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PROCEPTOR®
TECHNICAL MANUAL
5.5 INSPECTION PROCEDURES
Measurements must be taken of the oil/grease and/or solids levels in order to determine if maintenance is required. See the
Owner’s Manual for detailed instructions. There are two main methods of inspecting a Proceptor separator to determine if
maintenance is required:
Manual Sludge Level Inspection
Manual Sludge Level Inspection measures the depth of solids or sludge within a Proceptor using a transparent dipstick tube
equipped with a built-in ball check valve to hold the sludge sample. The tube should be graduated to indicate the depth of
sludge, water level, and grease or oil layer in the Proceptor separator.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions which generally will tell you to slowly lower the device to the bottom of the tank. Do
NOT plunge it to the bottom, which will result in an inaccurate reading and possibly damage the ball check valve. Keep the
unit as vertical as possible when raising it up, without allowing it to bend or bounce while it is full of water. Look at the sample
through the markers on the device and then empty it before further use.
Manual Oil/Grease Level Inspection
Manual oil/grease level inspection can be performed with a dip stick, measuring tape or gauge rod. Spread a thin coating of
a water level indicator paste on the dip stick, measuring tape, or gauge rod in the area where water is likely to appear. Slowly
lower the measuring device into the tank to where the oil/water interface is anticipated. Slowly remove the measuring device
from the tank. The absence of color change by the water paste indicates that the measuring device did not reach the oil/water
interface therefore remeasurement is necessary. A change in color by the water paste indicates where the oil/water interface
occurs and the depth of oil can be determined.
Automatic Oil/Grease Alarm
An automatic oil/grease level sensor can be installed within any Proceptor unit to indicate, via an audio and visual alarm, when
the oil/grease level has reached a preset storage volume. The oil alarm can be used in conjunction with a shutoff valve or an
automatic oil removal system.
5.6 MAINTENANCE METHODS
Proceptor units are normally serviced by a vacuum or pumping removal technique. The Vacuum or Pumping Service Industry
that cleans underground tanks, sewers and catch basins is a well-established sector of the service industry. Costs to clean a
Proceptor vary based on the size of unit and transportation distances. Consult your local Waste Management Authority for an
approved list of licensed “Liquid Waste Handlers”.
Maintenance of a Proceptor separator is simple. The 24-inch diameter manhole cover is removed and the vacuum hose is
inserted into the unit. OMC models with a reservoir, which should contain only oil if adjusted properly, may be pumped out via
the 6-inch pump-out port by a liquid waste removal or oil recycling company. For models with suction pipes, maintenance can
be performed without lifting the manhole cover. Always fill the interceptor with clean water after cleaning the unit for optimum
treatment efficiency.
5.7 SPILLS
Should an oil or grease spill occur that drains into the interceptor, it must be cleaned immediately. The appropriate governing
agency should also be notified in the event of a spill.
5.8 DISPOSAL
The disposal of oil, grease and sediment collected in Proceptor separators will be included in the price from the vacuum service
industry. Some wastes generated by food facilities are acceptable for farm disposal or use as biodiesel feedstock. Transporting
and disposing of accumulated oil, grease, and solids should be carried out in accordance with the authority having jurisdiction.
