Running a commercial kitchen is not a straightforward task. Between orders and supply inventory, staff training and cleaning, there’s a lot to do. And you’ve got to do it every day.
Sometimes, some tasks are pushed to the backlog or are overlooked until it’s too late. This is particularly true for grease trap cleaning. While quarterly servicing is crucial, due to peak hours or seasons, FOG accumulation increases rapidly, and you just can’t wait for the next cleaning schedule.
There’s a way to deal with this, and it’s called a “biological dosing system.”
What is it precisely? Does your kitchen really need one? Or is it just an optional add-on? In this blog, we’re discussing the biological dosing system to help you decide if it’s right for your business. Let’s begin!
What is a Biological Dosing System?
A biological dosing system is heavily regulated, just like grease traps in Ireland are. It’s an automated unit that frequently discharges a biological treatment into the drainage or grease trap. This blend of bacteria and natural enzymes feeds on fats, oils, and grease. The microbes break them down at a molecular level before compliance issues, blockages, or odours emerge.
You can consider a biological dosing system as a natural, constant cleaning process that keeps your grease traps, drains, and pipes clean between servicing.
The Science of It
What does the biological dosing liquid actually contain? It contains bacterial strains, enzymes, nutrients and buffers. This complex blend works together to eat through the FOG, speed up the digestion process, and keep the liquid active even in tough kitchen environments.
Also, the living organisms are actually non-pathogenic and safe. They are specifically designed for drainage and grease trap systems.
How It Works
So, let’s look at how the dosing system works in a chronological order.
- Firstly, the dosing unit is installed. It’s akin to a pump that’s compact and programmable, connected to the drain line or grease trap.
- Once it’s installed and operational, the system begins to release small amounts of the biological liquid. This automatic discharge usually happens once or twice daily.
- The biological agents consume organic waste, FOG, and starches. The agents convert the waste into harmless by-products like water and carbon dioxide.
- Since the dosing system works every day, odour and build-up issues are prevented before they begin.
Who Needs the Dosing System?
If you’re opening a new facility or commercial kitchen, you might wonder what’s next after the grease trap installation. Do you really need a dosing system? Truthfully, not every business needs one, but there are several that can benefit from it.
A dosing system is ideal for businesses, such as:
- Cafes and restaurants with oily foods or heavy frying.
- Catering kitchens and hotels where numerous drains feed into a single trap.
- Food courts and shopping centres with a common waste system.
- Facilities with constant FOG or odour issues despite arranging for frequent grease trap cleaning services.
What are the Benefits of a Dosing System?
If you really need a biological dosing system, the next question might be: what are its advantages? Why do you need one if you’re scheduling regular maintenance with grease removal companies, like Greaseco? Here are some answers:
- By breaking down organic matter and grease daily, the system prevents odours and blockages.
- You save on maintenance expenses and decrease downtime with less grease buildup.
- The use of natural bacteria makes it safe for wastewater systems. It’s a more eco-friendly solution.
- Local authorities expect commercial kitchens to proactively manage FOG—dosing helps you retain compliance.
- The system is low maintenance since it works automatically with negligible staff input.
- It’s a one-time installation with affordable operation costs.
So, are Grease Traps Not Needed?
This is a common misconception. Grease traps are still the main and most essential form of FOG and grease prevention and management. A biological dosing system merely enhances the grease trap’s function by slowing down FOG accumulation. There are a couple of benefits to this:
- When grease traps reach 25% capacity, they become less efficient. Dosing systems make sure the trap continues working efficiently for a longer time.
- If it’s not feasible for you to clean out the trap every few weeks, a dosing system breaks the FOGs down. This reduces the need for frequent clean-ups.
At the end of the day, the dosing system keeps grease traps functional while saving on labour.
The primary FOG management solution is the grease trap—always! But dosing systems add value, improving the trap’s performance. We hope this blog helps you choose better!