Level measurement for grease separators

摘要

The present invention relates to apparatus for removing grease from an effluent stream containing grease and water. A separation tank defines a separation chamber. An effluent inlet connected with the separation tank permits flow of the effluent stream into the chamber to form a body of effluent in the separation chamber. A grease depth level sensor is used in determining the amount of grease in the body of effluent. The interceptor may be queried remotely to check its status. In one embodiment, an output signal indicative of the amount of grease is transmitted over a telephone line to a telephone or computer or other remote station. Alternatively, the output signal is transmitted wirelessly to a remote receiver. The status is preferably also indicated locally with visual and/or audible signals. The sensor is preferably a capacitive level sensor operative to sense the amount of water in the body of effluent thereby to determine the amount of grease in the body of effluent. The interceptor may include electric circuitry for effecting manual or automatic calibration of the grease depth level sensor. The sensor may be adapted to be retrofitted to an existing tank made from either metal or plastic.