APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF FATS, OIL AND GREASE

Abstract

An apparatus for collection and disposal of fats, oil and grease that includes a fabric container having at least one open end, a biogradable material capable of absorbing a large quantity of fats, oil and grease positioned in the container through the open end, the container and biogradable material adapted for being placed in a source of fats, oil and/or grease for absorbing the fats, oil and/or grease for removal from the source and for transport to a location for processing.

Claims

1. An apparatus for collection and disposal of fats, oil and grease, comprising: a. a container formed of a fabric having a multiplicity of openings and at least one open end; b. the container adapted to receive an absorbent material into the container capable of absorbing a quantity of fats, oil and grease, the container and biogradable material adapted for being placed in a source of fats, oil and/or grease for absorbing the fats, oil and/or grease for removal from the source and for transport to a location for processing; and c. a closure for closing the open end of the container with the biodegradable material positioned within the container.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fabric is a geotextile.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fabric is a biodegradable material.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the fabric is constructed of a biodegradable yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, hemp, ramie or jute.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the fabric is constructed of a synthetic yarn.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fabric has an apparent opening size (AOS) of 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container is a tube.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the tube includes one closed end and an open end adapted for being closed after being filled with the absorbent material.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the tube includes an element adapted for receiving an elongate cord for allowing the tube to be lowered into and raised out of a source of FOG and to be tethered proximate the source of FOG.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fats, oil and/or grease absorbent material is selected from the group consisting of sphagnum peat and mushroom compost.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container is a three dimensional mat.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the mat includes one closed end and an open end adapted for being closed after being filled with the absorbent material.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the mat includes an element adapted for attaching an elongate cord to the mat for allowing the mat to be lowered into and raised out of a source of fats, oil and/or grease and to be tethered proximate the source of fats, oil and/or grease.

14. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the fats, oil and/or grease absorbent material is selected from the group consisting of sphagnum peat and mushroom compost.

15. A method of capturing and disposing of fats, oil and/or grease, comprising the steps of: a. providing a porous container formed of a fabric having at least one open end; b. positioning in the container an absorbent material capable of absorbing a quantity of fats, oil and grease through the porous fabric of the container; c. placing the container and biogradable material contained therein in a source of fats, oil and/or grease for absorbing the fats, oil and/or grease; d. removing the container of absorbent material and absorbed fat, oil and/or grease from the source of fats, oil and/or grease; and e. transporting the removed container and the absorbent material, fats, oil and/or grease contained therein to a location for processing.

16. The method of claim 15, and including the step of incinerating the container, the absorbed material and absorbed fats, oil and/or grease.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of providing a container comprises the step of providing a tube adapted to receive the absorbent material.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of providing a container comprises the step of providing a mat adapted to receive the absorbent material.

19. The method of claim 16, and including the step of tethering the container proximate the source of fats, oil and/or grease.

20. The method of claim 16, and including the step of providing a closure for closing the open end of the container with the biodegradable material positioned within the container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the geotextile container in tube form according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0043] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, enlarged end view of the tube of FIG. 1, shown in an open positon for receiving a quantity of sphagnum peat material or other absorbent material;

[0044] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a geotextile container in mat form according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0045] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-section of the geotextile mat with sphagnum peat material or other absorbent material contained in the mat;

[0046] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a typical restaurant grease trap showing placement and use of the geotextile tube to absorb FOG; and

