Businesses can generate wastewater containing fats, oils, grease, silt and other materials that need to be managed before entering the drainage or sewer system. A suitable trade waste solution can help separate and retain these substances, supporting better wastewater management for commercial and industrial properties.
RI Industries manufactures precast concrete systems designed for different trade waste applications. Understanding how these systems work, the types available and their maintenance requirements can help businesses make more informed decisions when planning commercial wastewater infrastructure.
How Do Trade Waste Arrestors Work?
The basic purpose of an arrestor is to capture or separate particular materials from wastewater before the water continues through the drainage system. The type of system required depends on the nature of the waste produced by the business.
For example, an oil and grease arrestor is designed to capture fats and oils from washwater. Other systems can be designed for settling solids or handling specific wastewater requirements. This allows businesses to select a solution based on their operational needs rather than using the same system for every application.
RI Industries offers several types of precast concrete arrestors, with options available for different commercial requirements.
What Types Are Available?
RI Industries provides several options for trade waste management. These include oil and grease arrestors, settling pits and acid neutraliser pits. Its product information also identifies silt, grease and detention tanks within its range of commercial solutions.
Oil and grease arrestors are designed to capture fats and oils from washwater. Settling pits can provide a location where heavier materials can settle, while acid neutraliser pits are intended for applications where acidic wastewater needs appropriate management.
Choosing between these options depends on the type of waste generated, the expected wastewater flow and the requirements of the project.
What Are They Used For?
Commercial and industrial properties can produce wastewater that contains substances that should not simply pass directly into the drainage network. Effective waste management helps businesses manage these materials in a more controlled way.
Trade waste systems can therefore form part of the wastewater infrastructure for businesses that generate grease, oil, silt or other trade waste. RI Industries supplies commercial products for businesses as well as other precast concrete solutions such as stormwater sumps, grates, frames and covers.
The right solution should always be selected according to the specific application and site requirements.
Why Is Precast Concrete Used?
RI Industries manufactures its arrestors from precast concrete. Current product information states that its trade waste arrestors are made from concrete with a strength of 50 MPa at 28 days.
The company also offers features including HDPE-compatible inlets, gas-tight lids, extension risers and trafficable heavy-duty cast iron or concrete covers. Epoxy coating for internal surfaces is available upon request.
These options allow the system to be configured according to practical installation and servicing requirements.
Installation Considerations
Correct installation is important for the long-term performance of underground wastewater infrastructure. RI Industries states that outside installations should be at least 50mm above ground level to help prevent stormwater from entering the system.
The site also needs to be suitable for delivery and installation. RI Industries notes that its units can be lowered into the excavation where the site is level, firm and accessible. Where circular gas-tight inspection covers are installed, a minimum 600mm vertical clearance between the underside of the cover slab and static water level is required to facilitate routine servicing.
Planning access for future maintenance should therefore be considered before installation begins.
How Often Should They Be Maintained?
Maintenance is an important part of keeping the system operating effectively. RI Industries states that its arrestors designed to capture fats and oils from washwater should be completely cleaned every three months, or more frequently where necessary, following SA Water recommendations.
Regular cleaning helps prevent accumulated waste from affecting the system's operation. Businesses should also ensure that waste removed from the tank is handled appropriately. RI Industries specifically states that tank waste must not be discharged into the sewage system.
Keeping accurate new records of inspections, cleaning and servicing can also help businesses maintain a consistent maintenance routine.
What Should Businesses Consider Before Choosing One?
There is no single solution that suits every commercial property. Businesses should consider the type of wastewater produced, expected volumes, available installation space and the required capacity.
The physical site is also important. Access for delivery, installation and future servicing should be considered at the planning stage. The type of cover, inlet configuration and other available features may also depend on the project's requirements.
Working with an experienced precast concrete manufacturer can help businesses understand the available options and select a solution that is appropriate for their application.
Why Choose RI Industries?
RI Industries has been manufacturing and supplying precast concrete products since 1947. Its commercial product range includes trade waste arrestors, stormwater sumps, grates, frames and covers, along with tailored precast concrete solutions for construction and civil engineering projects.
The company offers different arrestor configurations and features to accommodate various commercial requirements. Its current product information also states that its trade waste arrestors are SA Water approved.
Conclusion
Trade waste arrestors work by helping businesses capture, separate or settle specific materials contained in wastewater before the water continues through the drainage system. The appropriate type depends on the waste being produced and the requirements of the site.
RI Industries provides precast concrete options including oil and grease arrestors, settling pits and acid neutraliser pits. Proper installation and regular cleaning are essential for maintaining effective performance over time.
