©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 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
Dipper system should be located as close as
possible to the fixture it is serving. The sys-
tem 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 0.75”
(19mm) Garden Hose Style Connector to con-
nect to this water supply. The eductor pump on
the W-250-AST is designed to handle incidental
food solids of less than 1” (25 mm) in diameter.
Non-food products including plastic and metal
parts cannot be removed by the Eductor. The
W-250-AST requires at least 5 GPM (0.32 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 (2 cm 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)
Flow Controls
Big Dipper systems are equipped with an inter-
nal 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 ap-
proved control 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 following 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 heating 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
Garbage 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.
