Frequently Asked Questions
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How does a compact HGI replace the function of a 1000 gallon
concrete tank?
A Gravity Grease Interceptor (your typical concrete tank) will be sized on capacity and therefore typically a number between 750gallons
and 1500gallons is commonly seen. This number can however be substantially higher based on local requirement or application. In most
jurisdictions, a method called the 25% rule is employed as the means to indicate or mandate the cleaning frequency. The 25% is the
percentage of the total working volume of the interceptor which can be occupied by a combination of Fats , Oil and Grease and Food Solids.
For example: A GGI tank with a capacity of 1000 gallons can only function to a point where 250gallons (1000 X .25) of its volume is occupied
by solids and grease. That equates to approximately 1090 lbs of grease. If we assumed that 100 gallons of this is the solid material, that leaves
150 gallons of grease capacity before cleaning is “required”. On average this translates to approximately 8-10 weeks on average. Now compare
this to an XL100 HGI. Based on the independent third party testing to determine qualified performance & efficiency, the Endura® XL100 has a
significantly smaller 257gallon total capacity, but a qualified efficiency exceeding 98%. This translates to essentially the same grease capacity
as the GGI, exceeding 1000lbs of functional grease capacity.
Can I install more than one Endura® XL unit if my jurisdiction needs a
minimum capacity by code?
In principal, yes you can. It will be necessary for you to contact your plan check or review team at the authority having jurisdiction and have your
engineer submit a proposal based on the reference information provided on Page 10 of this document. Full spec drawings (BIM & Master Specs)
are available for download at www.arcat.com using the search term “endura”.
How often should an interceptor be cleaned?
Cleaning of an interceptor is a case by case situation. Each facility will have many different factors impacting need for maintenance and cleaning.
A licensed contractor will have the experience and equipment necessary to help establish the right schedule of maintenance for your facility.
How much will it cost to maintain my Endura® XL installation?
In terms of comparison Endura® XL units are significantly more compact (less internal volume) than their equivalent Gravity counterparts.
As pumping is typically charged by the volume of gallons removed the ongoing maintenance will be proportionally less too. Rates will vary
significantly by region and by contractor. Always use a licensed or approved contractor to maintain your interceptor
Do Endura® XL tanks need to be directly vented?
The practice of venting a grease interceptor directly is typically related to Gravity Grease Interceptors (GGI). Unless specifically mandated by
local code or bylaw, with no variance allowed, a Hydromechanical Grease Interceptor (HGI) DOES NOT require the tank to be directly vented.
Venting is however required on the downstream drain the same as most plumbing appliances, fixtures to allow effective and unrestricted
discharge of effluent.
Do I need to install a clean out before or after an interceptor?
Most plumbing codes require an upstream and downstream cleanout immediately before and after the interceptor.
This is good practice and
gives positive indication of which outlet is in use.
Do I have to install the Flow Control Device?
For an HGI, the Flow Control is ESSENTIAL to the high performance operation of the interceptor. It must be installed as indicated and without
it the interceptor is no longer meeting the requirements of its appropriate approvals. This is not acceptable to the AHJ and they should be
asking for the installation to be rectified before approval is granted.
My jurisdiction requires effluent sampling via a downstream access.
What do I do?
As an HGI approved to National performance Standards and although common for GGI (Concrete, Steel), Endura® XL
DOES NOT
typically
required a separate sampling location. For those jurisdictions that do require the capability to sample, Endura® XL incorporates a sampling
port within the outlet assembly. This is accessed by the simple removal of the air balance/sample port cap (See Page 16) allowing water quality
samples to be taken for analysis. Some AHJ’s may require a separate downstream sampling point. Contact us for assistance.
What can be connected to an interceptor in respect of wastewater
discharge?
A grease interceptor
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES
will receive sanitary wastewater discharge – i.e. that from WC flushing for example.
Wastewater discharge to a grease interceptor will be from foodservice activities only, its application being to separate
non petroleum Fats Oil
and Grease
from waste water.
The requirements for appliances and fixtures that must and must not be connected to a grease interceptor is typically defined by your local
plumbing codes and or jurisdictional by-laws. You should consult a licensed plumbing professional or your local city plan check or plumbing
code officials for clarification regarding right schedule of maintenance for your application/premises.
