Variable Flow Adjuster Grease Interceptor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial food service establishments face challenges in managing grease and oil waste, as they often clog or adversely affect public wastewater and sewer systems, necessitating effective separation before entry into the wastewater system.
Innovation Solution
A grease interceptor system with a variable flow adjuster that includes a large tank with an inlet for wastewater, a bottom outlet for grease-free water, and a variable flow adjuster body that can be inserted and rotated to control the flow rate, ensuring only water enters the sewer system while allowing grease to be collected and removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grease interceptor is installed to separate grease from wastewater, then grease removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components like flow control valves and adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control function is extracted from the main grease interceptor body and implemented through a separate, removable flow control valve assembly that can be independently installed and adjusted. This allows the grease separation function to remain simple while adding flow control capability through a dedicated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control valve incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows dynamic modification of the flow rate through a variable opening. The valve can be adjusted to different positions to control the amount of wastewater passing through, enabling adaptive flow management without permanent structural modifications.
2Productivity
If flow rate is increased to improve productivity, then wastewater processing capacity is improved, but grease separation effectiveness deteriorates due to reduced residence time
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamically adjustable flow control valve that allows operators to optimize the flow rate based on the specific grease load and separation requirements. The valve can be adjusted to reduce flow rate when grease separation effectiveness is compromised, or increased when processing capacity is the priority, enabling flexible adaptation to different operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control mechanism changes the flow rate parameter to balance processing capacity with separation effectiveness. By adjusting the opening size of the flow control valve, the system can modify the velocity and residence time of wastewater in the interceptor, optimizing both productivity and separation performance according to operational needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a variable flow adjuster is added to control flow rates, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control valve assembly serves multiple functions: it controls flow rate, adjusts water-grease separation efficiency, and can be removed or installed as needed. This multi-functional component reduces the need for separate dedicated elements for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable flow adjuster provides dynamic control capability through a simple adjustable mechanism rather than requiring complex automated systems. The manual adjustment mechanism allows operators to modify flow rates adaptively based on real-time conditions, achieving versatility without significant complexity increase.
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 effectively separates grease from wastewater, allowing for controlled flow rates to prevent clogging and ensure compliance with regulations, thereby maintaining the integrity of public sewer systems.
Implementation Method 1
The purpose of the grease interceptor is to permit the free flow of wastewater, while capturing any grease or oils contained in the water. The process of grease interception involves the separating and retaining of globules of grease, fats and oils from wastewater as it passes through the grease interceptor. Typically the oily wastewater passes into the grease interceptor at one end and as the water flows through the interceptor it is slowed down, allowing the lighter than water components, such as grease and oil, to rise within the water accumulating in an upper layer in the interceptor.
Implementation Method 2
The flow control opening (81) is configured to rotate into at least one position where a portion of the variable flow adjuster body (66) disposed adjacent to the flow control opening (81) obstructs a portion of the first opening (40) such that a variable size opening (100) between the first conduit (34) and the inside of the variable flow adjuster body (66) is formed.
Data Source
AI summary
A grease or oil separator system that includes a grease interceptor body with a variable flow control assembly. The grease interceptor system is a large tank with an inlet for wastewater and a downstream outlet for passing the wastewater minus separated grease and oil into a sewer system. Inside the tank, the grease floats to the top so that it can be removed through an opening in the top wall that provides an access port for clean out. The pickup for the outlet is located toward the bottom of the tank near the bottom wall so that only water separated from the grease flows into the sewer system. The variable flow control assembly varies the size of an opening in a conduit inside the interceptor body. Varying the size of the opening controls the flow from the inlet into the tank.