Many industrial processes produce wastewater with high levels of fats and oils. This means that without FOG removal it can cause costly inefficiencies and damage to equipment and treatment systems.
FOG is more difficult than other wastewater materials to biodegrade biologically. It can also congeal on the surfaces of pipes, tanks, digesters and monitoring equipment, which makes efficient and safe FOG removal so imperative, but how?
Protect downstream systems by capturing fats, oils, and grease for FOG removal
These wastewater deposits can reduce treatment effectiveness, cause blockages, clogging, and choking of treatment systems and decrease the sludge digestibility ability of microorganisms involved in wastewater treatment processes.
It is also one the most expensive pollutants to discharge to a municipal sewer.
FOG removal can be dealt with by capturing it early in the treatment process before sensitive equipment and technology has a chance to catch it.
What is the cause of FOG in industrial wastewater and the best form of FOG Removal
FOG removal is an integral process in purifying common organic material. Many industrial sectors and processes use it as a source of fat, oil, and grease. FOG can end up in industrial wastewater. This is because it can be used as a component of processed water or wash water. FOG is most common in the food and beverage sectors, however, these are not the only areas that could be affected by this type of material.
FOG is a mixture of fatty substances, as its name implies, and requires specific FOG removal protocols. Generally, FOG refers to chemically long-chain organic molecules. In more common terminology, it refers to food-based products such as butter, dairy products, and animal fats. However, it can also be referred to as hydraulic oils and other lubricants that could be found in machinery or transport vehicles.
Therefore, any industrial process that involves animal or plant products is especially vulnerable to FOG sources. However, FOG also includes lubricants and machinery oils so many industries have to deal with FOG removal so it doesn't end up in its wastewater or wash water.
What are the effects of FOG on industrial wastewater treatment?
The most damaging effects FOG has on industrial wastewater treatment systems is its ability to settle, accumulate, and deposit on various surfaces. This causes clogging, which can lead to total blockage over time. It also reduces the efficiency of the treatment equipment, which is especially true for filters, screens, pipes, and pumps.
Some examples of what happens without proper FOG removal includes recent news stories of massive "fatbergs," which are large deposits of FOG that have been found in the sewers. These fatbergs can block underground sewer pipes and cause impediments.
What is the best way to implement FOG removal from industrial wastewater treatment?
Although it is possible to treat FOG at different stages of wastewater treatment (enzymatic digestion being one example), it is always better to catch it early on in the process.
Although gravity traps and skimmers are simple, they can be difficult to maintain and inspect as a form of FOG removal.
For more questions about FOG removal on either a large industrial scale or for your personal home space, reach out to our office: 630.509.2488