BiNutrix™ for Grease Traps Case Study A coffee house chain store near Chicago, Illinois experienced noticeable grease trap odor and occasional backup of the trap into store drains. In an attempt to relieve the situation, the trap was pumped every two months, but the problems persisted. The store desired to eliminate these problems and reduce costs. BiNutrix for Grease Traps was introduced at the site during the peak business period from Nov. 30 to Dec. 28, 1998. Product was first applied directly into the grease trap and then nightly into the main drain nearest the trap. Samples were taken from the trap to determine the microbial count increase and oil and grease reduction. After one week, the microbial count increased from 1x10^5 to 5x10^7 cfu. Odor was minimized. After two weeks, BiNutrix for Grease Traps improved overall grease trap water clarity, with a noticeable reduction in visible solids. After four weeks, tests showed a 74 percent reduction of oil and grease solids. Even while the trap was in use, with more grease entering daily, the total grease in the trap was reduced by 30 percent by the fourth week. The store's grease trap problems were eliminated in a very short time. Since Nov. 1998, the trap has not needed to be pumped, resulting in a substantial annual savings. At another store location, grease trap access was located inside the store. The manager said odors "overpowered the smell of the coffee" where customers and employees interacted. This tank also backed up into the drains, creating unsanitary and unpleasant conditions. The tank was pumped every six weeks at an average cost of $160 per pumpout. When the store began using BiNutrix for Grease Traps at an average cost of $60 per month, odors went away within a few days and the trap stopped backing up. The results were an annual savings of nearly $1,300 (projected), a more comfortable work environment, and much happier customers. |