Researchers at RMIT University in Australia have developed a new approach to tackling the congealed sewer blockages known as fatbergs. Their solution integrates a redesigned grease interceptor with a targeted chemical treatment, more than doubling fat removal compared to traditional systems.
By slowing wastewater flow with internal baffles and adding a small dose of alum, the system captures both large fat particles and finer emulsified fats that typically bypass standard grease traps. In real-world trials with hot, detergent-laden kitchen wastewater, the new method achieved up to 98% fat removal, far surpassing the 40% average from conventional interceptors.
The technology is designed for scalability, allowing it to be adapted for kitchens of various sizes or retrofitted to existing infrastructure, offering food businesses a cost-effective way to reduce sewer damage and maintenance costs.
Beyond financial savings, the innovation could significantly cut the risk of sewage spills, protecting public health and the environment. The RMIT team, working with industry and water utilities through an ARC Linkage Project, is also refining designs to optimize fat removal without relying on chemicals, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
