An innovative solution to a big ‘ FAT ’ problem !
Fats , oils and grease ( FOG ) are an ever-increasing problem , causing almost three quarters of blockages in UK sewer networks . Fog-rich waste from food processing manufacturers , restaurants , fast food establishments and consumers results in a £ 100m spend by the UK water industry to clear blockages .
FOG blockages , commonly known as ‘ Fatbergs ’, are gaining increased media coverage . Preventive measures are costly , so education is necessary to change public behaviour in disposing of FOG waste . Initiatives like Unblocktober were launched to raise public awareness and help reduce the amount of fats , oils and greases being put down our drains .
Image 1 — Solid Fatberg fully blocking London Sewer
Regulation ( Water Industry Act 1991 ) dictates that FOG must not be discharged into the sewer network and traditionally this is prevented in food establishments with the use of grease traps ( Building Regulations 2000 Approved Document H ). However , grease traps are highly inefficient , require regular cleaning and are subject to rodent infestation .
Industrial food companies experience similar problems but their impact on the sewer network is more visible and easier to police . FOG recovery and removal has long been a major component of a food manufacturers wastewater treatment plant , but effective removal has not always been achievable and failures can result in breach of environmental permits , fines and even prison .
Smart Storm , a leading UK wastewater company have designed and manufactured an innovative solution to FOG issues . Trade marked as The Greasebuster , it is a highly efficient alternative to traditional methods of removing FOGs from wastewater tanks and systems and removing the need for grease traps and interceptors .
Image 2 — Fatberg composition
The Greasebuster uses a unique material to attract non-polar liquids such as fats , oils and greases onto a extraction belt whilst rejecting water . The Greasebuster sits in a reception tank , which continuously rotates through the surface collecting up to 99 % of FOGS up to 20m3 / day . An adjustable paddlewheel breaks up the surface and pulls the FOG onto the belt . Speed control and belt attack angle are also fully adjustable for different FOG types – which are then scraped off the belt and deposited into an IBC or other suitable containers . www . smartstormgroup . com Enquiries @ smartstormgroup . com
Dr John Duffy , Founder and Manging Director of Smart Storm , says “ We are firm believers in prevention is better and cheaper than the cure . We observed the remedial work being done to clean up blockages , listened to customers in the food industry and came up with The Greasebuster concept . It has been very well received by food manufacturers , particularly where solid waste is a problem and oil skimmers and interceptors have failed .”
28 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk