©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-ASTPS14000 7
Big Dipper
®
AST System Series
Troubleshooting
Big Dipper unit overflows
(1) Check to see that the outlet pipe is not reduced to a
smaller size, the outlet piping is vented, has as few 90
degree outlet turns as possible, and that no “P” trap is
installed on the outlet. Re-plumb the piping, if necessary.
Check outlet piping for clogs. Have a plumber clean the
line, if necessary.
2) Make sure that the solids collection chamber is free
of excessive debris. To check Eductor Pump operation,
unplug the unit for 10 seconds, then re-renergize. The
Eductor Pump should automatically activate.
3) Check the bottom of the grease chamber for excessive
solids and silt buildup which may be blocking the outlet
baffle. Disconnect the power and use a long handled
spatula or similar instrument to stir the bottom while water
flows through the unit. If necessary, drain and clean the
sediment from the unit. To prevent recurrence, schedule
this cleaning to be done on a regular basis (properly used,
a wet vac may be appropriate for cleaning sediment from
the bottom of the unit).
4) Make sure the flow rate to the unit does not exceed the
maximum flow rate, which is shown on the nameplate. If
necessary, have a plumber install an approved flow control
to restrict the inlet flow to the specified level or install a
properly sized Big Dipper for the application.
Excessive water observed in the grease
collection container
1) Check Timer for excessive “on” time. Unit will pick up
incidental water after all grease is removed.
2) Make sure that the water flow to the unit does not
exceed the rated flow and there are no drain line clogs
downstream from the unit.
No grease is collected in the container
(1) Check to be sure the power is on and the time control
is set correctly. The “on” time should be no less than
15 minutes per day.
There is a Power Indicator Light
under the Timer which indicates that Power is reaching
the unit. If this light is not Red, power is not reaching
the unit.
(2) Remove the lid and clean away any buildup that
may be present on the wiper blades or collection trough.
Make sure the wiper blade(s) are properly in place on
the skimmer wheels. Replace wiper blades when worn
or warped.
(3) Press the Jog Switch button on the side of the center
module to ensure that the skimming wheel turns. CAU-
TION: Keep your hands away from moving parts to avoid
possible injury. If the skimmer motor does not come on,
the motor assembly must be replaced.
(4) Check for congealed grease in the unit. If the Big
Dipper’s heating element is not warming the unit, the
heating element must be replaced.
(5) Some sites do not generate enough grease to be cap-
tured by the skimming process. Set Timer for minimum
operation - 1 Tab (15 Min.)
Objectionable odor
(1) Make sure grease/oil is being skimmed properly from
the unit.
(2) Check the timer settings for excessive “on” time.
Also check to see if any water is collected in the grease
collector. Reduce operating time until water is no longer
observed in the grease collector.
(3) If excessive sediment has collected on the bottom
of the unit, clean the unit as described in item 3 in “Big
Dipper unit overflows.”
(4) Clean the solids strainer assembly and grease collec-
tion container more frequently.
(5) Grease interceptors, grease traps, 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 evolution and
dissemination. These include room ventilation, kitchen
menu, ambient temperatures, ware washing practices,
grease/oil input, daily input fluid volume, sanitizers, instal-
lation plumbing design and product maintenance/upkeep.
Odors are usually prevented by good area ventilation,
frequent fluid inputs, good product maintenance prac-
tices and proper product installation. Additional steps,
including aeration, chlorination, improved area ventilation
and additional maintenance control, may be needed at
some sites.
