FOGISEW: Modeling FOG Deposit Formation in Sewer Collection System

Fat, oil, and grease (FOG) deposits are responsible for over 45% of sewer pipe occlusions in US that may lead to a sanitary sewer overflow (SSOs). FOG deposits are insoluble salts of fatty acids and form as a result of saponification between FOG, released from kitchen activities of Food Service Establishments (FSEs), and calcium in the wastewater. Since SSOs are one of the most frequently cited concerns by municipalities, this research focuses on the simulation of a sewer collection system and FOG related blockages, and attempts to predict potential new blockages caused by revitalization of urban landscapes using a MATLAB based computer model (CITYDRAIN) and a mechanistic model of FOG deposit formation kinetics. The results of this research could be used as a tool by pretreatment coordinators to improve sewer line maintenance and reduce the potential for future SSOs.