Albert Robbat, Jr. Tufts University, Chemistry Department

Transcription

1 A Collaboration Between Tufts University and the City of Somerville Aim Elimination of Fat, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Buildup Using a Protein-based Degreaser Albert Robbat, Jr. Tufts University, Chemistry Department albert.robbat@tufts.edu, Anthony Sillari City of Somerville, Chief Plumbing & Gas Inspector asillari@somervillema.gov, ext 5633

2 FOG is a Problem Everywhere Creates problems for homeowners, commercial restaurants, schools, universities, and hospitals Creates blockages in sink traps, interceptor wells, and underground pipes Results in inefficient operations and increasing maintenance costs Results in fines when FOG concentrations exceed regulatory limits

3 How do we deal with it? constrained space access, timeconsuming and costly cleanouts dangerous sodium hydroxide ineffective bacteria and enzymes

4 The Solution Protein Matrix is a patent-pending technology that converts FOG into salts of fatty acids. The degreaser is A mixture of proteins and polypeptides extracted from plants Water-based Non-toxic, non-volatile, non-flammable Biodegradable Environmentally safe Contains NO bacteria or enzymes

5 Mechanism of Action The degreaser converts FOG to a liquid byproduct that remains in solution by disrupting the intermolecular forces that form FOG FOG into much smaller compounds that are soluble in water Protein Matrix prevents FOG buildup in pipes, interceptors, and lift stations and reduces maintenance and cleaning costs

6 Protein Matrix Makes Liquid Soap

7 Fat Conversion Triolein Pre-treatment Triolein treated with Oleic Acid = = Triolein has been converted to oleic acid!

8 Grease Trap Study Pre-pilot: Facilities contracted Wind River to pump traps quarterly Some traps backed before scheduled pumping, increasing maintenance costs Pilot: Designed and built an automated spray application system Each night 15 to 20 oz of Protein Matrix was sprayed into the trap Questions: Did PM convert the mat of FOG into a flowable liquid without cleaning the trap prior to application Once cleaned, did PM keep the trap clean and flowing

9 Dining Hall Results

10 After 1-Month Tufts Results After 2-months Kitchen Bakery

11 Concentration Overtime

12 Tufts Pipes Cleaner Before After

13 McDonald s, Jennersville (PA) Despite installing two 1500 gal gravity interceptor wells, which are pumped every other month, the restaurant continued to exceed FOG compliance levels Aqua America (PA), a $4 billion wastewater treatment plant owner and operator, suggested McDonald s test the degreaser under normal operating conditions Unlike the tufts pilot, Protein Matrix was dosed continually into the floor drain Water quality parameters were measured for both interceptor influent and effluent streams

14 McDonald s Results GGI 1 (inlet) GGI 1 (outlet) GGI 2 (inlet) Prior to treatment and after 1-month of buildup After 3- months of treatment Video Video 14 Video

15 McDonald s FOG Levels Decreased Fat, ioil, &Grease (FOG) mg/l McDonald's Jennersville Pilot Study Influent Breakdown Maintenance breakdown of preexisting Fat maintenance period Free of FOG mats

16 Dramatic Improvement in Effluent Quality sample datehjv cbod (mg/l) FOG (mg/l) TSS (mg/l) N AMMONIA (mg/l) P (mg/l) 10-Feb Feb Mar Mar Apr Apr May May Jun Jun Jul Jul Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Jan Jan Feb Feb Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan Feb Feb Mar Mar Apr May May Jun

17 McDonald s Pipes Before After

18 Vent Degreaser Bakery Rack Video

19 Pilot Study

20 Summary These studies demonstrate Protein Matrix Prevents FOG accumulation grease traps and interceptor wells Reduces risk of FOG buildup in pipes Reduces risk of exceeding regulatory limits and, in turn, fines Decrease long-term maintenance and operations costs

21 Acknowledgements Post-doctoral fellows, PhD, Patrick Antle and Christian Zeigler Thomas Atmer, undergraduate, BS Tufts University facilities and plumbers