The system consists of touchscreen controller, the Power / Communications Module (PCM), and the float sensor.   The touchscreen controller usually resides in the facility managers’ office or suitable location.  The PCM and float sensor are installed inside the grease interceptor.

The system should be installed by a qualified plumbing technician.  Installation consists of mounting a bracket to the inside wall of the manway using stainless steel lag bolts.  An appropriate-sized pilot hole must be drilled and anchors used.  The PCM sits in the bracket, and connected to the float sensor on top of the grease layer, connected via a rugged tether / data cable.

The FOG Monitor is designed for grease interceptors with a 100 gallon capacity or greater.  This size would allow for the dimensions of the float sensor and power / communication box to fit internally within the tank.

The FOG Monitor Power and communications box rests in a bracket that is ideally located in the interceptor riser, as close to grade as possible.  In interceptors where there is no riser, the bracket can be placed on the lid or sidewall of the interceptor.  The sensor float is wired to the power and communications box and will float on the liquid surface immediately below the box.  In cases where there are multi chambers or more than one interceptor, it is recommended to place the sensor in the chamber of the effluent pipe.  Some jurisdictions may have regulations that dictate the sensor’s location in a multi chamber interceptor

The FOGWISE power and communications box rests in a bracket.  The bracket is secured to the interceptor surface by 4 screws.

No.  The In-tank components are completely pre-assembled.  The electrical box bracket must be attached to a flat interior surface inside the interceptor, and the touchscreen controller must be placed on a convenient interior wall with access to a power outlet.   There is very minor set-up and initiation required on the touchscreen controller to initiate readings.

The alarm is reset from the Alarm Screen on the touchscreen controller.  Simply go to the Alarm Screen, and press “Silent Alarm”.

The float sensor emits ultrasonic pulses downwards in the grease interceptor.  As the sound waves encounter the interfaces between the grease, water, and solid, some reflect back to the sensor, and some continue downwards to the next layer, then eventually the bottom of the tank.

The data set of reflected signals are analyzed by the software, and the thickness / volume of FOG, water, and solids are calculated and displayed on the touchscreen controller.

The next phase of FOG Monitor development is to push the data to the “cloud”, so that it can be remotely monitored.  There will be an upgrade path for earlier FOG Monitor installations.

It ships with an AC adaptor to plug into a standard outlet.

Once the power and communications module and the sensor housing have been attached in the interceptor, and the touchscreen controller has been attached on an interior wall, simply turn the power on at the power and communications module and at the touchscreen controller.  The touchscreen controller will start-up in seconds and will begin a series of start-up queries to initiate operations.

The radio range is extremely site dependent.  Rebar-lined interceptors with a cast iron frame and covers and multiple interior walls reduce radio range, in some cases to below 200’.    A FOG Monitor smart meter in above ground plastic or fiberglass interceptors may have radio ranges of 2000 feet or more.

The FOGWISE unit uses radio signals in the ISM (Industrial Scientific Medical) bandwidth, which will only interfere with other radios using the same frequencies.  The radio on transmits for very short durations (approximately 1 minute per day).  If the instrument detects other devices with the same frequency, it will automatically shift into a new frequency.

FOG Monitor is specifically designed for grease interceptors.   There may be other similar applications where FOG Monitor may be useful.  Consult a Riptide Tek representative for an opinion on your application.

The intention is that the person responsible for the routine pump out would remove the float sensor beforehand, and power wash it just before replacing the float in the interceptor.

The long-life battery inside the FOG Monitor PCM is expected to last 2 years.  When  the battery level gets low, a notification appears on the touchscreen interface.  The battery in the PCM can be recharged or replaced.

The two components inside the grease interceptor (PCM and float sensor) are made from rugged PBT plastic, and designed to withstand the extremely corrosive environment inside the interceptor.  Both components are water proof.

The in-tank components of FOG Monitor are constructed of rugged, corrosion and temperature resistant materials and the electronics are potted to ensure minimal chemical or mechanical impact.  FOG Monitor has a 2 year warranty against mechanical and electrical defects, but should last 10 years or more.

No.  The touchscreen controller is designed to be placed on a convenient interior wall.

FOG Monitor is specifically designed for grease interceptors.   There may be other similar applications where FOG Monitor may be useful.  Consult a Riptide Tek representative for an opinion on your application.