Abstract

This study characterized some of the physical and chemical features of large outside field grease abatement devices (GADs). 24-hour measurements of several food service establishments' (FSEs') influent GAD flowrates indicated highly intermittent conditions with hydraulic retention times (HRTs) that exceeded the common recommendation (30 minutes) by two to five times. Investigation into the chemical characteristics of GADs indicated highly variable influent and effluent fat, oil, and grease (FOG) concentrations. Low pH and dissolved oxygen values were measured throughout the GAD, indicating the likely occurrence of anaerobic microbial processes. Detailed spatial and temporal observations of the accumulation of FOG and food solids were also discussed. Though the FOG layer remained relatively constant for all GAD configurations investigated, results indicated that commonly-used GAD configurations with a straight submerged inlet tee or no-inlet tee configuration may result in the transport of food solids into the second compartment. The present research showed increased accumulation of food solids in the first compartment with a retro-fit flow distributive inlet. This retro-fit displays promise for potentially improving the separation characteristics of existing GADs.

Links

Aggregator Full Text

Authors

Aziz TN, Holt LM, Keener KM, Groninger JW, Ducoste JJ

Institution

North Carolina State University, Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, 2501 Stinson Drive, Campus Box 7908, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA. tnaziz@ncsu.edu

Source

Water environment research : a research publication of the Water Environment Federation 84:3 2012 Mar pg 237-46

MeSH

Fats
Food Services
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Oils
Sewage
Temperature
Waste Disposal, Fluid

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22755491