Food Court DAF Systems

Advantages of the Hydroflux GT-DAF – exclusively design for food courts
The GT-DAF system is a unique two stage separation device designed exclusively for treatment of greasy wastewater from food courts and other retail complexes. It is based on an enhanced flotation design that offers many benefits over using traditional DAF systems.

• The system is up to 30% smaller than traditional DAF systems and requires less space
• The recycle pump uses almost half the power of standard DAF systems resulting in a significant saving
• A submerged high level inlet with overflow ensures that upstream pipework is not full and subject to possible blockages
• A specially designed hopper base to allow automatic de-sludging of the system without full draining
• Designed with solid guarding to prevent splashing during clean down
• Optional unique integrated demulsificaiton process to enhance grease removal. Chemicals supplied in 15L pales so no bulky deliveries required
• Consideration for maintenance and service – enclosed sides
• Fully internally welded stainless steel construction
• Optional full enclosure to allow ventilation directly from the system when installed in a room with other equipment

Why install the Hydroflux GT-DAF instead of grease traps?
Centralised treatment from food courts and shopping centres is not only a requirement in some regions but can offer significant benefits over installing numerous grease traps.

Centralised treatment allows:

• All wastewater to be treated in a single location
• Massive reduction in sludge pumps out as only the separated grease is removed off site by tanker
• Improved performance over grease traps this reducing the possibility of downstream pipe blockages
• Demulsification of the wastewater to remove solubilised grease and improve the performance
• The GT-DAF range has the ability to handle flows up to 100KL/hr making it suitable to treat all the wastewater from some of the largest commercial complexes in Australia
• The system is designed to accept and effectively treat the variable flows directly from the main drainage system.
• The inlet bypass to the top of the unit ensures that upstream pipe blockages do not occur and all water is always treated in the GT-DAF.

When wastewater enters the Hydroflux GT-DAF, it firstly passes through a unique laminar zone where free grease and solids are separated under gravity prior to the addition of the dissolved air recycle stream. This prior separation greatly reduces the size of the dissolved air saturation system and allows fats and greases to separate in a non turbulent zone ahead of the dissolved air.
After the free grease separation stage, the wastewater is subjected to the addition of dissolved air and optional demulsification agents allowing the finer grease particles and solids to be removed.

It is this unique and patented two stage separation process that enables the GT-DAF to use less than half the power of traditional DAF systems and reduce the foot print by over 30%.

The grease blanket on the surface of the system is removed by a robust scraper system and transferred into a mixed sludge tank for disposal.

As each commercial complex is different, the overall GT process will be designed and tailored to suit the available space and conditions in each application.

THE GT-DAF system is designed to cover the flows from the smallest food courts to the largest shopping complexes in Australia

Frequently Asked Questions – Hydroflux GT-DAF – Food Court DAF System

“Can I use the GT-DAF instead of grease traps?”
Yes you can. The GT-DAF was designed to handle much higher flow rates than grease arrestors. If you need to install two or more grease traps (based on your water authority’s requirements) then a GT-DAF will take up less space and probably be less expensive.

“Can the GT-DAF system handle variable flows?”
Yes the system will be designed to handle the highest flows expected. At low flows, the main operating system of the GT DAF will not be functional to reduce the power requirements.

Do I need to dose chemicals into the wastewater?”
Dosing of chemicals into the wastewater upstream of the GT-DAF will improve the performance, however, currently this is not a requirement with most water authorities in Australia. We can assist you with determining the discharge requirements for your region.

All GT-DAF systems are designed and fitted with chemical injection points to safeguard possible future tighter water quality requirements that may be imposed by Water Authorities

“Do I need to regularly pump out the GT-DAF?”
Unlike a grease trap, grease and solids are continuously removed from the DAF system. This means that the performance of the GT-DAF system will not deteriorate over time. Some solids will collect in the base of the system and the GT-DAF will need to be pumped out occasionally. The grease and sludge removed by the GT DAF system is stored in a secondary vessel. This vessel is fitted with a high level alarm and when full, it will need to be pumped out. A grease trap contractor will be able to provide this service as though it was grease trap waste.

“How much sludge will be generated?”
The amount of sludge removed by the GT-DAF system will depend on the amount of solids and grease that is discharged to the drains. It is far more economical to remove as much solids and grease from wastewater at the source rather than allow it to discharge to drain.

“Does the GT-DAF require much power?”
The system does require more power than a grease trap. Depending on the flow and size of the GT-DAF, the total installed power will be between 7 and 15kW but the system will not operate 24 hours a day. The GT-DAF uses less than 60% of the power of conventional DAF systems due to the unique and patented two stage separation zone.

“Can the GT-DAF system handle large solids?”
It can but certain items such as rags, gloves and whole vegetables that can potentially cause a blockage. The best solution is to prevent such objects getting to into the drainage system. If this is not possible then Hydroflux can incorporate one of our range of GT-RS units. These are specially designed rotary screens that mount at the inlet of the GT-DAF that will remove any solids that could cause problems with the main system.

“Is the system easy to maintain?”
Yes the system can often be maintained by in-house personnel. Hydroflux can offer a service and preventative maintenance program if required.

“Do I need hot water?”
It is strongly advisable to have hot water available for cleaning as it is much easier to clean greasy surfaces with hot water than cold water. Also it is good practice to periodically flush areas where grease accumulates. The GT-DAF system is fitted with dedicated spray bars and flushing points for this purpose.

DESIGN CONSTRUCTION OPERATION
Engaging a professional wastewater treatment company to look after the entire wastewater project is a convenient, economical and hassle free option for industry.

Hydroflux Industrial can provide all process design works, manufacture and fabrication, construction and even complete operation of your wastewater treatment plant.

When Hydroflux Industrial provides complete solutions, we can either undertake a contract on a turnkey basis or work together with building services engineers and other construction professionals such as architects, structural engineers and quantity surveyors to ensure that the project is delivered smoothly, without interruption and on time.

BUILD OPERATE TRANSFER (BOT) FINANCING
The Hydroflux Group is able to offer a Build Operate & Transfer (BOT) option for water and wastewater assets in Australia and New Zealand. This innovative partnership arrangement strengthens existing strong bonds between Hydroflux and their customers for the long term.

Hydroflux, represented by a special purpose vehicle dedicated to the project, supplies the design, construction, financing, and operation of the water or wastewater plant. The plant is transferred to the client at the end of the contract, which is generally around 10 years.

Hydroflux also purchase existing water and wastewater plants on a similar basis, which releases cash to our clients for either returning or distributing to investors or for funding other investments in their core business.

The multidisciplinary structure of the Hydroflux group including design, construction, equipment supply and operation makes Hydroflux the ideal BOT water and wastewater partner.

Please contact Hydroflux if would like to explore the option of either acquiring a new water or wastewater facility without capital outlay or would like to free up cash by selling your existing water or wastewater assets.