초록 ▼

The automatic grease separator receives wastewater containing grease and other light fluids, separates the water portion from the light fluids portion, and stores the light fluids portion. A computer is used to control the operation of separator functions including automatic transfer of light fluids

The automatic grease separator receives wastewater containing grease and other light fluids, separates the water portion from the light fluids portion, and stores the light fluids portion. A computer is used to control the operation of separator functions including automatic transfer of light fluids from the separator to grease containers and automatic shut-down of the separator when its capacity is exceeded. Warning devices which indicate malfunction or the need for maintenance also are controlled by the computer. The grease separator uses grease level sensors based on capacitive level sensing. These sensors are insensitive to coating of the sensors by grease and oil. The grease and other light fluids are maintained in a fluid phase by the thermostatic-controlled addition of hot water. This feature provides an added element of safety by eliminating the need to heat the separator by a resistant heater which introduces the possibility of a grease fire.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [5.] The process of separating wastewater comprising mixtures of light fluids and water into light fluids and water using an automatic separator having a grease interceptor with a wall upon which first and second capacitance sensors are mounted, the first capacitance sensor mounted on t

[ We claim:] [5.] The process of separating wastewater comprising mixtures of light fluids and water into light fluids and water using an automatic separator having a grease interceptor with a wall upon which first and second capacitance sensors are mounted, the first capacitance sensor mounted on the grease interceptor wall above the second capacitance sensor, a shut-off valve which prevents entry of wastewater into the grease interceptor when closed, a thermostat for sensing the temperature in the grease interceptor, a supply of hot water to the grease interceptor, a hot water valve which controls the flow of hot water into the grease interceptor, a pump which pumps light fluids from the grease interceptor into a grease bucket, an automatic grease valve which when open allows removal of light fluids from the grease interceptor, comprising the steps:a. sensing the temperature of wastewater in the grease interceptor in the automatic separator with the thermostat,b. opening the hot water valve and allowing the flow of hot water into the grease interceptor when the temperature of the wastewater is below a preset value,c. closing the hot water valve when the temperature of the wastewater is above a preset value,d. sensing the level of light fluids in the grease interceptor using a first capacitance sensor located on the grease interceptor wall,e. opening the automatic grease valve when the first capacitance sensor is immersed in light fluids,f. pumping light fluids from the grease interceptor into a grease bucket,g. closing the automatic grease valve after a pre-set interval,h. sensing the weight of the grease bucket to determine when it is filled and replacing the filled grease bucket with an empty bucket,i. sensing the level of light fluids at the second capacitance sensor located on the grease interceptor wall below the first capacitance sensor, andj. closing the shut-off valve thereby preventing entry of wastewater into the grease interceptor when the second capacitance sensor is immersed in light fluids.