When it comes to Grease Interceptors  Smaller Works Better  Questions and answers on the Florida Building Code and Schier’s Great Basin Series Grease Interceptors Find more information at: http://www.rslsales.com/grease

Q.

What changed in the Florida Building Code?

A.

In April, 2009 The Florida Building Commission adopted new code language for Grease Traps & Grease Interceptors, now collectively called Grease Interceptors. This code section is 1003.3 in the Florida Plumbing Code. The new code language now requires that all grease interceptors that are connected to a municipal (public) sewer system must comply with a strict national standard relating to grease interceptors (either ASME A112.14.3 or PDI G101). In addition to complying with all of the requirements of the listed standards, they must also be third-party tested by a recognized and approved testing laboratory to assure that they meet the requirements of the standard. Previously, Florida went by the “750 minimum – 1,250 gallon maximum rule”. The old code requirements did not have any minimum performance criteria. The 750 minimum, 1,250 gallon maximum rule now only applies to installations that are connected to an on-site (septic) system.

Q.

Does this apply to all grease interceptors, both indoors and outdoors?

A.

Yes. The code requires that all grease interceptors that are connected to a municipal sewer meet the requirements of ASME A112.14.3 or PDI G101. If the grease interceptor is connected to an on-site treatment system (a septic tank) then the grease interceptor must still be a minimum of 750 gallons, and a maximum of 1,250 gallons.

Q.

What is the ASME A112.14.3 or PDI-G101 Standard?

A.

Although they are two different standards, they are very similar. The main focus of both standards is to assure a baseline grease removal efficiency. In order to meet the requirements of both standards the grease interceptor

must remove a minimum of 90% of the FOGs (fats, oils, and greases) from the greasy water coming into the grease interceptor.

Q.

The new grease interceptors that meet the ASME or PDI standards are much smaller. How can they possibly work?

A.

Concrete grease interceptors need to be large. They depend on a large volume of water and a determined retention time to separate grease. This is called a “gravity style” grease interceptor. The larger the volume of water, and the slower the flow, the better they work. Schier grease interceptors are “Hydro-Mechanical” grease interceptors. They do not depend on a large volume of water, or a set retention time, to separate the grease. They work by directing the flow of water through an inlet diffuser that creates a patterned flow. This starts the separation of grease immediately, and separates the grease more efficiently. Hydro-Mechanical grease interceptors are smaller, yet they separate grease more efficiently, and store more grease. They are also much less affected by high flow rates. They achieve the same separation efficiency all the way up to their rated flow. Concrete interceptors are subject to “channeling” and pass through more grease at higher flow rates, or as they start to fill up.

1000 Gallon concrete gravity interceptor Estimated Grease Capacity = 933 Lbs. (per Old Castle Precast products, manufacturer) drawings not to scale-

Schier GB-250 100 G.P.M. Interceptor Proven Grease Capacity = 1,076 Lbs. (according to NSF Test Results)

Q.

How do I know if the grease interceptor I am considering meets the requirements of the Florida Building Code?

A.

In order for a grease interceptor to meet either ASME A112.14.3 or PDI G101 they must be third-party tested and certified. This means that the manufacturer must send their product to a recognized and approved testing laboratory. That lab tests the grease trap to see if it meets all of the requirements of the standard, and removes the required amount of grease. If the grease trap meets the requirements, the lab issues a certificate of approval. This current approval certificate must be produced by the manufacturer on demand. Per the requirements of the standard, the product must also be clearly labeled with the ASME or PDI approval seal.

Q.

Do concrete grease traps meet these requirements?

A.

Currently, concrete grease interceptors do not meet the requirements of the Florida Building Code. They are not certified to either ASME A112.14.3 or PDI G101. There is also no third-party testing on concrete grease interceptors, so there is no independent testing that assures their performance.

Q.

We have always used concrete grease interceptors. They must work, right?

A.

Concrete grease interceptors do work. However, they are not as efficient as the hydro-mechanical interceptors that meet the requirements of ASME A112.14.3 or PDI G101. That is why the Florida Building commission has adopted this new code requirement. It is generally accepted (as noted in the WERF report*) that concrete grease interceptors, when properly maintained, remove approximately 70%-80% of the FOG’s (fats, oils, and greases). This is below the 90% minimum requirement of both ASME A.112.14.3 and PDI G101. *The WERF Report can be found online at (copy and paste this link in your browser): http:/www.decentralizedwater.org/documents/03-CTS16T/03CTS16TAweb.pdf

Q.

Do I have to pump the new grease interceptors more often?

