GREASE SEPARATOR SYSTEM, CONTAINER AND PROCESS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a grease separator system, a disposal container and a method for removing a layer of grease from a grease separator of such a grease separator system.

[0002] Before wastewater can be discharged into the sewer system, it is necessary to separate the fats from the wastewater. Grease separators are used for this purpose. Grease separators are used in commercial food service establishments such as restaurants, hotels, canteen kitchens, and snack bars where fatty wastewater is generated.

[0003] A grease separator is known from DE 10 2010 060 748 A1.

[0004] This grease separator works according to the principle of gravity, or phase separation, whereby substances such as fats, which have a lower density than water, collect on the water's surface, while substances such as solids, which are heavier than water, sink to the bottom. The water can then be removed between the separated phases.

[0005] Grease separators that operate on the gravity-feed principle must be cleaned from time to time. This requires removing the grease floating on the surface. With the grease separator mentioned above, a cover must be removed or opened so that the grease can be skimmed or pumped out by hand. Removing the cover releases strong odors, making this process very unpleasant for the operator.

[0006] Furthermore, it is conceivable that fat may be spilled during the skimming or pumping process when the cover is open, which will result in environmental pollution.

[0007] US 2011 / 297626 A1 discloses a grease separator system that includes a grease separator and a container for disposing of separated grease. The separated grease can flow through an opening in the grease separator into the container by gravity. Mobile use of this grease separator system is therefore limited, as drainage of the grease is only guaranteed when the system is positioned horizontally. Furthermore, unpleasant odors are unavoidable.

[0008] US 2014 / 150877 A1 describes a grease separator system with a container for disposing of separated grease, which is connected to a grease separator via a valve. The separated grease is removed using gravity, which also limits the mobile use of this grease separator system.

[0009] The present invention therefore aims to provide a mobile grease separator system that improves the hygienic cleaning of the grease separator. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a disposal container and a method.

[0010] According to the invention, this object is achieved with regard to the grease separator system by the subject matter of claim 1, the disposal container by the subject matter of claim 14 and the method by the subject matter of claim 15 solved.

[0011] Specifically, the problem is solved by a mobile grease separator system comprising a grease separator with an inlet for supplying a fluid, an outlet for discharging a fluid, and a separation zone. The grease separator includes a cleaning access through which at least one disposal container is detachably fluidically connected to the separation zone of the grease separator. The disposal container includes a manually operated pump, and the pump can transfer the contents of the separation zone into the disposal container.

[0012] The invention has the following advantages.

[0013] Wastewater can be fed into the grease separator through the inlet. In the separation chamber, grease, solids, and water are separated from one another by gravity. The purified water exits the grease separator through the drain. The disposal container is detachably connected to the separation chamber of the grease separator via the cleaning inlet. The disposal container includes a manually operated pump. The manually operated pump has the advantage that the separated grease can be cleanly transferred, and in particular, pumped, into the disposal container without any unpleasant odors.

[0014] The advantage of the disposal container is that after the grease layer has been pumped out or after the disposal container reaches a certain fill level, the disposal container and the grease separator are separated, and the contents of the disposal container are emptied or disposed of. It is also conceivable that the full disposal container is replaced with an empty disposal container. It is possible for several disposal containers to be filled one after the other and then disposed of at a later time. It is also conceivable for a disposal container to be filled multiple times before being emptied.

[0015] The grease separator system according to the invention is designed as a mobile grease separator system. This means, in particular, that the grease separator and the disposal container are designed such that the grease separator and / or the disposal container are transportable, in particular transportable by hand.

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pump and disposal container are integrally formed. This is advantageous because no separate pump is required for emptying. To pump out the grease layer, only the disposal container with the integrated pump needs to be connected to the grease separator.

[0018] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the pump is located on the outside of the disposal container. This makes the pump easy to operate. Furthermore, the pump is easily accessible on the outside for maintenance or repairs.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the pump and the cleaning access are fluidly connected to one another by a first fluid line, wherein the first fluid line extends outside the disposal container and the grease separator. The first fluid line is preferably designed as a flexible hose. This has the advantage that the connection between the disposal container and the grease separator can be established quickly and easily. The first fluid line can thus be replaced quickly and easily in the event of a defect. In addition, the length of the first fluid line is variable. The first fluid line preferably has reinforcements. Other designs of the first fluid line 18 are conceivable.

