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40 QI 2015 THE QUARTERLY Pulpers With municipal and contract hauling costs increasing by as much as 5 percent to 7 percent nationwide, and even as much as 11 percent in some cities, larger foodservice op- erations continue to look for ways to lower waste disposal costs. This has been good news for the pulper segment, since this equipment can reduce foodservice-related waste by between 80 percent and 95 percent on average and offers a relatively quick return on investment. Considered more of a spec product now than ever before, pulpers remain particularly popular in foodservice facilities pursuing LEED certifcation from the U.S. Green Building Council. Although these systems primarily con- solidate waste, pulpers also can save labor by potentially reducing the number of trips staff make to the dumpster. Pulpers work by grinding up waste and removing water to decrease the volume of the waste stream. Specifcally, big commercial pulpers utilize large cutting disks, a water press, a recirculating trough system and a 7 to 10 hp motor to consolidate and remove wet waste from disposables. This process reduces the amount of garbage in receptacles and, subsequently, the number of waste pickups a food- service operation requires. Not only can operators save on waste hauling costs, but this also helps minimize the health hazards associated with storing excess garbage. Foodservice operators can choose from two types of pulper systems. Close coupled are stand-alone units that are less expensive and don't re- quire a custom build. With this type of pulper, the pulping and water extrac- tion occur at the same place. These easier-to-install systems require less cleaning because they have no remote lines that require maintenance. Remote pulpers are better suited for larger operations with higher waste volume. This type utilizes a macerating chamber to grind food waste or can be ftted with several macerators hooking into one water press. The system pumps the waste to a water press, typically located away from the input area in such spaces as a rear dock or separate pulp collection room. An operation may have several grinding stations leading to one discharge station with remote pulpers. Foodservice operators can opt to place the discharge unit by the dumpster to save labor. Also, operators may elect to include FE&S;: What is the typical service life of a pulper? MS: Pulpers can last indefnitely, since all parts are replaceable and affordable. Tanks are made of durable stainless. Broken parts can be rewelded, and brushes and screens can be easily replaced. FE&S;: What are the cleaning requirements for pulpers? MS: Most units have a system that pumps in chemicals to keep them clean. Operators can purchase these solu- tions from cleaning supply companies. Pulpers also have a shutdown mode that runs water through the unit. This fushes out the system, helping to control odors and bac- teria growth. Some manufacturers recommend flling the pulper with strips of cardboard to clean it out daily. FE&S;: What are the biggest maintenance requirements with these units? MS: Maintenance on most pulpers is blade related and involves either repairing, resharpening or changing the blades. It's also important to keep the proper gap between the shredding head or sizing rings and blade. If clearance gets too big, then bigger debris will get through the system without being properly ground up. This can be a big issue that leads to major clogging of the drain lines. FE&S;: What steps can operators take to help prolong the life of the pulper? MS: Some types need occasional greasing, and that's relatively minor. Pulpers with water presses may have brushes that need to be checked and replaced at different intervals, depending on the unit's usage and brand. This may be as often as monthly in high-volume operations. FE&S;: What can cause jams with these units? MS: If blades are dull, the bigger refuse goes through and that will jam up pumps. Also, the water press will start clogging and/or breaking down. SANITATION AND SAFTEY Q&A; WITH MARC SHERMAN, senior foreman, General Parts & Service, Bloomington, Minn.