F.O.G. Separator with Baffle and Port for Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing F.O.G. removal systems are costly, difficult to service, and messy, often requiring significant capital investment and space, with challenges in accurately determining when storage containers are full due to unclear water and F.O.G. ratios.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, compact F.O.G. removal assembly with a container featuring a baffle system and port for separating F.O.G. from grey water, using a storage tank with a hub and guide funnel for mess-free and easy disposal, and a sight glass for monitoring F.O.G. levels without sensors or scraper assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rotating disk scraper assemblies are used for F.O.G. removal, then F.O.G. separation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the complex scraper assembly and rotating disk mechanism from the F.O.G. removal system. Instead of using mechanical scrapers to remove F.O.G., the system allows F.O.G. to float freely in the container and automatically drains through a bottom outlet when accumulated to a sufficient level, eliminating the need for mechanical removal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where F.O.G. automatically accumulates and drains without requiring mechanical intervention. The floating F.O.G. naturally rises to the surface and drains through the bottom outlet when the liquid level reaches a predetermined height, eliminating the need for external scraping or pumping mechanisms.
2Reliability
If traditional F.O.G. removal systems are installed, then F.O.G. separation capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a simple, inexpensive container design that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The basic container with a bottom outlet and floating F.O.G. accumulation mechanism is much cheaper to manufacture than traditional systems with rotating disks, scrapers, and complex pumping apparatus, making it economically viable for widespread installation.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the expensive mechanical components (rotating disks, scrapers, sensors, and pumping apparatus) from the system, the invention significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining effective F.O.G. separation through the simpler floating and draining mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If storage containers are made removable for easy emptying, then ease of operation is improved, but leakage and mess increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic interface between removable storage containers and their mounting structures that causes leakage. Instead of using removable containers that can leak at the interface, the system uses a fixed container with an integrated bottom outlet that drains F.O.G. through a controlled opening, eliminating the leakage issue entirely while maintaining ease of operation through automatic draining.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where F.O.G. automatically accumulates and drains without requiring mechanical intervention. The floating F.O.G. naturally rises to the surface and drains through the bottom outlet when the liquid level reaches a predetermined height, eliminating the need for external scraping or pumping mechanisms.
4Measurement precision
If sensing systems are added to detect F.O.G. levels, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex electronic sensing systems with a simple mechanical floating F.O.G. accumulation mechanism. The F.O.G. naturally floats to the surface and drains through the bottom outlet when accumulated to a sufficient level, providing adequate level indication without requiring sensors, electronics, or complex detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where F.O.G. automatically accumulates and drains without requiring mechanical intervention. The floating F.O.G. naturally rises to the surface and drains through the bottom outlet when the liquid level reaches a predetermined height, eliminating the need for external scraping or pumping mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a cost-effective, space-saving, and easy-to-maintain system that minimizes mess and complexity in F.O.G. separation and storage, allowing for efficient removal and disposal of F.O.G. without the need for expensive sensors or pumping apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
retaining F.O.G. floating on the water
Implementation Method 2
The guide funnel and seal create a water-tight barrier between the container and storage tank
Implementation Method 3
holding the effluent water containing F.O.G. inside the container for a period to allow F.O.G. to float to the top
Data Source
AI summary
An economical fat, oil and grease removal assembly and method includes a container having a bottom, a top, a sidewall, an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is spaced above the bottom and below the top to define a static water level for liquid in the container. The container includes at least one baffle extending downwardly to a level below the static water level. The container further includes a port at an elevation such that F.O.G. floating on water in the container can flow from the container out through the port when the liquid level in the container is raised above the static water level. The assembly further includes an inlet bridge, an outlet bridge and a storage tank arranged to accept F.O.G. that is flowed out of the container. A hub on the storage tank interfaces the container with the storage tank.