Grease Interceptor Monitoring with UV Fluorescence and Sonar
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grease interceptors and vaults are poorly maintained, leading to FOG (Fats, Oils, Grease) clogs in sewer systems, causing Sanitary Sewer Overflows, health hazards, and environmental issues, with current monitoring and control methods lacking for efficient bioremediation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive monitoring and control system using cameras with UV LED illumination, redundant level sensors, pH and temperature measurement, sonar, and telemetry to detect grease content, liquid levels, metagenomic activity, and environmental parameters, enabling real-time data collection and optimization of bioremediation processes within grease interceptors and vaults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grease interceptors are pumped empty several times a year, then FOG is removed from the system, but the operation is noisy, creates bad odor, poses health risks, and is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary bioremediation action continuously within the grease interceptor by introducing beneficial microbes that break down FOG before pumping is needed. This pre-treatment reduces the amount of FOG that accumulates, thereby reducing the frequency and intensity of pumping operations required, which in turn reduces noise, odor, and health risks associated with frequent pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The grease interceptor is equipped with an automated monitoring and control system that uses sensors to detect FOG levels and triggers pumping only when necessary. The system self-manages the FOG removal process by continuously monitoring conditions and automatically initiating pumping operations, eliminating the need for manual, frequent pumping that causes noise, odor, and health issues.
2Quantity of substance
If grease interceptors are poorly maintained, then operational costs are reduced, but FOG reaches the sewer system causing clogs and Sanitary Sewer Overflows
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor FOG levels, liquid level, and other parameters within the grease interceptor. This feedback is transmitted to a control system that analyzes the data and determines when pumping or other maintenance actions are needed. The real-time monitoring ensures the interceptor is maintained at optimal levels, preventing FOG from reaching the sewer system and causing clogs or overflows, while avoiding unnecessary maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous monitoring system performs preliminary assessment of the interceptor's state, identifying when maintenance is needed before problems occur. By detecting FOG accumulation trends and predicting when thresholds will be reached, the system schedules maintenance proactively, preventing sewer clogs and overflows while optimizing maintenance frequency to avoid both over-maintenance and under-maintenance.
3Productivity
If continuous monitoring of grease interceptors is implemented, then bioremediation can be optimized and preventive maintenance enabled, but system complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated platform: it monitors FOG levels, tracks bioremediation progress, detects liquid levels, communicates with remote systems, and controls pumping operations. By consolidating these diverse functions into one universal system, the patent reduces overall complexity compared to having separate systems for each function, while still enabling optimized bioremediation and preventive maintenance through continuous data collection and analysis.
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 system provides continuous, accurate data for preventive maintenance, reduces the risk of sewer overflows, optimizes bioremediation, and minimizes environmental impact by ensuring effective operation and health of microbial communities within grease interceptors and vaults, thereby reducing fines and health risks.
Implementation Method 1
cameras (14) generating video imaging and processing employing pulsed ultra violet LED (30) for illumination to detect the UV absorption
Implementation Method 2
sonar imaging
Implementation Method 3
capture the FOG and other biosolids by means of gravity separation and flotation
Implementation Method 4
bioremediation of Grease and Biosolids in Grease Interceptors, Vaults and other Waste collection enclosures
Data Source
AI summary
A system capable of ascertaining, determining, monitoring and controlling the biological state of and metagenomic state of microbial colonies as well as the physical state of waste liquids in grease interceptors, vaults and other waste collecting enclosures. The system consists of an array of cameras (14) a multi-phased sonar array (18), pH in (42)/pH out (24) and delta temperature arrays (36, 44), redundant liquid level sensors (10, 12), a nutrient measurement array (30, 32) and dissolved oxygen sensor (22). These sensors are mounted inside a grease interceptor (2) or waste collecting enclosure and enable accurate monitoring and control of all physical and biological processes to enable, optimize and control bioremediation processes. Continuous optimized control algorithms are either generated locally or updated remotely via internet or modem connection. All data is collected, logged in a Control/Telemetry Unit (20) and can be retrieved either locally or remotely via internet or modem connection.