Grease Trap 101: Types
The first is the Hydromechanical. These units rely on the principles of heat and gravity to separate the FOG from the waste water. Normally these units are carbon steel or plastic. Hydromechanical grease traps control the flow of water allowing the hot water to cool. Being more dense than water, FOG is then able to settle out of the water and sink. The baffle catches the FOG and keeps it inside the grease trap. These grease traps must be cleaned manually and often. It is a good idea to install a wet waste interceptor system
(such as the Rhino RHG001) ahead of the grease trap to keep food scraps from entering the grease trap. It is the food particles that decay inside the trap and cause harsh odors. The sizing of the Hydromechanical units are expressed in poundage and in gallons per minute (GPM) flow. Sizes are normally 8lb/4GPM, 20lb/10GPM, 30lb/15GPM, 40lb/20GPM, 50lb/25GPM, 70lb/35GPM and 100lb/50GPM units.
The second type of grease trap is Gravity. This type of grease trap uses compartments of two or more and uses the larger amount of water flowing to slow down the water inside the trap. This allows for FOG to become buoyant and to separate. The physical size of Gravity grease traps compared to the Hydromechanical is large. These grease traps are more efficient, allowing 90% of the FOG to be collected out of the water. The sizing of the Gravity units are expressed in the gallons it will hold.
The third is an Automatic Grease Removal Unit (AGRU). This type of grease trap utilizes mechanical and electrical components to actually skim FOG out of the water. These systems are smaller yet highly efficient. Most AGRU units can eliminate 99% of FOG from water. Most have an internal collection device for food particles, a heating element and a external FOG collection unit. The AGRUs are more expensive than the the other two, but one can clearly see that they are lower maintenance and high efficiency. Sizing of these units varies greatly and can come in sizes small enough to place under a sink or large enough to accommodate an entire restaurant.
To read more about the history of grease traps, click here: Grease Trap 101: History.
To read more about the sizing of grease traps, click here: Grease Trap 101: Sizing.
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It wobbles, no matter what I do.
Ordered this table last week for home use and it arrived promptly via UPS. Setup was a breeze after watching the tutorial video and I discovered a trick to setting up the bottom shelf on your own; with the table upside down, place a box on the underside of the tabletop and then slide the bottom shelf onto the legs so it lies flat against the box. This will level the bottom shelf and hold it in place so you can tighten the fasteners on each leg.
The table itself is moderately sturdy and the 16 gauge steel thick enough to take some abuse. The table is a bit wobbly since there is no back brace and the legs are not welded but this can be remedied by placing the table in a corner. I arranged my table in the middle of my kitchen with the side flush against the wall and the corner resting snugly where my window frame meets it.
Very fast shipment and the table came well packaged, but unfortunately UPS mishandled it a bit so there are minor dents on the sides. However, this does not detract from the rating since it is not Prima's fault. I would suggest, however, that freight shipment be an option for all products if this is possible. I would be willing to pay more if I knew it would protect my investment.
Sturdy, easy to install. 36" length only allows for attachment to one stud. Get yourself (3) 3/16 x 2" toggle bolts. Fast shipping, great price, will shop here again.