FEATURE 23
Essential and potentially dangerous
ByRory Macnamara
Using these two words in one sentence for grease traps and grease interceptors is not normally a good thing . But each word has a significant meaning on its own and if not properly installed and maintained properly , the danger can become great .
These products are Food , Oils and Grease ( FOG ) removal units that keep these ‘ cloggers and potential fire hazards ’ out of the drainage line . Essentially used in the food sector kitchens with an application in industrial places as well depending on the output .
Drainage Installation is defined in SANS 10252-2 standard as “ an installation that is vested in the owner of a site and that is situated on the site and is intended for the reception , conveyance , storage or treatment of sewage , and that may include sanitary fixtures , traps , discharge pipes , drains , ventilation pipes , septic tanks , sewage treatment works , or mechanical appliances associated therewith .”
Now for all this stuff above to flow freely as it needs to be moved fast , it makes sense that FOG must not enter the drainage system . The result otherwise means that all this stuff will appear in the toilets , basins , showers , and any other outlet offering the path of least resistance .
Let us now look at the meaning of each product before going into what the standard says .
GREASE TRAPS – these are small FOG removal units that are used where the flow of water and residual grease from the kitchen is low . They are customised to operate in a low water pressure environment with a flow rate as specified in the standard . Generally , the size of the trap is a small iron box to as big as a mini fridge . Installed generally beneath the sink in the kitchen .
Grease Traps
Selection of grease traps .
Maintenance of these units , because of the relative smallness if them , require regular emptying and cleaning . The frequency depends on the FOG generated in the kitchen . With the frenetic pace that a kitchen operates normally such cleaning should be done during the closed period to be done correctly . This not only enables the trap to work efficiently for years but avoids the danger of fire .
GREASE INTERCEPTORS – these are the large units , generally used in large-scale food establishments and places where large amounts of grease are generated . These units are designed to operate in high pressure water environments . Being considerably large these units are installed outside an establishment usually underground .
Kessel
Basic grease separator .
April 2021 Volume 27 I Number 2 www . plumbingafrica . co . za