January 3, 2023
The new GB-1500 grease interceptor from Schier is a lifetime-guaranteed alternative to large-volume, problematic concrete products. The unit is a non-corrosive option that accomplishes industry-leading grease capacity for large-scale grease producers. Furthermore, it is the industry’s first and only performance-certified 1,500-gallon grease interceptor.
GB-1500 is certified as both a hydromechanical grease interceptor to ASME A112.14.3/CSA B481.1-2022 (Type D) and a gravity grease interceptor to IAPMO/CAN/ANSI Z1001-2021. We’ve made the specification process even simpler by discontinuing the GGI-1500 and thus directing all 1,500-gallon interceptor inquiries to the GB-1500. Learn more about dual certification here.
Performance testingSchier’s performance-certified models are tested to ASME A112.14.3, the gold standard for testing and certifying grease interceptors. The ASME standard covers general product requirements, how a hydromechanical grease interceptor must be tested, and spells out the exact layout all test labs must adhere to.
Unlike other grease interceptor standards, it also allows for more design innovation. For example, Schier was the first to design and test hydromechanical grease interceptors to Type C (when flow control is “built-in”) and Type D (when flow control is not used whatsoever). For more on the allowable flow control types per the ASME standard, see the table below.
The GB-1500 is certified to Type D and, as such, does not require an additional flow control (external or internal). Because most jurisdictions require indirect connections via floor sinks in commercial kitchens, pre-treatment officials generally prefer units that do not require flow control, previously only available with gravity (only) grease interceptors.
Below is the Type D test lab setup, as defined by the ASME standard:
Watch the video below to see Schier's state-of-the-art ASME Test Lab.
Testing allows us to determine a unit's maximum grease capacity upon point of failure at a pre-specified flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM). It also gives us the overall efficiency of the unit up to the point of failure. The goal is to achieve optimal performance by reaching a high maximum capacity at the chosen flow rate. Having this infrastructure in house allows us to constantly test and improve our products, not only when they’re being certified, but throughout the entire product development and refinement processes.
Performance testing is the heart of right sizing. In 2012, Schier introduced the Grease Production Sizing Method (GPSM) to correctly size interceptors using both flow rate and grease production. GPSM calculates how much grease a restaurant is likely to produce to ensure the grease interceptor has enough capacity to allow for a realistic and affordable pumpout. Only certified grease interceptors, like the GB-1500, can be right sized.
Is the GB-1500 the right-sized model for your project? Use our free grease interceptor sizing application to find out!
The GB-1000, remodeled in 2021, laid the foundation for the design and performance of the new GB-1500. Three independent sections are bolted and welded together to create three chambers and two baffle walls, a patent-pending multi-chamber design that provides tremendous structural integrity and allows the GB-1500 to be installed above grade. The baffles also aid the flow diffusers with high performance grease separation as the contents move through the tank from one chamber to the next, a process we call Schier Flow Technology™. This flow pattern is what allows the GB-1500 to effectively capture an exponential amount of grease. The GB-1500 is rated at 10,061 pounds at 100 GPM with 99.6% efficiency and 9,446 pounds at 200 GPM with 98.4% efficiency, and the overall liquid capacity is 1,500 gallons with 20% of the volume intentionally dedicated to food solids storage.
The tank tooling and all components are 100% made in the USA. The tank body is rotationally molded polyethylene with a quality “shot peen” finish and deep structural ribbing. The GB-1500 can be installed outdoors or indoors (requires 74" access) as well as buried below grade or installed above grade on a slab. It was tested under both ground force loading and hydrostatic pressure using multiple wall thicknesses and different backfill materials at incremental burial depths to determine the optimal wall thickness (7/16”) and maximum burial depth (94” Riser).
A frontal view (inlet side) of the new GB-1500
.jpg)
A top view of the new GB-1500 shows the manholes/covers for each of the tank's three compartments - a feature that offers increased accessibility for inspection and cleaning
Concrete grease interceptors were a quick response to the EPAs Clean Water Act of 1972. Repurposed from residential septic tanks, untested and corrosive concrete units became the number one specified type of grease interceptor. In recent years, a shift has occurred in the minds of decision makers as these concrete units fail and need to be replaced. Now, many jurisdictions and specification engineers across the country favor performance-rated, non-corrosive products like Schier’s Great Basin™ line.
The first Great Basin™ model was introduced in 2006, forging a new market category now referred to as high capacity hydromechanical grease interceptors and forever changing the industry. Today, Schier offers nine Great Basin™ hydromechanical models ranging in size from 10 to 1,500 liquid gallons and 3rd-party-certified grease capacities from 70 lbs. to more than 10,000 lbs.