Investigation of the control of the fat, oil and grease in sewer lines and their removal by surfactant treatment

This study investigated different methods of controlling the fat, oil and grease (FOG) in sewer systems. A comprehensive control program was developed for the city of Mashhad (Iran) to maintain its sewer system and prevent blockages. The control program consisted of three parts: 1) fat, oil and grease source control, 2) sewer system modification, and 3) preventive maintenance. This program included guidelines for food service establishments, which are the major sources of (FOG). Food service establishments must implement better management practices to reduce (FOG) from entering the facility drain and install grease removal devices. As a part of preventive cleaning, the performance of several surfactants was evaluated as a cleaning agent. A 50:50 mixture (10 v. % in water) of two industrial surfactants, one containing monoethyl amine and sulfonated lauryl alcohol and one containing nonylphenol ethoxylate and potassium hydroxide, had the best performance and removed 80 % of the fat. Response Surface Methodology was used to determine the optimum conditions for the surfactant. The optimum conditions were a contact time of 36 h, shaking rate of 30 rpm and surfactant concentration of 12.5%. The second part of the program consisted of removing dead zones and increasing wastewater velocity in the sewer lines to enhance the hydraulic condition of the sewer system and decrease fat deposition. Finally, a detailed and well-defined control program could solve FOG problems in sewer systems.