Protein Processing
Overview
A large pet-food protein processing facility was struggling with persistent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) buildup in its lift stations due to heavy daily washdowns, causing thick surface layers that disrupted pumps, caused noticeable odors, and required frequent manual cleanouts. Their search for a reliable mixer designed specifically for wet-well settings led them to install the Furix Wetwell Mixer, which transformed the system by circulating the wetwell contents, preventing FOG from accumulating. Within a week, Furix removed the grease layer, restored normal equipment function, eliminated odors, and rendered maintenance cleanouts unnecessary. A recurring operational problem turned into a stable, low-maintenance system.
A Chronic FOG Problem
In high volume protein processing facilities, sanitation is non negotiable. Daily washdowns are essential, but they also send large amounts of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) into wastewater systems. Over time, those fats rise, cool, and separate, creating thick floating layers in lift stations that can quietly disrupt operations. Moreover, using a high-efficiency Wet-Well Mixer helps prevent these issues before they take hold.
At one large protein processing facility supporting pet food production, this exact scenario was playing out. Washdown water from processing floors drained into multiple lift stations before moving downstream for treatment. As FOG levels increased, the stations began developing a persistent surface layer that was nearly a foot thick in some cases.
The Solution
The impact was hard to ignore. Pumps and level controls became unreliable as grease interfered with normal operation. Odors became more noticeable. Maintenance teams were pulled into frequent manual cleanouts, adding labor, safety risk, and downtime to an already demanding operation. What should have been a simple part of the wastewater system became a recurring headache. The site learned the value of installing a Wet Well Mixer for ongoing efficiency.
The facility needed a solution that didn’t just react to buildup but prevented it.
That’s where the Furix Wet-well Mixer came in.
Installed directly in the lift stations, the Furix mixer immediately began breaking apart floating FOG and keeping solids in suspension. Instead of allowing grease to separate and harden at the surface, the mixer continuously circulated the contents of the wetwell long enough for downstream pumps to move material efficiently to treatment, showing just how vital an expertly designed Wet-Well Mixer can be for facilities.
Within the first week, the difference was visible. The heavy FOG layer disappeared. Pumps cycled normally. Level controls responded as designed. Odors diminished as stagnant buildup was eliminated. Most importantly, routine wetwell cleanouts were no longer part of the maintenance schedule.
What was once a persistent operational problem became a stable, low maintenance system. This allowed crews to focus on production, not cleanup.
Want to learn more about the Furix Wet-Well Mixer? Visit the product page.