Spans Envirotech Logo

Fat Traps & Grease Separators

Efficient grease and oil separation protecting drainage infrastructure and downstream treatment systems

Overview

What is Fat Traps & Grease Separators?

Fat traps and grease separators are essential pretreatment devices for food service establishments and food processing facilities, preventing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering drainage systems and wastewater treatment plants. FOG causes pipe blockages, pump failures, and treatment process disruptions, making effective separation critical for system reliability and regulatory compliance.

These gravity separation devices exploit the lower density of fats and oils compared to water. As wastewater flows through the separator at reduced velocity, FOG rises to the surface forming a floating layer while heavier solids settle to the bottom. Clarified water flows from the middle zone to the drainage system. Regular maintenance removes accumulated grease and solids, maintaining separation efficiency.

Spans Envirotech designs and supplies grease separation systems ranging from compact under-sink units for small kitchens to large outdoor interceptors for industrial food processing. Our solutions comply with local plumbing codes, incorporate features for easy maintenance, and ensure reliable FOG removal protecting both on-site drainage and municipal collection systems.

Process

Separation Process

1

Flow Inlet & Distribution

Wastewater from kitchens or food processing enters the separator through an inlet baffle that dissipates energy and distributes flow, creating quiescent conditions for separation.

2

Gravity Separation

Reduced flow velocity allows FOG to rise to the surface due to lower density while food solids settle to the bottom. Proper sizing ensures adequate retention time (typically 3-10 minutes).

3

Grease Layer Formation

Floating fats and oils accumulate as a grease layer on the water surface. Baffles prevent this layer from flowing out with the effluent, retaining FOG within the separator.

4

Clarified Water Outlet

A submerged outlet baffle draws clarified water from the middle zone, below the grease layer and above settled solids, directing it to the drainage system.

5

Regular Maintenance

Periodic pumping removes accumulated grease and solids. Automated monitoring systems alert when capacity is reached, ensuring maintenance occurs before efficiency degrades.

Benefits

Key Advantages

  • Prevents costly drain blockages and emergency plumbing calls
  • Protects pumps and biological treatment from FOG interference
  • Ensures compliance with local discharge regulations and plumbing codes
  • Available in sizes from small passive traps to large active separators
  • Simple gravity separation requires no energy input
  • Durable construction in fiberglass, polyethylene, or stainless steel
  • Optional automated grease removal reduces maintenance frequency

Applications

Industries & Use Cases

Restaurant KitchensHotel Food ServiceFood Processing PlantsMeat Processing FacilitiesBakeries & ConfectioneriesInstitutional KitchensFast Food OutletsCafeterias & CateringDairy ProcessingFood Manufacturing

Discuss This Solution with Our Engineers

Let our team help you evaluate if fat traps & grease separators is the right fit for your project.