Introduction: The Growing Challenge of FOG in Food Industry Wastewater
Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are a persistent challenge in wastewater treatment, particularly in the food and restaurant industry. Whether it’s a commercial kitchen, food processing plant, or catering facility, large volumes of grease-laden wastewater are produced daily. Even with grease traps installed, a significant amount of emulsified oil still passes into the wastewater stream, leading to clogs, unpleasant odors, and costly maintenance.
In severe cases, the buildup of FOG in wet wells can form hardened layers that not only reduce treatment capacity but also pose fire hazards and require labor-intensive cleanups. This recurring issue calls for a more efficient, long-term solution—especially as environmental regulations tighten across global markets.
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
Why Traditional Methods Are Not Enough
Conventional solutions like sedimentation tanks and grease traps can only remove free-floating oil to a limited extent. They struggle to deal with:
Emulsified oils that do not float easily
High concentrations of organic matter (e.g. COD, BOD)
Fluctuating influent quality, typical of food-related wastewater
For many small and medium-sized businesses, the challenge lies in balancing performance, space constraints, and cost efficiency.
Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF): A Proven Solution for FOG Removal
Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) is one of the most effective technologies for separating FOG and suspended solids from wastewater. By injecting pressurized, air-saturated water into the system, microbubbles are formed and attach to grease particles and solids, making them float to the surface for easy removal.
Key Benefits of DAF Systems for Grease Trap Wastewater:
High-efficiency removal of emulsified oil and fine solids
Compact footprint, ideal for tight kitchen or food plant environments
Fast start-up and shutdown, suitable for intermittent operation
Lower chemical usage and easy sludge handling
Holly DAF Systems: Engineered for Food Wastewater Challenges
Holly’s Dissolved Air Flotation systems are specifically engineered to meet the complex needs of industrial and commercial FOG removal:
1. Advanced Bubble Generation
Our Recycle Flow DAF Technology ensures consistent and dense microbubble formation, enhancing FOG capture efficiency, even for emulsified oils.
2. Wide Capacity Range
From small restaurants to large-scale food processors, Holly DAF systems support flow capacities from 1 to 100 m³/h, making them suitable for both decentralized and centralized applications.
3. Custom-Engineered Designs
Every project has different influent characteristics. Holly offers tailored solutions with adjustable recycle flow ratios and integrated flocculation tanks to optimize pollutant removal under varied water conditions.
4. Space-Saving Design
Integrated components such as coagulation, flocculation, and clean water tanks help reduce installation space and capital expenditure.
5. Durable & Hygienic Construction
Available in 304/316L stainless steel or FRP-lined carbon steel, Holly DAF units are designed to resist corrosion and ensure long-term reliability, even under aggressive kitchen wastewater conditions.
6. Automated Operation
With remote monitoring and automatic control, Holly systems provide safe, reliable, and labor-saving operation.
Typical Applications
Although specific case studies are under development, Holly DAF systems have been widely adopted in:
Restaurant chains
Hotel kitchens
Centralized food courts
Food processing and packaging facilities
Meat and dairy wastewater treatment
These facilities have reported improved compliance with discharge regulations, reduced operational costs, and fewer maintenance incidents.
Conclusion: Build a Cleaner, Greener Kitchen Wastewater System
As the food industry grows, so does the need for sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment. FOG-laden wastewater is no longer a niche problem—it’s a daily operational risk for kitchens and food facilities worldwide.
Holly’s Dissolved Air Flotation systems offer a reliable and adaptable solution for grease trap wastewater treatment. Whether you’re dealing with 10 tons per 8 hours or 50 tons per day, our systems can be configured to match your exact capacity and treatment goals.
Contact us today to learn how Holly DAF technology can help you build a cleaner, more compliant wastewater treatment system.
Post time: Jul-25-2025