What does a fat, oil, and grease (FOG) separator do?

A fat, oil, and grease (FOG) separator is specifically designed to remove fats, oils, and greases from wastewater before it enters the sewage system. This is important because FOG can create significant problems in wastewater treatment facilities, such as blockages in pipes, equipment malfunction, and reduced treatment efficiency. By separating these materials from the wastewater, the FOG separator helps maintain proper functioning of the treatment process and contributes to overall wastewater management.

The separator works on the principle that FOG has a lower density than water, causing it to float to the surface where it can be collected and removed from the wastewater stream. This not only helps in preventing potential issues downstream but also aids in reducing the environmental impact of treated wastewater.

Other options do not accurately describe the primary function of a FOG separator. Increasing wastewater temperature, reducing sludge volume, and enhancing aeration efficiency are not direct functions of a FOG separator, which is solely focused on the removal of fats, oils, and greases.