[0020] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the first fluid line and the cleaning access are detachably connected to each other by clamping levers. This is advantageous because it allows for a fluid-tight and odor-tight connection between the disposal container and the grease separator to be easily established. The clamping levers enable easy release and re-establishment of the fluid connection between the disposal container and the grease separator. Alternatively, other locking mechanisms, such as a bayonet lock or a hose clamp, are conceivable.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a second fluid line for suctioning off the fluid is fluidly connected to the cleaning access, wherein the second fluid line has an open end and extends at least partially in the separation area within the grease separator. The second fluid line, in particular the open end, enables a defined suction point in the separation area. Advantageously, the open end of the second fluid line is arranged in the separation chamber in such a way that at least the majority of the grease layer can be suctioned off. It is conceivable for the second fluid line to extend at least partially vertically and / or obliquely in the separation area.

[0022] Furthermore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the open end of the second fluid line extends at least partially into a sludge guard. The sludge guard prevents sludge from being sucked in through the open end and clogging the second fluid line or the first fluid line. The sludge guard is preferably cup-shaped. Other shapes are conceivable. Alternatively, the open end of the second fluid line is directed away from the floor.

[0023] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the open end of the second fluid line is located between the floor and the outlet of the grease separator during operation. Gravity separation takes place between the floor and the outlet of the grease separator. The arrangement of the open end in this area is advantageous because the grease layer to be extracted accumulates in this area during operation.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, the grease separator comprises an inlet element and an outlet element which are arranged in the separation area, wherein the inlet element has an outlet for the fluid and the outlet element has an inlet for the fluid and the open end of the second fluid line is arranged between the inlet of the outlet element and the outlet of the grease separator.

[0025] The inlet element is fluidly connected to the inlet. The fluid to be treated, particularly wastewater, enters the inlet element through the inlet. The inlet element calms the fluid before it enters the separation zone from the outlet. In the calmed fluid, the separation of contaminants from the fluid is facilitated by the principle of gravity.

[0026] The drain element is fluidly connected to the drain. The distance between the inlet of the drain element and the outlet of the grease separator essentially corresponds to the maximum height of the separated grease layer at which the purified fluid, especially water, still flows out of the drain. With a larger grease layer, grease enters the drain through the inlet of the drain element and thus into the sewer system.

[0027] To prevent grease from entering the sewer system, it is advantageous to regularly remove the grease layer. Therefore, it is advantageous to position the open end of the second fluid line at the level of the drain element's inlet. This makes it possible to remove at least almost the entire grease layer, even with a large amount of grease.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the disposal container comprises an access opening through which the separated fluid can be introduced into the disposal container, wherein the access opening is arranged in the direction of gravity below the cleaning access of the grease separator, in particular near the bottom of the disposal container.

[0029] This design supports the introduction of the separated grease layer into the disposal container. The access opening located near the bottom is advantageous for transferring the separated fluid to the disposal container using the siphon principle.

[0030] With the siphon principle, a higher vessel filled with liquid can be emptied into a lower vessel using a hose due to a difference in hydrostatic pressure.

[0031] In one embodiment, the pump is designed as a piston pump, a rotary pump, or a diaphragm pump. A suitable pump type can thus be advantageously selected depending on the requirements. According to the invention, a manually operated pump is provided. Alternatively, an electric variant of one of the aforementioned pump types is conceivable.

[0032] In another embodiment, the pump is designed as a siphon pump. A siphon pump utilizes the siphoning principle described above. With a siphon pump, you only need to manually pump until the fluid flows into the disposal container.

[0033] The application also discloses and claims a disposal container.

[0034] Furthermore, the application discloses and claims a method for removing a layer of grease from a grease separator of the grease separator system described above.

[0035] The process first determines whether the grease layer in the grease separator needs to be removed. For this purpose, the grease separator preferably includes a viewing window and / or a float. The disposal container is then detachably connected to the grease separator. The separated grease is transferred to the disposal container by operating the pump, which is preferably operated manually. After the separated grease has been transferred, the connection between the disposal container and the grease separator is released, and the contents of the disposal container are disposed of.

[0036] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Showing: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a grease separator system according to the invention; Fig. 2 a front view of the grease separator system according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a section through the grease separator system according to Fig. 1 ; and Fig. 4 a further section through the grease separator system according to Fig. 1 .

[0038] The Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a grease separator system 10 according to the invention. The grease separator system 10 comprises a grease separator 11 and a disposal container 16.

[0039] The grease separator 11 comprises a substantially oval region, a substantially rectangular region, and a cylindrical region. The cylindrical region is located at the top during operation, the oval region is located at the bottom during operation, and the rectangular region is located between the cylindrical and oval regions. The volumes encompassed by the regions decrease gradually starting from the oval region. Other shapes and variants of the grease separator are conceivable.

[0040] The cylindrical section includes a cover with a screw cap. The cover is removable for maintenance purposes.

[0041] On the right side in the direction of flow, a cleaning access 15 is arranged in the cylindrical area of the grease separator 11. The grease separator 11 includes a plug for sealing the cleaning access 15 in an odor-tight and fluid-tight manner. The grease separator 11 has clamping levers 19 in the area of the cleaning access 15.

