In truck/car washes, trade waste (wastewater containing contaminants like oils, grease, and dirt) require pre-treatment before discharge into the sewer system. Grease traps, along with other systems like oil/water separators, are crucial for this process. They prevent harmful substances from entering the sewer, ensuring compliance with trade waste regulations.
Trade Waste and Truck Washes:
Truck washes generate trade waste due to the nature of their operations. This waste can contain various contaminants like oils, grease, dirt, and detergents. Discharging this untreated wastewater directly into the sewer system can cause blockages, damage infrastructure, and pollute the environment.
Pre-treatment Requirements:
To mitigate these issues, truck washes need to implement pre-treatment systems before discharging wastewater. These systems aim to remove or reduce harmful substances to acceptable levels as defined by local water authorities.
Grease Traps:
Grease traps are a type of pre-treatment device specifically designed to separate fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater. They work by slowing down the flow of wastewater, allowing FOG to float to the surface and be trapped, while the cleaner water flows out.
Oil/Water Separators:
In addition to grease traps, truck washes may also require oil/water separators. These devices are designed to separate oils and other hydrocarbons from water, preventing them from entering the sewer.