipe. Hydraulic grease traps are passive systems that do not consume power, making them energy-efficient. Nevertheless, they demand routine maintenance and grease removal services to prevent accumulation and clogs.

• Automatic orMechanical grease traps

  Automatic grease traps use mechanical devices to separate grease and oil from wastewater. Unlike hydraulic traps, automatic traps employ pumps and sensors to remove accumulated grease. Sensors in automatic grease traps detect FOG buildup and activate pumps to remove the material and send it for further processing. This automatic feature decreases the frequency of on-site maintenance and grease trap pumping. However, it also elevates the initial cost and subsequent expenses linked with electricity consumption and periodic equipment maintenance.

Specification and maintenance of plastic grease traps

Specifications of plastic grease interceptors include dimensions, capacity, flow rate, and installation. These specifications differ based on the manufacturer and model.

• Dimensions: Plastic grease traps come in different models, so the dimensions vary. Commonly, they are rectangular or cylindrical with lengths from 2ft to 8ft.
• Capacity: The capacity of a plastic grease trap is indicated by the volume it can hold, usually in gallons or litres. For commercial kitchens, the capacity is larger. For frequent usage, bigger sizes like 50 to 200 gallons are more suitable. Small- to medium-sized kitchens can use ones with capacities from 10 to 50 gallons.
• Flow rate: The flow rate determines how fast wastewater can go through the trap. It is normally expressed in gallons per minute (GPM) or litres per minute (LPM). For example, a plastic grease trap with a flow rate of 20 GPM can process 20 gallons of wastewater per minute.
• Installation: Plastic grease traps usually have inlet and outlet pipes for easy connection to drainage and kitchen wastewater systems. Some models allow above-ground installation, while others require underground installation.

It is essential to maintain the plastic grease trap regularly so that it works effectively. The maintenance of plastic grease traps mainly includes cleaning, waste disposal, and periodic inspection and repairs.

• Cleaning: Grease buildup collects inside the trap over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent clogs and lets the plastic grease trap work well. Use warm water and a non-corrosive cleaner to wash the outside of the trap. Then clean the inlet and outlet pipes carefully to remove any obstructions. For the inside, a vacuum cleaner can be used to remove any waste or residual buildup. Cleaning makes sure that it is sanitary and prevents any smells from developing.
• Waste disposal: Plastic grease traps store fat, oil, and grease (FOG) as well as food scraps. Proper disposal helps protect the environment. Business owners can contact local waste disposal services to remove the waste from plastic grease traps, or they can take it to certified disposal sites. Proper disposal not only prevents environmental pollution, but it also helps keep the community clean.
• Inspection and repair: Regular plastic grease trap maintenance is important. Check for cracks, leaks, or loose parts. If any damage is found, it is important to carry out immediate repairs. Neglecting small damages can result in more serious issues later on, such as the need for more costly repairs or complete replacements. Regular checks and timely repairs prolong the service life of grease traps.

Usage scenarios of plastic grease traps

Restaurants, plastic grease traps are essential because they help comply with effluent disposal regulations. Without these traps, restaurants risk facing hefty fines from authorities in charge of treating wastewater. Another reason why restaurants must have grease traps is to prevent pipe blockages caused by accumulating fats from food. This translates into saving money that would be spent on regular plumbing services.

Cafeterias also use plastic traps just like restaurants do. They usually install small-sized traps since they don't generate as much greasy waste compared to high-end eateries. Still, having a plastic trap for grease is significant in maintaining proper waste management systems within campus facilities.

Hotels generate large volumes of greasy waste from their kitchens daily; thus, installing plastic grease traps becomes inevitable. Besides protecting hotel's plumbing systems by preventing pipe blockages caused by grease, these traps also play a crucial role in protecting the environment by ensuring proper separation of fat, oil,and grease(fog) before wastewater reaches municipal treatment plants.

Food processing plants produce massive amounts of greasy wastewater during food production processes; hence, large capacity plastic grease traps are installed on-site to handle this high volume efficiently. Proper separation of FOG from wastewater prevents pollution and helps maintain the efficacy of municipal wastewater treatment facilities.

Meat processing plants generate large volumes of grease while processing meat products. These plants, therefore, require more sophisticated and larger-sized grease traps to handle the high volume. Proper separation of fat, oil, and grease is crucial in preventing pollution and protecting municipal wastewater treatment facilities from inefficiency caused by greasy waste.

Fish processing plants also install large capacity grease traps because they deal with huge quantities of greasy wastewater. The proper separation of fat, oil, and grease is critical in preventing pollution and protecting the environment.

Supermarkets with delis and bakeries produce greasy wastewater from cooking and baking activities. They, therefore, need plastic grease traps to manage greasy waste properly. Supermarkets must protect not only their plumbing systems but also the environment by preventing the discharge of unprocessed wastewater into water bodies.

How to Choose Plastic Grease Traps

When selecting a plastic grease trap, several factors need to be considered to ensure the right choice for specific needs.

• Flow Rate: Understanding the flow rate is crucial when choosing a plastic grease trap. The flow rate is typically measured in liters per second. It indicates the amount of wastewater that the trap can handle without letting fats and oils pass into the drainage system.
• Capacity: The capacity of a grease trap is the amount of grease it can store before it needs to be emptied. It is usually measured in liters. A larger capacity trap will be able to hold more grease, but it will also take up more space and may cost more.
• Dimension: The dimensions of the grease trap are important because it needs to fit into the available space. Consider the width, depth, and height of the grease trap to ensure a proper fit.
• Design: Plastic grease traps come in different designs, such as up-flow, down-flow, or cross-flow. Research well on the various designs to choose one that suits specific needs and installation requirements.
• Durability: Plastic grease traps are subject to wear and tear over time. When shopping for traps, look for those made with tough plastic materials. Durable grease traps last long and provide excellent waste management service.
• Installation Process: While some grease traps require professional installation, others are DIY-friendly. A plastic grease trap with a simple installation process can help to cut down costs. Whatever the case, always read the manual carefully before installation.
• Maintenance: Regular cleaning and emptying of the grease trap are essential to prevent clogs and ensure proper functioning. Choose a location that provides easy access for maintenance services.
• Cost: The price of plastic grease traps varies depending on the size, brand, and features. Set a budget and compare different options to find a balance between quality and affordability.

Plastic grease traps FAQ

Q1: Are plastic grease traps effective?

A1: Yes, plastic grease traps are effective in managing grease and fatty substances. They work on the same principle as traditional grease traps. Proper installation and regular maintenance enhance their effectiveness.

Q2: How often should plastic grease traps be emptied?

A2: The frequency of emptying plastic grease traps depends on the usage and size of the trap. As a general guideline, traps should be emptied at least once a month. Some may need weekly or bi-weekly emptying for high-traffic establishments.

Q3: Can plastic grease traps be buried underground?

A3: Yes, plastic grease traps are suitable for underground installation. Make sure the trap is at least 1m away from ground water to avoid contamination. Besides, suitable depth and strong lid are necessary to support the weight of the soil above.

Q4: Do plastic grease traps require maintenance?

A4: Yes, plastic grease traps require maintenance to function properly. Regular cleaning, emptying of trapped waste, and occasional inspection are crucial to prevent clogs, odors, and damage.

Q5: Can plastic grease traps be used in residential properties?

A5: Yes, plastic grease traps are suitable for both commercial and residential properties. They help prevent grease buildup in sewers, protecting the plumbing system and contributing to environmental sustainability.