Heated storage tank for grease recycling

Abstract

A system for storing grease in a storage tank for removal of spent grease from the storage tank. The storage tank includes a heating device which comprises a L-shaped tubular heating device having a heating element inserted into it, a non-flammable and preferably non-toxic heat transfer fluid supplied within the L-shaped heating tube of the device, and a pop-off or check valve supplied on the extremity of one leg of the L-shaped heat tube to relieve excess pressure should the heating element cause the heat transfer fluid to boil due to some malfunction. The heating element is desirably disposed in one leg of the L-shaped tube, preferably in the shorter of the two legs forming the L-shape of the heat tube, and extends into one of the legs at least a portion of its length. The heating device is preferably mounted in the tank with its longer leg extending vertically through a large extent of the height of the tank and the shorter leg is mounted into the side wall of the tank to allow for servicing the heating element. A mixture of water and antifreeze constitutes the heat transfer fluid. The antifreeze substance used is a nonpoisonous, non-polluting type. A motor and pump are provided for pumping grease into the storage tank from a grease container. A light indicator indicates a full extent of the grease within the storage tank and a switch control inactivates the motor when the tank is nearly full. Optionally a thermostat could be used as a back-up temperature control device.