Grease Interceptors - Hydromechanical, what does it mean?

The 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code made some interesting changes in chapter 10 relating to grease traps that have some people confused.  Lets clear it up.

For years the term "Grease Trap" was used to define  "A plumbing appurtenance or appliance that is installed in a sanitary drainage system to intercept nonpetroleum fats, oil, and greases (FOG) from a wastewater discharge."  The device was commonly used as a point of use interceptor servicing a specific fixture.  Until the 2006 code changes these devices were limited to a maximum of 4 drainage fixtures.

Now we have a new term "Hydromechanical Grease Interceptor".  It is defined as "A plumbing appurtenance or appliance that is installed in a sanitary drainage system to intercept nonpetroleum fats, oil, and greases (FOG) from a wastewater discharge and is identified by flow rate, and separation and retention efficiency.  The design incorporates air entrainment, hydromechanical separation, interior baffling, and / or barriers in combination or separately..."  These devices are required under the code to control the flow rate entering the device with either an external flow control or a built-in flow control (non-external), either directly connected or indirectly connected to the sewer system.  These devices are allowed a maximum of 720 drainage fixture units (DFU) according to Table 10-2 of the code.

That definition may need a bit of explaining.  Lets simplify it.  A Hydromechanical Grease Interceptor is a device that separates and stores grease (FOG) and is commonly used inside a restaurant for point of use grease separation.  These devices are "generally" installed inside.

Are all Hydromechanical Grease Interceptors alike?  The short answer is no.

For years manufacturers have used the same old technology for grease traps.  The basic design is a metal container with baffles inside staged in such a manner as to lengthen the flow path.  An external flow control is provided to restrict the flow rate entering the unit to its certified capacity.  This external flow control requires a "vent" or better stated an air-intake.  A certified device is required to separate and store twice as much FOG in pounds as its rated flow capacity.  For example a 25 gpm unit is required to separated and store 50 pounds of grease.

Schier Products manufacturers a Hydromechanical Grease Interceptor, however this is not the same old technology.  Schier has revolutionized the industry by eliminating internal baffles and placing the flow control device inside the unit.  The new technology is far superior and much more efficient than traditional grease traps.  This is accomplished by the Diffusion Flow technology.  This technology utilizes a wide open container in combination with an inlet Diffuser that captures and dissipates the energy and turbulence in the entering effluent.  The net effect is a smooth flowing waste stream which allows the FOG to separate naturally and very quickly.  In fact this technology is so effective that our 25 gpm unit will actually separate and store 98 pounds of grease.  Thats nearly twice the capacity of a traditional design.

Hydromechanical Grease Interceptors; the new term for a grease trap.  Although these are commonly available today remember that not all designs are alike.  Consider the advantages of a Schier Products Hydromechanical Grease Interceptor for your next project.