©2013 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-ASTCU14000 9
Big Dipper
®
AST System
Plumbing Installation
Big Dipper
®
AST System Plumbing Installation
Locating The AST Unit
To minimize grease build-up in piping, a Big Dip-
per system should be located as close as possible
to the fixture it is serving. The system should be
visible and easily accessible for maintenance and
inspection. The unit must be in a level position.
Be sure to check the Specification Sheet for
your model for the exact clearances needed for
installation. If the system is located directly on
the floor, the bottom should be sealed to the floor
with an approved silicone type sealant. Make sure
the height above the Solids Strainer access cover
is enough to remove the strainer assembly.
Eductor Pump
The facility must provide a minimum 50 PSI (3.45
Bar) water supply to the Eductor pump on the AST
system. Thermaco, Inc. provides a 0.5” (12 mm)
Female Connector to connect to this water supply.
The eductor pump on the W-750-AST & W-1250-
AST is designed to handle incidental food solids
of less than 1.5” (38 mm) in diameter. Non-food
products including plastic and metal parts cannot
be removed by the Eductor. The W-750-AST &
W-1250-AST require at least a 12 GPM (0.75
l/s) flow for proper operation. The Eductor pump
includes a water hammer arrestor.
Inlet/Outlet Piping
The inlet and outlet piping connections require
no-hub type connectors. Keep outlet piping as
straight as possible. Assure that outlet pipe has
at least a slope of 1/4” per foot (2cm per meter).
Use only “sweep” connections. Don’t reduce the
pipe sizing on the outlet piping. Don’t install “P”
trap on outlet connection of system. (Note: The
system already has a internal gas trap)
*Note: A P-Trap must be installed between the Big
Dipper unit and any upstream facility vent connec-
tion
Flow Controls
Big Dipper systems are equipped with an internal
flow regulator located inside the inlet end of the
system. Verify its location and placement prior to
connecting the inlet piping. If your code requires
a vertical type flow regulator, an approved con-
trol with a flow rating matching the system’s flow
rate should be used. Note: When a Big Dipper
is servicing multiple fixtures, some codes require
separate flow controls for each fixture. See fol-
lowing page for suggested high head height flow
regulation installation.
Fill Unit With Water Before Applying Power
Big Dipper systems equipped with an electric
heating element MUST be filled with water before
energizing the power to the system. Failure to do
so will result in the destruction of the electric heat-
ing element. These elements will NOT be replaced
under Thermaco’s Warranty.
Venting The Outlet
An outlet vent or approved air admittance valve
of at least 1/2 the diameter of the system’s outlet
connection must be present within two (2) feet of
the Big Dipper outlet to prevent possible siphoning
problems. Failure to provide a vent for the system
voids Thermaco’s Warranty.
Do Not Use With Food Grinders, Potato
Peelers or Waste Disposal Units
If the system is connected to a Food Disposal or Gar-
bage Grinder, Thermaco’s Warranty will be void.
Note: Drawing for reference only. Equip-
ment must be installed in compliance
with all applicable laws, regulations and
codes, including plumbing codes. Instal-
lation should be performed by a qualified
plumber.
