Fighting fatbergs


Brightwell uses automated drain dosing systems to fight against the build-up of fat, oil and grease in drains that cause fatbergs.


For businesses that prepare and serve food to customers, the build-up of fat, oil and grease in their drains and sewers can be bad news, as it can lead to foul smells and blocked and overflowing drains and sewers. Therefore, it is advised that businesses invest in appropriate equipment to prevent this from happening. The solution can come in the form of automated drain dosing equipment.


The built-up of fats, oils and grease, known as FOGs, in drains and sewers has long been recognised as a problem. The topic became the focus of attention in recent years, when a 15-tonne ball of congealed fat was found under the streets of Kingston upon Thames in 2013 and was described as a ‘fatberg’.


A study by Channel 4, in conjunction with Thames Water, aired on TV earlier this year, analysed the contents of one supersize fatberg and the forensic analysis revealed that cooking fat is the biggest contributor to the mass, making up nearly 90% of the sample.


Thames Water’s fatberg fighting trial campaign in 2017 found that more than 95% of food outlets visited did not have effective equipment and processes in place for disposing of FOGs. Since then, Thames Water has employed more staff for their above-ground fatberg fighting team with the aim of reducing the number of sewer blockages caused by commercial kitchens.


All businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, hospitals and care homes – the places that produce FOGs in huge quantities – should face up to the issue of incorrect waste disposal and review their grease management system to stop the build-up of fatbergs at source.


One grease management solution comes in the form of automated drain dosing equipment, where a measured and timed dose of an enzyme-based solution is automatically released into the waste pipe close to the kitchen sinks and dishwashers. This chemical helps to break down grease, food and oil, to prevent it from building up and potentially blocking drains.


How does automated drain dosing work?


A programmable peristaltic dosing pump, either battery or mains operated, will be wall mounted either in a cabinet containing both the pump and the drain dosing chemical, or as a separate wall-mounted pump with the drain dosing chemical bottle located nearby. The tubing from the dosing pump will be fixed with a tank connector into the drainage pipework close to the kitchen sink area or dishwasher.


The drain dosing chemical which is specifically cultured to act on fats, oils and grease begins its work once released into the drains and helps with the breaking down of grease,


64 | CHEMICALS & DOSING EQUIPMENT


food and oil to keep drain pipes clear of any FOG build-up that may potentially block the drains.


Regular dosing creates a living grease digestion culture within the drainage system, continuously providing protection from the build-up of the fats, oils and grease, associated odour and potential pest infestation. Drain dosing systems should always be considered as part of a grease management system and not as a standalone solution.


Ensures clear drains


The use of automated drain dosing pumps keeps the drainage system clear of FOGs. Allowing the grease to build up is not only inconvenient but can be unhygienic and costly to your business. It results in bad odours and blockages, leaves a poor impression, causes complaints, and can even result in fines. Keeping drains clear prevents this.


"All businesses should face up to


the issue of incorrect waste disposal and review their grease management system to stop the build-up of fatbergs"


Efficiency


Traditionally, managing grease was by using only a grease trap. However, you had to wait for the grease to rise to the surface and then dispose of it yourself or pay a specialist.


Automated dosing systems are programmable, allowing the dosing cycles to run automatically and efficiently. Businesses have the freedom to program the system to dose at the most suitable times, for example during the night, to maximise the effectiveness of the enzymatic products. This also eliminates the manual process of pouring chemicals into the drains, which has a potential element of human error and health and safety risk.


Reducing risks


When using grease traps, staff have to manually clear the build-up of grease, which is a tough job. The waste must then be properly disposed of and great care needs to be taken to avoid spillage and contamination of the surrounding areas.


Automated drain dosing releases an enzyme, which helps break down the grease so that it washes away easily without the need for human intervention.


Chemicals in their pure form are hazardous. Drain dosing systems ensure the safety of staff by removing contact with the chemical. This increases user-safety as automated dosing handles the chemicals for you.


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