A.

No. When sized correctly, a ninety day pump-out time is normal (unless your municipality has a different prescribed pump out schedule). As with all grease interceptors, responsible maintenance is important for maximum

efficiency. No grease interceptor will perform properly if not properly maintained.

Q.

What about installations in traffic areas?

A.

All Schier Great Basin grease interceptors are H20 Traffic Rated

Q.

I thought that Hydro-Mechanical grease interceptors were “under sink” units. Can they be used outdoors?

A.

Hydro-Mechanical grease interceptors have been around for many years. They did get their start with “under sink” units that were smaller and typically found in the kitchen area. With the trend to get grease interceptors outside, and wanting to take advantage of the better grease separation of HydroMechanical design, several manufacturers have introduced outdoor HydroMechanical interceptors. Schier introduced the Great Basin series almost ten years ago. In addition to meeting all of the requirements of the ASME standard, it also meets all of the structural loading requirements of ASTM C890-06. This is the crush strength standard used by concrete tank manufacturers. All Schier Great Basin interceptors are significantly stronger then concrete interceptors, can be direct buried (with no vaulting) to 8 feet deep, and come standard with traffic rated manhole covers.

Q.

How do I size the new grease interceptors?

A.

This is an area where the new standards really improve on the performance of grease interceptors. Instead of using a “best guess” formula of seats in the restaurant x the hours of operation, the new interceptors are sized precisely by flow rate. By adding up the flow from each fixture, you calculate the expected flow rate. The interceptor is then sized by G.P.M. flow. A guide to sizing can be found online at: http://schierproducts.com/pdf/temp/GIQuickRef_Florida.pdf

Q.

I have seen fiberglass and plastic grease interceptors before that looked very flimsy. Are these grease traps like that?

A.

No, not at all. They are constructed of HDPE (The same material being used for water mains throughout the country). They are very thick walled, and extremely strong. They also carry the industry’s only Lifetime Warranty Although not a very scientific test, their strength can be seen on YouTube by entering “Schier grease traps”. In one video, you will see a Schier GB-250 being taken 20 feet in the air and then launched from a forklift. It is then repeatedly beaten with a 16 pound sledge hammer. It had no effect on the grease interceptor.

Q.

Can they be placed in series (one after the other), or in parallel (one next to another with a distribution manifold)?

A.

We recommend installation in series for installations up to 100 G.PM. For installations over 100 G.P.M. we will gladly provide recommended installation drawings.

Q.

How do you do extensions?

A.

A unique feature of the Schier Great Basin series is the Tele-Glide built in extension system. This first 6 inches of adjustability is built in to every Great Basin grease interceptor. For additional extension depth you simply add a short riser (7”-24”), or a long riser (25”-39”). Or you can combine risers for additional depths up to 72”.

Q.

What about areas with high water tables?

A.

The Schier Great Basin interceptors offer some real advantages in high water areas. Because they are significantly smaller, they do not have the same buoyant force as a large concrete grease interceptor. Schier does offer ground anchor kits for high water table installations. These are not needed for non-high water table installations. Schier does recommend that the unit should be filled with water prior to backfill. Detailed installation instructions can be found online at: www.schierproducts.com/greatbasin.html

Q.

Is this a statewide code change? What if my municipality has different rules?

A.

This is a statewide code change. Often, municipalities may have their own “municipal grease ordinance”. These ordinances define all of the rules

relating to grease traps for that city. They not only define what the correct grease trap is for that restaurant. They also dictate maintenance practices. Because the new Florida Grease Trap Code requires better grease removal efficiency (a minimum of 90%), municipalities throughout the state are installing, and recommending Schier’s Great Basin grease interceptors.

Q.

Can I still install concrete grease interceptors?

A.

Currently, many cities are still allowing concrete grease interceptors, even they do not meet the requirements of the Florida Plumbing Code. They are being allowed under “alternate means and approval”. This allows the implementation of the new code, without radically altering current construction practices. Over time, it is expected that many cities will prefer the better performance of Hydro-Mechanical interceptors that meet the requirements of the ASME or PDI standard, and will start requiring that all installations comply with the requirements of the Florida Building Code.

Q.

How long are the Schier Great Basin interceptors expected to last.

A.

Schier offers a Lifetime Warranty on all of their Great Basin interceptors. Unlike concrete or steel, HDPE is not affected by grease, and sewer gases. Schier’s Great Basin interceptors are designed, and guaranteed, to last the lifetime of the plumbing system.

More information online at: www.schierproducts.com or call us at: 800-827-7119