Grease Interceptor Pump Tray for Reliable Grease Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grease removal devices for restaurants and food service providers are costly and inefficient, often failing to separate grease from drainage water effectively, leading to clogged pipes and health hazards due to their complex designs and reliance on external pumps and skimmers.
Innovation Solution
A hydro-mechanical grease interceptor system that includes a tank with a baffle and an elevated tray supporting a submersible pump, activated by a programmable timer, which separates and removes grease from water by drawing it into a reclaim tank, allowing clarified water to flow out, thus reducing maintenance and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large external pumps and skimmers are used for grease removal, then grease can be removed from drainage water, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential grease removal function from the complex system of external pumps and skimmers. By positioning a simple pump inlet at the bottom of the tank and utilizing natural grease flotation, the system removes grease without requiring complex external pumping mechanisms or skimming devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the natural buoyancy of grease to float to the surface and accumulate at the inlet end of the tank. The pump automatically draws grease through the inlet positioned at the bottom near the inlet end, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If internal heaters are added to the grease removal device, then grease separation can be improved, but the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using heaters to prevent grease solidification, the invention accepts ambient temperature conditions and relies on natural grease flotation properties. The system converts the passive thermal environment into a beneficial condition where grease naturally rises and accumulates without requiring active heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs grease separation using natural physical processes without requiring external energy input. Grease separates from water through density differences and buoyancy, eliminating the need for manufactured heating components and their associated maintenance costs.
3Reliability
If complicated grease removal devices are used, then grease can be removed from water, but the maintenance cost increases when devices fail
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential pumping function and positions the inlet at the bottom near the inlet end, eliminating the need for complex skimmers, heaters, and control systems. This minimalistic approach reduces maintenance requirements to basic pump maintenance only.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a simple, inexpensive pump with basic components that can be easily replaced if needed. The design accepts that the pump may need periodic replacement but minimizes overall maintenance costs by eliminating other potential failure points associated with complex mechanisms.
4Productivity
If programmable timer is added to activate the pump at timed intervals, then grease removal efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is activated at periodic intervals through a programmable timer to draw accumulated grease from the tank. This periodic operation maintains grease removal efficiency by preventing grease buildup while minimizing pump runtime and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable timer acts as an intermediary control device that automatically manages pump operation without requiring complex sensors or control systems. The timer provides simple interval-based control that improves efficiency while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.
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 efficiently separates and removes grease from water, meeting regulatory standards by minimizing grease passage through outlets, reducing clogging and health hazards, and providing a cost-effective solution for grease management.
Implementation Method 1
a pump supported by the elevated tray, the pump having a pump inlet below a pump outlet, wherein the pump inlet is positioned by the elevated tray below the tank outlet
Implementation Method 2
a baffle positioned in the tank between the tank inlet and the tank outlet; a flow passage below the baffle; an elevated tray positioned in the tank between the baffle and the tank outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the removal of grease collected in a hydro-mechanical grease interceptor via a pump which may be activated by a programmable timer. In an embodiment, a hydro-mechanical grease interceptor includes a tank having a tank inlet and a tank outlet; a tray positioned inside the tank; and a pump located inside the tank, the pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, wherein the pump inlet is located within the tray at a level below the tank outlet. The interceptor may include a timer coupled to the pump to control operation of the pump.