Method of Continuous Temperature Stabilization and Effluent Cooling Using Bioremediation Elements inside Grease Interceptors, FOG's, Vaults and other Waste Collection Enclosures

Abstract

A method to continuously stabilize and cool effluent temperatures in FOG (Fats, Oils and Greases) discharged into Grease Traps (GT) or Grease Interceptors (GI). Temperature stabilization/cooling became necessary with the introduction of water efficient dish washing systems that produce discharge water too high in temperature to maintain a functioning grease interceptor/trap. This temperature stabilization/cooling is achieved with Bio-Elements located inside the grease interceptor or grease trap, therefore representing an in-situ process.

Temperature stabilization/cooling is achieved by continuously measuring the effluents' temperature inside the FOG enclosure and by controlling air pumps to achieve the necessary cooling to restore the GT/GI designed function. Said air supplies the needed oxygen to maintain an aerobic biofilm suitable for bioremediation, maintain flow through the Bio-Elements, and also to cool the effluent, which is typically too high in temperature to enable effective bioremediation or function of a grease interceptor.

Claims

1-9. (canceled)

10. A method of treating wastewater in a chamber, waste enclosure or vault comprising of: (a) feeding wastewater into said chamber, (b) providing an elongated substantially vertical enclosure having a base with at least one inflow opening resting on the bottom of said chamber and an upper substantially solid-walled portion terminating at an upper opening at or below a liquid level within said chamber, (C) providing a plurality of substantially vertical arranged bio media supporting a microbial film within said upper portion of said enclosure, (d) aerating said wastewater by generating a Venturi effect through and around said bio media by an aerator located between said inflow opening and a bottom of said bio media, (e) said air from aerator providing means of heat exchange within said wastewater, (f) removing treated wastewater from said chamber.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said wastewater contains Fats, Oils and/or Grease (FOG).

12. The method of claim 1, wherein said wastewater exceeds a temperature of 24 C. (75 F.).

13. The method of claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is positioned to communicate the temperature of said wastewater in the close proximity of said biofilm to a pump and temperature controller.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein said air from aerator providing means of heat exchange is controlled by a pump and temperature controller.

15. The method of claim 4, wherein said pump and temperature controls volume of said aeration.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein said air from aerator providing means of heat exchange may be previously cooled by external means.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein said aeration provides the oxygen to maintain aerobic bioremediation.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein said aeration generates sufficient lift to maintain liquid circulation throughout said vertical enclosure and chamber simultaneously.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein said aeration generates sufficient heat exchange to act as a heat sink.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein said aeration generates sufficient cooling to reduce said wastewater temperature to a level sufficient to maintain aerobic bioremediation, typically between 24 C. (75 F) and 40 C. (104 F.).

21. The method of claim 1, wherein said aeration generates sufficient cooling to reduce said wastewater temperature to a level capable of maintaining gravity-based FOG and water separation, typically between 24 C. (75 F.) and 40 C. (104 F.).

22. The method of claim 1, wherein said aeration generates sufficient cooling/heat exchange to reduce said wastewater temperature to a level capable of maintaining air entrapment-based FOG and water separation, typically between 24 C. (75 F.) and 40 C. (104 F.).

Description

Drawing

[0022] Applicant has included one drawing sheet explaining the improved Bio-Element function and cooling set up.

[0023] FIG. 1: An elevated front perspective cut away view of the devices installed in a typical layout for a grease interceptor including all components needed for effective effluent cooling.

DRAWING AGENDA

[0024] 1 Temperature Controller, PLC or similar device [0025] 2 Pump Controller such as PAC, VFD or relay [0026] 3 Temperature Sensor [0027] 4 Bio-Elements as in U.S. Pat. No. 7,615,156 [0028] 5 Air Pump(s) [0029] 6 Water or Ambient Air contactless infrared temperature sensor

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0030] As FSE discharge temperatures are now officially an area of growing concern, an effective way of cooling this effluent is needed without compromising the established protocols in dealing with FOG waste. Particularly, the formation of turbulence is not allowed, drastically limiting ways of cooling the effluent in situ. Applicants' novel approach solves the issue elegantly as it operates within all applicable codes especially the ASME 112 14.6 Standard governing internal grease disposal systems.

[0031] Applicants' novel cooling system is being installed at a site at the Miami International Airport and has therefore achieved commercial success.

[0032] Applicant believes this invention is an important, novel, un-obvious and significant expansion of the capabilities of the original Bio-Element as described in the previous invention titled Device for In Situ Bioremediation of Liquid Waste-U.S. Pat. No. 7,615,156 B2 issued Nov. 10, 2009. Given the severe impact of non-functioning GI/GT's and its impact on both the plumbing and sewer system, applicant believes the improvements are significant, important and timely.