Modular FOG Separator Pump for Automated Solids Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional F.O.G. separators in kitchen effluent streams require manual removal of solids from strainer baskets, which are unpleasant and can lead to operational failures due to unemptied baskets causing drainage issues and worker safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
An F.O.G. separation apparatus with a tank and modular design, featuring an inlet module with a weir and a pump that periodically removes settled solids, directing them to an outlet module while allowing F.O.G. and water to be separated in a downstream section, using a rotatable vertical shaft and impeller to manage solids and water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual strainer basket emptying is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to operational failures from unemptied baskets
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system automatically removes solids from the strainer basket without human intervention. The pump periodically activates to suction accumulated solids from the basket through a suction line, enabling the system to service itself and maintain reliable operation without manual emptying
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical emptying process is replaced with an automated pump system. The pump uses fluid dynamics and pressure differentials to automatically remove solids, substituting the manual mechanical action with an automated mechanical-fluid system that improves reliability
2Productivity
If strainer baskets are made larger for larger units, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to worker injury risk from heavy baskets
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system automatically removes solids from the strainer basket, eliminating the need for workers to manually handle and empty heavy baskets. This self-service mechanism removes the harmful physical strain and injury risk while maintaining the ability to handle large volumes of solids in larger units
3Device complexity
If manual emptying is required, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to periodic manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system operates automatically on a timed or demand-based schedule to remove solids from the strainer basket. This eliminates the need for workers to periodically stop and manually empty the basket, significantly reducing time loss while the automated system handles the emptying function
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system operates periodically rather than continuously, activating at set intervals or when solids accumulation reaches a certain level. This periodic automated action maintains the strainer basket clear without requiring continuous operation or manual intervention, optimizing time efficiency
4Ease of operation
If strainer baskets are not emptied regularly, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to drainage failures and pooling
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system automatically monitors and removes solids from the strainer basket, preventing accumulation that would lead to drainage failures. This self-service mechanism ensures the system continues to operate correctly without manual intervention, eliminating the harmful effects of unemptied baskets while maintaining ease of operation
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
Automates the removal of solids, preventing clogging and drainage issues, improving safety by reducing manual handling of odorous waste and minimizing the risk of worker injury from heavy baskets, while maintaining efficient F.O.G. separation.
Implementation Method 1
an inlet module having an exit weir for the liquid effluent flow downstream of a strainer to strain gross solids from the liquid effluent flow
Implementation Method 2
a pump upstream of the strainer to pump water and gross solids that do not pass through the strainer. The pump has a rotatable vertical shaft having a motor at an upper end of the shaft and an impeller at the bottom end of the shaft
Implementation Method 3
The surface is passed through the upper surface of quiescent F.O.G. and water in a holding chamber. As the surface emerges, oil sticks to it, but water does not, so the F.O.G. can be scraped off and diverted to a separate storage container
Implementation Method 4
the gross solids entering the tank settle in the inlet module for periodic removal by the pump
Data Source
AI summary
An F.O.G. separation apparatus includes a tank for receiving a liquid effluent flow containing water, F.O.G., and gross solids. The tank has a chamber, an inlet in an inlet module, a downstream section and an outlet in an outlet module. The inlet module has a weir for the effluent downstream of a strainer to strain gross solids from the effluent. A pump upstream of the strainer pumps water and solids that do not pass through the strainer. The pump's rotatable vertical shaft has a motor at an upper and an impeller at the bottom. A pipe connected to the inlet module near the impeller conveys solids and water when the pump is activated and directs the solids and water to the outlet. F.O.G. and water entering the tank pass to the downstream section where the F.O.G. is removed from the water by a skimmer, and the residual water exist the tank through the outlet module.