Context

AAK is a Hull-based refinery which imports many different plant-based bulk oils. The site contains over 20 large oil silos, blenders, and other plant, which process the oils into solutions for use in the food industry. Fresh and hydrolysed fats, oils and grease (FOG) from the manufacturing processes are washed into the wastewater catchment tanks.

Challenge

Previous trials with other FOG recovery technologies had not proved successful due to the very thick nature of the refinery’s FOG. The current wastewater effluent plant had been historically designed for a much smaller site and was not geared up to handle the increasing volume of production and resulting FOG levels. The existing method of collection recovered only very small amounts of FOG and large quantities of water which then had to be decanted before disposal. If the FOG isn't removed, over time, the FOG residue blocks the pipework resulting in increased plant maintenance and costs.

Solution

The complex nature of this type of FOG required a ‘Smart’ solution. By deploying Smart Storm’s unique mobile Greasebuster™ for FOG removal, over 4,000 litres of heavy fats, oils and grease was extracted per day. The Greasebuster™ uses a unique material to attract fats, oils and greases onto an extraction belt whilst rejecting water. Greasebuster™ proved to be a complete solution to AAK’s need to remove FOG from their effluent stream.   

Testimonial

"The GB worked extremely well for FOG removal in our plant. The GB is easy to use, and Smart Storm have been very helpful in addressing any queries we have had”.
– Ibrahim Farrar, Analytical Chemist

About Greasebuster™

Sited in a reception tank, The Greasebuster™ extracts the FOG from the wastewater tank and deposits to an IBC; the extracted FOG waste is a commodity that can be sold for conversion to biodiesel.

Speed control and belt attack angle are also fully adjustable so that the Greasebuster™ can be customised to specific customer requirements for different effluent types and manufacturing sites.