The treatment of oil and grease in wastewater through mechanical methods (grease traps and screens), chemical methods (such as degreasing agents like alum and oil separation solutions), and biological methods (microbial formulations) effectively addresses oil and grease contamination. This approach helps prevent blockages, reduces environmental impact, and safeguards human health.
Grease is one of the causes of clogged drains. Not only that, if grease is discharged into the environment without treatment, it will cause serious pollution, hurting the landscape as well as human health. In this blog, NTS Engineering Co., Ltd. will introduce to you solutions to treat grease in wastewater that are both effective, cost-saving, and environmentally friendly. Refer to it now.
1/ Why is it necessary to treat grease in wastewater?
Oil and grease in wastewater – enemies of drainage systems
Every day, large volumes of animal and vegetable oils are discharged into the environment, especially from restaurants, eateries, businesses… However, many of the above places do not have wastewater treatment technology or proper ways to handle grease in wastewater. This is one of the main causes of sewer blockages.
Not only businesses, but many households are also unaware of the need to separate grease before discharging wastewater. As a result, domestic pipelines that should carry only greywater often become dumping grounds for cooking grease.
Consequences of not properly treating your wastewater
Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are composed of organic compounds and are used in food production and processing. Compounds that flow into the drainage system of the sink or water pipes will not flow away but often stick to the pipe walls. Over time, they will attract many other wastes that stick to the pipe walls and cause blockages.
FOG in wastewater, if not thoroughly treated, will cause strong odors, slow drainage, periodic grease pump failure, causing stagnation, water rising back to the surface, increasing maintenance costs, etc.
All of the above causes can paralyze the entire drainage system, causing wastewater to be unable to flow and even become stagnant. Therefore, oil and grease are considered “the main culprits” of environmental pollution and a contributing factor to various serious human health issues.
2/ Methods for treating oil and grease in wastewater
Mechanical treatment of oil and grease
One of the most common methods for treating oil and grease in wastewater is the mechanical method. Grease-contaminated wastewater flows into a grease trap, based on the principle that grease is lighter than water—the oil rises to the surface. Food scraps and solid residues settle at the bottom of the tank. The clarified water then exits through an outlet pipe and flows into the collection chamber.
Microorganisms treatment of oil and grease
There are many types of grease-eating microorganisms on the market. This product is in powder form and contains billions of grease-eating microorganisms. These microorganisms will quickly activate when dissolved in water. The product can be dissolved in tap water and can be stored for 60 days.
When separating grease from the tank, people often use microorganisms to completely eat the grease in the tank. Therefore, you will not have to spend a lot of effort skimming grease and do not worry about disposing of excess grease from the grease skimming process like the mechanical grease separation method.
The advantage of this method is that it reduces the amount of grease in wastewater by 50 – 70%. Significantly reduces the amount of grease clumping, minimizes odors, does not cost to treat excess grease, is easy to use, reduces system maintenance costs and reduces sludge formation from the bottom of the tank.
Below is a summary table of microbial products that are commonly used for wastewater treatment:
Table of microorganisms for grease treatment
| Products | Main Function | Product Form |
|
Microbe-Lift DGTT |
Treating Oil and Grease in Wastewater |
Flour |
|
ACF-32 (AquaClean) |
Treating Oil and Grease in Wastewater, as well as COD, BOD, and organic matter |
Solution |
|
Original EM (EM-1) + Secondary EM (Activated EM) |
Microorganisms decompose organic matter, including oil and grease |
Solution |
|
Biogency FOG |
Specializing in treatment oil |
Flour |
Chemicals treatment of oil and grease
Grease removal chemicals are widely used to treat oil and grease in wastewater and within sewer pipes. These chemicals can rapidly break down and dissolve grease before the wastewater is discharged into the external environment.
Some chemicals for treating wastewater containing grease
| No. | Chemical Name | Product Form |
|
1 |
PAC (Poly Aluminium Chloride) |
Helps grease coagulate to separate easily from water, convenient for collection |
|
2 |
Aluminium Sulfate |
Helps grease coagulate to separate easily from water, convenient for collection. In addition, it helps clear water |
|
3 |
NaOH |
Adjusting the water’s pH, supporting the grease separation process |
|
4 |
H2SO4 / HCl |
Adjusting the water’s pH, supporting the grease separation process |
|
5 |
Oil Splitter Solution |
Supports efficient oil and water separation |
|
6 |
Light Organic Solvent (exp: D-limonene) |
Dissolve grease |
|
7 |
Demulsifier |
Supports efficient oil and water separation |
3/ Comparison of methods for treating grease in wastewater
Compare advantages and disadvantages
| Methods | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|
Mechanical |
|
|
|
Microorganisms |
|
|
|
Chemicals |
|
|
| No. | Method | Notes on use |
|
1 |
Mechanical |
|
|
2 |
Microorganisms |
|
|
3 |
Chemicals |
|
4/ Tips to prevent fat, oil and grease (FOG) in wastewater in the first place
We should prevent FOG from the beginning with the following habits and methods:
Do not pour grease directly down the drain or sink
Pouring oil and grease directly into the drain or sink will cause them to stick to the inside of the pipes and accumulate over time. This can easily lead to blockages and unpleasant odors.
Add grease and waste filters
The strainer helps to retain most of the dirt, debris, and excess grease. It prevents waste and grease from going down the drain. Although this device is cheap, it is very useful.
Use a towel or paper to wipe off grease before washing dishes
Removing excess grease before washing dishes will prevent grease from going down the drain with the water. This is a very effective preventative measure.
Use a bottle or jar to collect excess grease
We can allow the grease to cool or separate it manually, then collect it in bottles or jars. After that, it can be brought to a grease treatment facility. This is one of the most effective methods of source waste segregation.
5/ NTS Company (NTS Engineering Co., Ltd) – Expert in wastewater grease treatment service
Currently, there are various methods available for treating oil and grease in wastewater. However, each method has its own limitations and may not deliver long-term effectiveness. If your facility regularly generates wastewater containing oil and grease, you can contact NTS Engineering Co., Ltd, a trusted provider chosen by many businesses and organizations
Services at NTS Engineering Co., Ltd.
NTS Engineering has a team of professional wastewater treatment experts who will thoroughly assess your wastewater sources and provide the most efficient and cost-effective solutions. Our services help you effectively solve grease-related problems, maintain water clarity and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, contributing to a healthier living environment.
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