[0042] The grease separator 10 comprises an outlet 13 and an inlet 12 (not shown) in a rectangular area. The outlet 13 is located on an outer side of the grease separator 11. The inlet 12 is located on a side of the grease separator 11 opposite the outlet 13. During operation, the inlet is located higher on the grease separator 11 than the outlet 13. Another arrangement of the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 is conceivable.

[0043] A contaminated fluid can be fed to the grease separator 11 through the inlet 12 and a fluid, in particular an at least partially purified fluid, can be discharged through the outlet 13.

[0044] The oval area includes a sludge trap (see Figures 3 and 4 The oval area contains the largest volume. This large volume is beneficial for the stability of the grease separator.

[0045] A disposal container 16 is arranged on the side of the cleaning access 15. The disposal container 16 has a substantially rectangular cross-section. Other shapes are conceivable. The disposal container 16 has two long sides, two short sides, and two end faces. The sides are arranged opposite one another. During operation, the end faces are arranged orthogonally to the direction of gravity. The long sides extend between the long edges of the end faces. The short edges of the end faces extend between the short edges of the end faces. A carrying handle is arranged on the end face, which is upper during operation. The upper end face includes a closable opening for emptying the disposal container 16.

[0046] The disposal container 16 comprises a first fluid line 18. The first fluid line 18 extends outside the disposal container 16. The disposal container 16 comprises a further plug for sealing the first fluid line 18 in an odor-tight and fluid-tight manner. The first fluid line 18 is designed as a flexible piece of hose. The first fluid line 18 comprises reinforcements in certain sections.

[0047] A pump 17 is arranged on the long side of the disposal container 16 facing away from the grease separator 11. The pump 17 includes a lever. The lever allows the pump 17 to be operated manually. Alternatively, other operating elements for the pump 17 are conceivable. Various pump types are possible, such as piston pumps, rotary pumps, or diaphragm pumps. Alternatively, an electric version of one of the aforementioned pump types is conceivable. The first fluid line 18 forms a fluid connection between the pump 17 and the cleaning access 15.

[0048] The disposal container 16 is detachably fluidically connected to the grease separator 11 via the first fluid line 18, the cleaning access 15, and the clamping levers 19. The flexible first fluid line 18 facilitates connection to the cleaning access 15 and the clamping levers 19. Other connecting elements than the clamping lever 19, such as a bayonet lock, are conceivable.

[0049] The pump 17 transfers, in particular pumps out, the fluid, in particular the separated grease, from the grease separator 11 into the disposal container 16. The disposal container 16 comprises an access opening 26 located downstream of the pump 17. During operation, the access opening is located at the bottom, in particular near the floor. The separated fluid flows through the access opening 26 into the disposal container 16.

[0050] The clamping levers 19 enable a detachable and resealable fluid connection between the disposal container 16 and the grease separator 11. If the disposal container 16 is to be emptied or replaced, the connection between the first fluid line 18 and the cleaning access 15 is released by opening the clamping levers 19. The full disposal container 16, separated from the grease separator 11, is emptied and reconnected to the grease separator 11 in the manner described above. Alternatively, the full disposal container 16 can be exchanged for another, empty disposal container 16.

[0051] The Figures 3 and 4 show a section through the grease separator system according to the Figures 1 and 2 . Fig. 3 shows a section parallel to the flow direction and Fig. 4 a section orthogonal to the flow direction through the grease separator 11.

[0052] The grease separator 11 comprises a separation area 14. The separation area 14 is arranged inside the grease separator 11.

[0053] The separation area 14 comprises an inlet element 22 and an outlet element 23, a second fluid line 20 and the sludge trap.

[0054] The inlet and outlet elements 22, 23 are essentially cylindrical. The inlet and outlet elements 22, 23 extend in the direction of gravity in the separation area 14. The inlet element 22 is fluidly connected to the inlet 12. The outlet element 23 is fluidly connected to the outlet 13. The inlet element 22 comprises an outlet 24, and the outlet element 23 comprises an inlet 25. The outlet 24 and the inlet 25 are arranged at the lower end of the inlet and outlet elements 22, 33 during operation. The outlet 24 of the inlet element 22 is arranged higher during operation than the inlet 25 of the outlet element 23.

[0055] The inlet element 22 calms the fluid flowing in through the inlet 12. The calmed fluid enters the separation area 14 through the outlet 24 of the inlet element 22. A calmed fluid is advantageous for the separation process because in a calmed fluid, the solids sink to the bottom and the fats rise to the surface.

[0056] The second fluid line 20 is fluidly connected to the cleaning access 15. The second fluid line 20 extends orthogonally to the fluid surface in sections. The second fluid line 20 is connected to the outside of the inlet element 12 by a clamp connection in the orthogonal region.

