Grease Interceptors for Commercial Kitchens
Grease interceptors are plumbing system components specifically designed to capture fats, oils, and grease (FOG), sediments, and solid waste before they enter your drainage system. This protects your sewage and drainage system by preventing clogging and helping you comply with local regulations and environmental standards.
What is a Grease Interceptor and How Does It Work?
A grease interceptor (grease trap) is a tank-like unit installed in the wastewater drainage line. The tank design slows the flow of water, allowing heavier solids to settle to the bottom and lighter fats and oils to rise to the top, so the water can flow out, leaving grease residues and solid sediments trapped inside the interceptor for later removal.
Types of Commercial Grease Interceptors
There are three primary types of grease traps: hydromechanical grease interceptors and automatic grease recovery units designed to meet the demands of professional foodservice operations.
- Hydromechanical Grease Interceptors: Designed to handle 4 to 100 GPM (15.14 to 378.54 liters per minute), hydromechanical grease interceptors from leading brands such as Dormont and BK Resources are compact, making them ideal for small- to medium-sized establishments, including cafes, bakeries, and coffee shops. They separate grease through gravity and flow control, offering instantaneous grease separation. They are mostly made from stainless steel or polypropylene and can be installed under your sink or dishtable.
- Gravity Grease Interceptors: Gravity grease interceptors by Watts can handle up to 500 gallons (1892.71 liters) per minute and are therefore ideal for larger restaurants, catering kitchens, and institutional foodservice facilities. These interceptors use gravity to separate and store grease from high-volume waste streams. They are installed underground in outdoor areas and offer long-term durability, with polyethylene double-wall construction or concrete construction with steel separators.
- Automatic Grease Recovery Units (AGRUs): Automatic grease interceptors by Big Dipper automatically collect grease and transfer it to an external container for easy disposal, eliminating the tiresome grease and sediment removal process. These restaurant interceptors can be set to different frequencies for skimming via digital controls and offer a waste-handling capacity of 25 GPM (94.63 liters per minute). This makes them ideal for busy operations looking to reduce maintenance and improve hygiene.
What are The Key Considerations When Buying a Grease Interceptor?
The key features to consider when selecting a grease interceptor for your foodservice business are:
- Flow Rate (GPM): The rate at which the unit can handle wastewater.
- Capacity: The capacity that the grease interceptor can handle in a minute.
- Material: Concrete and stainless steel offer longevity, while polyethylene provides corrosion resistance and lower costs.
- Ease of Cleaning: Removable baffles, access ports, and automatic skimming simplify maintenance and cleaning.
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