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How does a grease separator work?

Find out more about how a grease separator works and take a look inside it.

Principle of operation

Grease separators work on the principle of gravity: due to the difference in density between water, grease and dirt particles (sludge), the various substances separate naturally within the separation tank. 

Illustration: Inlet for contaminated water

Wastewater discharge

The contaminated wastewater is fed into the grease separator, where it is slowed down by a baffle plate. 

Sketch: Formation of a layer of sludge

sludge build-up

In the flow-calming tank, materials that are heavier than water sink to the bottom and settle in the sludge trap. 

Illustration: Fat accumulation

fat accumulation

Fats and oils rise to the top, where they form a layer that is trapped between the inlet and outlet. 

A look inside

Grease separators separate wastewater from the grease and dirt particles it contains. In addition to the large-capacity tank, a number of additional components are required for regular inspection and disposal. Watch our grease separator demonstration video to see how KESSEL’s Easy Clean grease separators combine ease of installation, cleaning performance and energy efficiency. 

Watch the demonstration video

  1. Inlet:
    used to feed in the Grease wastewater; the inlet run should be 10 times the DN diameter
  2. Refill inlet:
    for refilling the separation tank after cleaning and disposal
  3. Grease separator tank:
    with grease trap and sludge trap for cleaning the grease wastewater
  4. Inspection window:
    for checking the grease layer thickness in the separator tank
  5. Outlet:
    for discharging the treated wastewater
  6. Sampling device:
    for taking a water sample to determine the residual content of lipophilic substances