[0057] The second fluid line 20 has an open end. The open end is oriented in the direction of gravity, i.e., toward the ground. The open end extends into a mud guard 21. The mud guard 21 is cup-shaped. Other shapes are conceivable. Alternatively, the open end extends against the direction of gravity.

[0058] The sludge protection 21 prevents solids deposited on the floor from entering the second or first fluid line 20, 18 when the grease layer is removed or pumped out.

[0059] The separation process separates the fluid into different phases in the separation chamber 14. Substances, particularly solids with a greater density than water (sludge), accumulate at the bottom, while substances such as fats and oils, which have a lower density than water, accumulate on the water surface.

[0060] The inlet 25 of the drain element 23 is located in the area where the purified water collects. Only the purified water flows through the drain element 23. To prevent grease from entering the drain element 23 through the inlet 25, the grease layer must be removed regularly.

[0061] The position of the open end defines the suction point of the grease layer. It is advantageous if the suction point is located at a height just above the inlet 25 of the drain element 23 during operation. This allows the grease layer to be almost completely removed.

[0062] The claimed grease separator system is not designed for the Figures 1 to 4 disclosed embodiment. List of reference symbols

[0063] 10 Grease separator system 11 Grease separator 12 Inlet 13 Outlet 14 Separation area 15 Cleaning access 16 Disposal container 17 Pump 18 First fluid line 19 Clamping lever 20 Second fluid line 21 Sludge protection 22 Inlet element 23 Outlet element 24 Outlet 25 Inlet 26 Access opening

Claims

1. Mobile grease separator system, comprising a grease separator (11) having an inlet (12) for supplying a fluid, an outlet (13) for discharging a fluid, and a separation area (14), wherein the grease separator (11) comprises a cleaning access (15), through which at least one disposal container (16) is releasably fluidly connected to the separation area (14) of the grease separator (11), characterized in that the disposal container (16) comprises a manually operable pump (17) and the contents of the separation area (14) can be transferred into the disposal container (16) by means of the pump (17).

2. Grease separator system according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump (17) and the disposal container (16) are integrally formed.

3. Grease separator system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pump (17) is arranged on an outer side of the disposal container (16).

4. Grease separator system according to claim 3, characterized in that the pump (17) and the cleaning access (15) are fluidly connected to each other by a first fluid line (18), wherein the first fluid line (18) extends outside the disposal container (16) and the grease separator (11).

5. Grease separator system according to claim 4, characterized in that the first fluid line (18) and the cleaning access (15) are detachably connected to each other.

6. Grease separator system according to claim 5, characterized in that the first fluid line (18) and the cleaning access (15) are detachably connected to each other by clamping levers (19).

7. Grease separator system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second fluid line (20) for extracting the fluid by suction is fluidly connected to the cleaning access (15), wherein the second fluid line (20) has an open end and extends at least in sections in the separation area (14) within the grease separator (11).

8. Grease separator system according to claim 7, characterized in that the open end of the second fluid line (20) extends at least in sections into a sludge guard (21).

9. Grease separator system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the open end of the second fluid line (20) is arranged between the bottom and the outlet (13) of the grease separator (11) during operation.

10. Grease separator system according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the grease separator (11) comprises an inlet element (22) and an outlet element (23) which are arranged in the separation area (14), wherein the inlet element (22) is fluidly connected to the inlet (12) and the outlet element (23) is fluidly connected to the outlet (13), and the inlet element (22) has an outlet (24) for the fluid and the outlet element (23) has an inlet (25) for the fluid, and the open end of the second fluid line (20) is arranged between the inlet (25) of the outlet element (23) and the outlet (13) of the grease separator (11).

11. Grease separator system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the disposal container (16) comprises an access opening (26) through which the separated fluid can be introduced into the disposal container (16), wherein the access opening (26) is arranged in the direction of gravity below the cleaning access (15) of the grease separator, in particular near the bottom of the disposal container (16).

12. Grease separator system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump (17) is designed as a piston pump, a rotary pump, or a diaphragm pump.

13. Grease separator system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump (17) is designed as a siphon pump.

14. Disposal container for a mobile grease separator system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a manually operable pump (17), wherein the disposal container (16) can be connected to the separation area (14) of the grease separator (11) in a detachable or fixed fluid-conducting manner for at least partial emptying, and the contents of the separation area (14) can be transferred into the disposal container (16) by means of the pump (17).

15. Method for removing a layer of grease at a grease separator of a grease separator system according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a. the grease content in the separation area (14) is checked, b. the disposal container (16) is connected to the cleaning access (15), c. the separated material is then sucked out by activating the pump (17) and transferred to the disposal container (16), d. the disposal container (16) is separated again from the grease separator and the separated material is disposed of.