In an effort to communicate the vital role that standards play in daily life, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) will publish, on an ongoing basis, a series of snapshots of the diverse standards initiatives undertaken in the global and national standards arena, many of which are performed by ANSI members and ANSI-accredited standards developers. Two of the latest selections follow:
Oil Disposal Systems
Fats, oils, and grease (FOG), such as cooking oil, meat fats, butter, lard, sauces, and numerous other byproducts of cooking, are used every day in kitchens everywhere. If not disposed of properly, FOG accumulates in the sewer system in much the same way that cholesterol accumulates in arteries causing sewage backups and overflows. A sewage overflow could potentially cause an environmental hazard requiring a costly cleanup and leading to increased utility bills.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) recently released an updated ANS that establishes requirements for FOG disposal systems. ASME A112.14.6-2010 (R2015), FOG (Fats, Oils, and Greases) Disposal Systems, provides guidance on how FOG disposal systems shall a) be designed to remove FOG from effluent (liquid waste or sewage discharged to a water source); b) retain separated FOG; and c) internally dispose retained FOG by means and methods of mass and volume reduction. The use of alternate materials or methods is permitted, provided the proposed material and method complies with the performance requirements and intent of ASME A112.14.6-2010 (R2015).
ASME, an ANSI organizational member and accredited standards developer, is a non-profit professional organization promoting the art, science, and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences. ASME develops codes and standards that enhance public safety, and enables learning and technical exchange opportunities benefiting the global engineering and technology community.