Removable Solids Screen for Grease Interceptor Odor Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grease interceptors face challenges in managing non-floating solid materials, which can decompose and create foul odors and noxious gases, making them difficult to clean and requiring complex, cumbersome solutions that are not adaptable to different types of commercial kitchen waste.
Innovation Solution
A solids containment device that can be added to existing grease interceptors, featuring a containment body with inlet and outflow openings and removable solids separating screens, allowing wastewater to flow diagonally through the device, enabling effective separation of solids and allowing FOG to float and be removed, with a design that is easy to install, use, and clean.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solids separating screens are permanently installed in grease interceptors, then solids can be removed from wastewater stream, but device complexity increases and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The solids separating screen is divided into modular segments that can be easily removed and cleaned independently. The screen consists of multiple removable panels rather than a single permanent structure, allowing maintenance personnel to access and clean each segment without disassembling the entire grease interceptor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The solids separating screen transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic removable component. The screen can be easily inserted and removed from the grease interceptor, transforming it from a fixed complex structure to a flexible maintenance-friendly component that adapts to cleaning requirements.
2Reliability
If complex solids removal systems are installed in grease interceptors, then solids can be effectively removed, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is segmented into removable sections that can be lifted out individually for cleaning. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access the screening surfaces without draining the entire interceptor or disassembling complex structures, dramatically improving ease of operation during maintenance cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable screen design enables maintenance personnel to perform self-service cleaning without requiring specialized equipment or extensive disassembly. The screen can be removed, cleaned with standard tools, and reinstalled by personnel with basic training, eliminating the need for complex service procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If grease interceptors are designed to handle all types of commercial kitchen waste, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to permanently installed baffles
Solution Approach 1:
The removable solids separating screen serves multiple functions: it can be configured for different kitchen waste types, adjusted for varying flow rates, and adapted to different interceptor sizes. A single screen design can handle everything from fine coffee grounds to larger food particles, eliminating the need for multiple specialized permanent structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static permanent baffles to dynamic removable screens that can be adjusted or replaced based on the specific waste stream. This allows the grease interceptor to adapt to different kitchen operations (restaurants, cafeterias, delis) without requiring complex reconfiguration of permanent structures.
4Device complexity
If solids are allowed to accumulate in grease interceptors, then device simplicity is maintained, but harmful factors increase due to decomposition and odour generation
Solution Approach 1:
The solids separating screen extracts solid particles from the wastewater stream before they can enter the main interceptor chamber and accumulate. By removing solids at the point of entry, the system prevents the subsequent decomposition processes that generate odors and harmful gases, maintaining a simpler overall system without the harmful byproducts.
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 device effectively removes solids from the wastewater stream, preventing decomposition and clogging, while being adaptable to various kitchen waste types, making it easier and safer to manage grease interceptors, reducing odors and maintenance complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The solids containment device then filters out solid materials and allows the liquids, containing the FOG to carry on through the containment device
Implementation Method 2
permitting FOG enough time to achieve a floating separation from the wastewater stream through gravity or hydraulic (floating) separation
Implementation Method 3
permitting FOG enough time to achieve a floating separation from the wastewater stream
Data Source
AI summary
A solids containment device for use in n hydromechanical grease interceptor, sized and shaped to be removably carried within the hydromechanical grease interceptor. The solids containment device includes a containment body with side and end walls, an open top, a wastewater inflow opening and an outflow opening. At least one removable solids separating screen is carried within the containment body, and is located between the inflow opening and the outflow opening. The outflow opening is directed away from the outflow aperture of the hydromechanical grease interceptor, in order to encourage a generally diagonal flow path for the wastewater stream within the hydromechanical grease interceptor, thereby encouraging separation of fats, oils and grease.