©2015 Thermaco, Inc. All rights reserved • Patented/Patents Pending • Specifications subject to change without notice
Thermaco, Inc. • 646 Greensboro St. • Asheboro, N. C. 27204-2548 • Phone (336) 629-4651
MNL-ISPS50000 3
50000 Series
Big Dipper
®
Internal Strainer System Overview
The Thermaco, Inc. Big Dipper
®
Automatic Grease and Oils
Removal System removes free-floating grease & oils from
kitchen drain water flows. As most food service facility manag-
ers already know, grease buildup within a building’s plumbing
drainage system is a major cause of problems due to drain line
blockages. These problems jeopardize normal operations as
well as create health and safety hazards within the facility itself.
The proper installation of a Big Dipper System can reduce or
eliminate grease problems. Use of the Big Dipper assures
minimization and/or elimination of costly sewer surcharges and
fines through efficient separation and removal of free-floating
grease & oils. In addition, the Big Dipper also helps reduce or
eliminate pumping and disposal costs associated with conventional grease separators or intercep-
tors. The recovered grease & oils are substantially water-free and are suitable for recycling by local
rendering and/or biodiesel companies.
The Big Dipper system is an automatic, self-cleaning device. As greasy kitchen effluent drains from
kitchen fixtures, the unit contains the grease & oils. These separate from the effluent and rise to the
surface of the separator tank. The unit automatically skims the contained grease & oils and transfers
the grease & oils to a collection container. A digital control maintains the self cleaning operation,
activating the skimming wheel periodically based on the setting chosen. Only the “cleaned” water
exits the unit and flows into the facility drain lines. The Big Dipper IS automatic systems operate most
efficiently when servicing single fixtures such as a 1 to 3-compartment sink or a pre-rinse station.
The Big Dipper system’s compact footprint allows installation directly at the source where grease
problems originate. The system design also allows easy maintenance and operation requiring only
a minimal amount of daily and weekly maintenance to maintain peak operating performance.
The Big Dipper system design allows for maximum installation flexibility. Reversing the system op-
eration is a simple as rotating the cover assembly of the unit.
Hydromechanical grease interceptors*, grease separators, automatic recovery units, grease removal
devices and other similar plumbing devices receiving kitchen flows from sinks, floor drains, woks and
other food bearing sources may generate odors. There are many factors influencing odor evolu-
tion and dissemination. These include room ventilation, kitchen menu, ambient temperatures, ware
washing practices, grease/oil input, daily input fluid volume, sanitizers, installation plumbing design
and product maintenance/upkeep. Odors are usually prevented by good area ventilation, frequent
fluid inputs, good product maintenance practices and proper product installation. Additional steps,
including aeration, chlorination, improved area ventilation and additional maintenance control, may
be needed at some sites.
*Devices formerly referred to as grease traps are now called hydromechanical grease interceptors.
Big Dipper
®
Internal Strainer (IS)
System Overview