[0047] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view that shows the location of the absorbent mat in a cross section of a typical grease trap at a restaurant or auto maintenance facility.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] Referring now to the drawings, a container in the form of a tube 10 for use in the present invention is shown in the FIGS. 1-2, as noted. The tube 10 may be constructed according to many suitable constructions, but one construction comprises an elongate tube 10 that is formed of a geotextile fabric 12 that may be constructed by circular knitting, flat knitting, weaving, non-woven formation or any other fabric construction having a multitude of openings through the thickness of the fabric 12. The fabric 12 is preferably seamed along its length to form the tube 10. The tube 10 may be constructed of a synthetic, biodegradable or natural material. The fabric 12 of the tube 10 may be constructed of any suitable natural or biodegradable/synthetic yarn, for example, with a natural fiber such as cotton, hemp, ramie, jute or similar material because of its biodegradable characteristics, with apparent opening size (AOS) on the order of 0.25 to 0.5 mm depending on the size of the sphagnum peat or mushroom compost absorbent material. The empty tube 10 may be any suitable length and diameter, for example, 60 cm to 120 cm long and 7 cm to 15 cm in diameter depending on the size of the grease trap and the FOG loading from the restaurant or auto repair facility. As manufactured, the tube 10 is preferably closed at one end and filled from the opposite, open end. The open end of the filled tube 10 may be closed with any suitable closure, such as stitching, clips or tied off with cord at the top of the grease trap or other FOG separating and collection structure.

[0049] The tube 10 may include an opening 14 on either or both ends to receive a cord 16, as shown in FIG. 5, by which the tube 10 may be lowered into and retrieved from a grease trap or other enclosure and tethered to the grease trap or other structure while in use.

[0050] One or more coatings may be applied to the fabric 12 to prevent penetration of the fabric 12 surface by water or aqueous salts thereby allowing the fabric 12 substrate to be non-absorbent for water or soluble salts.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a container in the form of a mat 20 for use in the present invention is shown in the FIGS. 3-4, as noted. The mat 20 may be constructed according to many suitable constructions, but one construction comprises a rectangular “box” shape that is formed of a geotextile fabric 22 that may be constructed by circular knitting, flat knitting, weaving, non-woven formation or any other fabric construction having a multitude of openings through the thickness of the fabric 22. The fabric 22 is preferably seamed along its length and width to form the mat 20. The mat 20 may be constructed of a synthetic, biodegradable or natural material. The fabric 22 of the mat 20 may be constructed of any suitable natural or biodegradable/synthetic yarn, for example, a natural fiber such as cotton, hemp, ramie, jute or similar material because of its biodegradable characteristics, with apparent opening size (AOS) on the order of 0.25 to 0.5 mm depending on the size of the sphagnum peat or mushroom compost absorbent material. The empty mat 20 may be any suitable length, width and height, for example, 60 cm to 120 cm long, 30 cm to 60 cm long and 10 cm to 20 cm in height depending on the size of the grease trap and the FOG loading from the restaurant or auto repair facility. As manufactured, the mat 20 is preferably closed at one end and filled from the opposite, open end. The open end of the filled mat 20 may be closed with any suitable closure, such as stitching, clips, or snaps 24. The mat 20 may be seamed in such manner as to create individual compartments within the mat 20.

[0052] The mat 20 may include a loop 26 to receive a cord by which the mat 20 may be lowered into and retrieved from a grease trap or other enclosure and tethered to the grease trap or other structure while in use.

[0053] One or more coatings may be applied to the fabric 22 to prevent penetration of the fabric 22 surface by water or aqueous salts thereby allowing the fabric 22 substrate to be non-absorbent for water or soluble salts.

[0054] The preferable FOG absorbent material filled into the mat 20 is a specialized form of sphagnum peat “SP” or mushroom compost materials.

[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates placement of a tube 10 proximate an entrance to a grease trap, and tethering the tube 10 with the cord 16 as described above to remain proximate to the grease trap entrance.

[0056] FIG. 6 illustrates placement of the tube 10 in a grease trap relative to other components of a conventional grease trap structure.

[0057] The following step by step process is expected for typical use and implementation of the FOG product and collection process. The process is explained with reference to the tube 10, but will be essentially the same when using the mat 20.

[0058] STEP 1: Introduce the tube 10 with selected sphagnum peat “SP” or mushroom compost into the grease trap or other FOG collection structure. Tether the tube 10 with cord 16 so that it stays at the influent end of the grease trap, and is the optimal location of FOG collection. Prior to placement in the grease trap, weigh the dry tube 10 so that a ‘before and after” measure of FOG collection can be established.

