PhD studentship - Enhanced separation of fat, oil and greases (FOGs) in relation to wastewater. £17,000 p.a. plus fees*

School of Applied Sciences

Cranfield University

Supported by the EPSRC and ACO Building Drainage, a bursary of up to £17,000 p.a. for three years plus fees available. Conditions apply*

This project aims to determine viable methods of enhancing fat, oil and grease (FOGs) removal using wastewater gravity separation devices and/or post treatment units.

The social and eating habits of the nation are rapidly changing, people are eating out much more frequently than they did in the past and the number of food service establishments is increasing. Fat, oil and grease in liquid form may not appear harmful, but as it cools it can congeal and harden, to form solid obstructions to the inner lining of drainage pipes and restricts the wastewater flow causing the drain to block. Grease Traps are specially designed units which are placed in the drain system and are intended to separate the fats, oils and grease from the rest of the wastewater. The wastewater then continues to flow to the sewage works for treatment while the grease is retained in the trap to be collected by a licensed waste oil collector at regular intervals. These units can be highly effective if they are correctly designed, installed and maintained.

The successful candidate will work in both laboratory and pilot plant settings and contribute to the development of new solutions for enhanced FOG removal. The work will be start with a period of characterisation of the properties of FOG aggregates in terms of their size, density and rise rate. The candidate will then assist in the development of innovative solutions to modify these characteristics in order to enhance aggregation and subsequent removal. Successful systems will then be scaled up and tested at pilot scale with the ultimate aim of developing a new technology for FOG removal. The candidate will be expected to develop their dissemination skills throughout the project and will be encouraged to present the work at appropriate international conferences.