Grease trap

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A grease trap (also known as a grease interceptor, grease recovery device, grease capsule, or grease converter) is a plumbing device (a type of trap) designed to intercept most greases, solids, and other high viscosity fluids before they enter a wastewater disposal system. Common wastewater contains small amounts of oils which enter into septic tanks and treatment facilities to form a floating scum layer. This scum layer is very slowly digested and broken down by microorganisms in the anaerobic digestion process. Large amounts of oil from food preparation in restaurants can overwhelm a septic tank or treatment facility, causing the release of untreated sewage into the environment. High-viscosity fats and cooking grease such as lard solidify when cooled, and can combine with other disposed solids to block drain pipes. Grease traps have been in use since the Victorian era; in the late 1800s, Nathaniel Whiting was granted the first patent. The quantity of fats, oils, greases, and solids (FOGS...

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