[0059] STEP 2: After consultation with local water and sewer regulatory officials and the owner of the FOG collection device or grease trap, setup of a regular interval to remove and replace the FOG collection absorbent tube 10. From past experience, the best way to initiate the use of the FOG remediation technology is to start off as a regulatory approved Demonstration Project where the approach and results are measured and evaluated.

[0060] STEP 3: Depending on the interval for removal and collection of the FOG absorbent tube 10, arrange for storage in covered and secured FOG containers to avoid attracting small animals and rodents that are common in and around restaurants and auto repair facilities.

[0061] STEP 4: Transport and dispose of the FOG absorbent tube 10, mat 20 or other suitable container to a regulated, Subtitle D lined disposal facility, or to a sewage sludge incinerator (SSI). If disposed of at an SSI facility, the FOG tube 10 is then part of waste to energy, renewable energy fuel source.

[0062] The advantage of the FOG process using the tube 10 or mat 20 is that it safely and cost effectively separates FOG in the grease trap before it is mixed with large volumes of water and emsulsified waste liquids. Separation after the fact is difficult and expensive.

[0063] The FOG absorbent tube 10 works for FOG collection because the sphagnum peat “SP” or mushroom compost materials are highly absorbent natural materials that separate the FOG from liquids or water. The absorbing characteristics are a combination of increased surface area and natural filtering processes, similar to that provided by charcoal or activated carbon. A slightly larger AOS in the filtering geotextile fabric 12 will allow more of the natural absorbing and geochemical attraction between the sphagnum peat “SP” to have better contact with the surface FOG materials to attract and collect it from the liquids/water. This approach reduces the tendency or emulsification of the FOG into the grease trap so that frequency of the grease trap pumping and remixing of the FOG and water/liquid will be reduced. Collecting the FOG from the surface of the grease trap is much more efficient and cost effective.

[0064] Collecting the FOG from the surface of grease traps substantially reduces the volume of mixed FOG and liquids that are the cause of significant maintenance problems in sewer systems, and the cause of difficult to apply sludge materials that are typically utilized on farmland. FOG offer little or no benefit for improving macro and micro nutrients on farmland because it is resistant to biodegradation and has little or no nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (i.e. PKN). See Use of Peat in the Treatment of Oily Waters, G. N. Mathavan & T. Viraraghavan, 1989

[0065] Estimate of the absorbing qualities of peat moss appear to be the range of 5 to 10 kg/m.sup.2 per FOG tube 10 per week. This will be an area of applied research and measurement during future demonstration projects.

[0066] Polar molecules have a positive charge on one end and a negative charge on the other end. Non-polar molecules do not have two electrical poles and the electrons are distributed symmetrically on both sides. FOG is composed of organic non-polar compounds. Water is a polar solvent. Only polar compounds or other polar solvents will mix with water. Therefore, non-polar FOG will not readily mix with water. Depending on the source, FOG has a density of approximately 0.863-0.926 g/cm.sup.3. Water has a density of approximately 1.000 g/cm.sup.3. The lesser density will float on top of the greater density substance if it does not mix, thus non-polar FOG floats on water because it does not mix and gravity exerts more pull on the greater density water molecules. Water molecules are relatively small because they are only composed of one oxygen and two hydrogen molecules (H.sup.2O). They therefore pack closely together in a space. Molecules of oil are large and have complicated shapes, thus requiring more space than water molecules. This is why oil is less dense than water.

[0067] A few oils having densities less than water are known to be polar compounds and can mix with water and therefore not float on the water's surface.

[0068] Thus, polarity and density both contribute to oil floating on water.

[0069] Polarity is a relative term. On a sliding scale, some oils are more or less polar than others are and have both polar and non-polar attributions Also, the heating of oils and interaction with other organic compounds it is exposed to during heating, can change the oil's chemical composition, and thus change the relative polarity.

[0070] The above referenced principles permit the method of this application to work as intended and as developed.

[0071] Furthere evidence supporting the “charge” principle is found at Fats, Oil and Grease Science, Dothan, Ala. Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Science https://www.dothan.org/DocumentCenter/View/3032/FOG-Science?bidId=

[0072] An apparatus and method for collection and disposal of fats, oil and grease according to the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and examples. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by the claims.