Engineers at RMIT University have developed a protective coating for concrete pipes that could significantly reduce the formation of fatbergs in sewers. Fat, oil, and grease (FOG) are responsible for causing 40% of sewer blockages in Australia and over 50% in the United States, resulting in annual maintenance costs of $100 million and $25 billion, respectively. The team’s zinc-enhanced polyurethane coating has shown promising results in preventing the release of calcium from concrete blocks, thereby reducing the build-up of FOG by up to 30%.
Dr. Biplob Pramanik led a study that simulated extreme sewer conditions to test the effectiveness of the coating in reducing fatberg formation over a 30-day period. Results showed a 30% decrease in FOG accumulation on coated concrete compared to uncoated surfaces. According to Pramanik, the coating’s ability to minimize calcium release and prevent FOG from sticking to the rough concrete surface is attributed to its success. Traditional coatings like magnesium hydroxide, commonly used for sewer corrosion control, can unintentionally contribute to FOG build-up by reacting with fatty acids.
The newly invented coating by the research team is not only stable in water and resistant to high temperatures, but it is also self-healing at room temperature. Drawing inspiration from nature’s regenerative capabilities, the team observed significant improvement in surface scratches inflicted on the coating sample after the healing process. Moving forward, the engineers are working on enhancing the coating’s self-healing properties and mechanical strength to further reduce FOG deposition in sewers.
Dr. Sachin Yadav, a co-researcher on the project, highlighted the successful healing performance of the coating when subjected to surface scratches. Their research has led to the development of an improved coating that aims to achieve a greater reduction in FOG accumulation in sewers. Additionally, Pramanik is leading an ARC Linkage Project to create an advanced grease interceptor for restaurants and food service establishments to effectively remove small FOG particles. This project involves partnerships with various water organizations and aims to advance technologies for FOG control in sewer systems.
The team’s innovative hybrid coating material, with triple distinct healing bonds, is described in their publication in the Chemical Engineering Journal. Their research and inventions offer a sustainable solution to address the costly issue of fatberg formation in sewer systems by significantly reducing FOG accumulation. By focusing on enhancing the coating’s healing capabilities and mechanical strength, the engineers at RMIT University are dedicated to developing effective technologies to combat fat, oil, and grease deposition in sewers.
