Mitchell & Butlers PLC – High Density Grease Contamination

The Mitchells and Butlers group have installed the Ecofix in numerous sites throughout the UK. Ecofix has been particularly useful where Kitchen Extract System (KES) require management. Typically, these sites represent client problem sites where standard cleaning cannot be achieved.

The contamination output for M&B sites is particularly heavy due to the types of cooking carried out i.e. foods containing high levels of fats that are cooked on chargrill. This produces vast amounts of Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) which are deposited throughout the KES.

A Busy Restaurant Pub

In this case study, we look at a busy restaurant pub which has had Ecofix installed to reduce contamination build-up from canopy to three metres and within the non-accessible riser. Originally, we were carrying out cleans every 17 weeks. Ecofix dosing has pushed servicing out to 6 months which reduces labour frequency and cost whilst achieving compliance as required. Below are photographs of the system PRE cleaning. This represents an example where sections are not in a cleanable state when following TR19 GTL guidance.

The Ecofix System Installed

Canopy Spray Bar

This photo shows the kitchen canopy which is dosed by one of our canopy spray bars. The return collects any runoff and/or contamination which is emptied by the kitchen staff as part of their daily duties. We can see that the footprint of contamination is reduced significantly by Ecofix – GTL measurements show that the canopy was still in a state where cleaning was not required. (TR19 Guidance)

Ductwork 1 to 3 Metres

This picture shows the manifold ductwork at 1 to 3 metres. We can see where the ductwork changes direction (resistance) there is little or no build-up of contamination. This is directly above the chargrill and can be Identified as the main source of contamination. Again, this is a pre clean photo which was cleaned as part of the service. Measurements suggest a cleanable state at impact, but the remainder of the ductwork was found not requiring cleaning in line with TR19 Guidance.

Canopy Spigot

The spigot ductwork above the fryers was found in a non-cleanable state. Ecofix dosing with bio additive and detergent stops build-up from being achieved. Grease contaminants are unable to bond with the ductwork surfaces leaving the section almost permanently compliant in line with TR19 Guidance.

Riser System – Centraliser Bar

This riser is Pre clean and in a non-cleanable state with GTL below TR19 guidance trigger limits. Access to the riser is restricted. The Ecofix internal riser system regularly doses the ductwork with detergents only. The vertical riser restricts build-up of contamination by direction in most cases. The riser system (Centraliser) sprays the ductwork surfaces at regular intervals, typically scheduled at busy times throughout the day.

Summary

This KES is managed successfully with Ecofix. We have been able to reduce frequency of visit here from 17 weeks to 6 months with an interim inspection to follow TR19 Guidance. The grease load at source is significantly reduced as contamination struggles to bond with the ductwork surfaces. The riser system is particularly successful as cleaning trigger limits are nullified by Ecofix for longer – in real terms guidance suggests riser cleaning should be carried out every 18 months; Ecofix was installed here in September 2019 with current GTL still in a non- cleanable state in line with TR19 ‘Grease’ Guidance. GTL measurements are taken every visit in line with this guidance and continue to be monitored.