Researchers at RMIT University in Australia have developed a new approach to tackling the congealed sewer blockages known as fatbergs. Their solution integrates a redesigned grease interceptor with a targeted chemical treatment, more than doubling fat removal compared to traditional systems.
By slowing wastewater flow with internal baffles and adding a small dose of alum, the system captures both large fat particles and finer emulsified fats that typically bypass standard grease traps. In real-world trials with hot, detergent-laden kitchen wastewater, the new method achieved up to 98% fat removal, far surpassing the 40% average from conventional interceptors.
The technology is designed for scalability,
