©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 3
Big Dipper
®
Automatic Solids Transfer
(AST) 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 managers 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
traps or interceptors. 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 traps the grease & oils. These separate from the effluent and rise
to the surface of the separator tank. The unit automatically skims the trapped grease & oils and
transfers the grease & oils to a collection container. A timer controls the self cleaning operation,
activating the skimming wheel at a user-set time. Only the “cleaned” water exits the unit and
flows into the facility drain lines.
Incidental food solids less than 1” (25 mm) in diameter are separated and flushed out of the system
automatically by the Automatic Solids Transfer component. These incidental solids are typical of
those that are rinsed off of plates before going to a dishwasher. The Eductor Pump of the AST
is not designed to handle non-food products such as plastic, rubber or metal items.
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
operation is as simple as rotating the cover assembly of the unit.
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 dis-
semination. 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.
PROPERLY
DISPOSE OF
CONTENTS
DAILY
