Grease Traps / Fifer System

In most food processing or food service establishments wastewater is removed from the kitchen and discharged to the first segment of the septic system or directly into the public sanitary sewer system to be treated at the community sewage treatment plant. The first portion of a septic system would be a septic tank or aeration unit.

A grease trap is normally installed to intercept the wastewater before it enters these segments. The purpose of the grease trap is to collect the grease and oil that may be intermingled with the wastewater. It also can capture any foreign items, such as towels, utensils, sponges, etc. that may have entered the system. These items can block the flow of the wastewater and/or damage the piping in the system.

All businesses that produce grease, that will need to be dispensed of, should have a grease trap installed. Grease, if allowed to enter the septic system or sanitary sewer system will cause clogging. This can lead to costly repairs or replacement of components or piping. With the public sanitary sewer system, this can in some cases lead to fines from the municipal agencies in charge of the community treatment plants.

Proper operation and maintenance of the grease trap is vital to insure that all defense measures are taken to protect the entire wastewater disposal system.

In Kentucky, the grease trap must have: ( other regulations may apply )

* 500 gallons minimum for waste loads of 6000 gallons per day or less
* 1000 gallons minimum for waste loads greater than 6000 gallons per day

Note: Restrictions and regulations may vary from state to state and by individual regulating agencies.

Grease flows in the INLET piping and either settles to the bottom or floats to the top. The water in the CLEAR ZONE then flows to the second chamber, through the OPENING in the BAFFLE, where remaining grease settles out. The CLEAR ZONE water in the second chamber then flows out the OUTLET pipe to the treatment portion of the system for disbursement. Grease trap tanks should be monitored regularly for required pumping.

Fifer Systems

Operating Service for Aerobic Digestion Type sewage Treatment. The Fifer system is equipped with an electric time clock to operate the electric motor. The motor operates the blower that pumps air into the system. Oxygen in the air which is pumped into the system through a diffuser bar breaks down the solids and turns them into liquids. Oxygen will not break down grease, rubber or plastic, Therefore, these items should be removed periodically. It is highly recommended that these type items never enter the system if at all possible.

The Fifer system has an air lift sludge return and an air lift skimmer in clarifier. These will lift items from clarifier back to aeration chamber. When the Fifer system is checked by a professional service technician every three months they will verify that these two phases are flowing freely. The technician will also check the unit for the presents of nondegradable materials such as plastic, rubber and build up of grease. Additionally, they will check the V-belt to insure proper tension.

Recommendations:
Do not turn off the power to the time clock. The time clock is a 24 hour with time on dial. Keep proper time set on clock for good service. DO NOT change the time operations of the time clock.

Note: Not currently installed. Found only in existing homes. A newer system of this type would be "New" Gribbins Whirlair Aeration Unit for Spray & Direct Discharge.

Other Topics:
Aeration Systems - Do's & Don'ts | Alternative Household Cleaning Solutions | Curtain Drain, Washer lines and Filters | Engineering and Design for Difficult Sites | Fill & Wait - Why? What? How? | Health Departments - Friends or Foe? | Improve Your System Practice Water Conservation | Septic Tank Additives Danger in Disguise | Ten Most Asked Questions About Septic Systems | Why Systems Fail | Sewage Protection Program

Barrow Company specializes in the engineering and design of all types of systems. If you would like additional information on these or any other system, please use the Contact Us section on this website, e-mail us at info@barrowcompany.com or contact us by telephone or fax. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday