What Is Direct Pump Connection between a Fryer and Grease Tank?

Let’s examine the following:

• What is direct pump connection?
• Is your fryer capable of direct pump connection?
• Why it is the safest and most efficient way to handle your grease.

What is direct pump connection?

Direct pump connection, also referred to as direct connect and hard pipe connection, is the ability to connect a cooking oil storage tank to the back of your fryer. Once connected, the fryer acts as pumping mechanism to transfer the oil out of the filter pan and into the grease tank. More specifically, the pump on the fryer from the filtration system is what drives the oil out of the fryer. In most cases, when a service provider installs equipment, a ¾ diameter pipe is installed between the tank and the wall behind where the fryer rests. It is linked to a flexible hose that connects from the wall to the fryer. The pipe runs from that hose connection point, up into the ceiling and back down into the tank to ensure it stays out of plain view. Direct pump is a one-way street in the sense that the storage tank will not pump new oil back into the fryer, nor will it allow old oil to slip back in. In fact, it has protective valves in place to ensure spent oil does not leak back into the fryer.

Direct pump connection is a fully automated system, meaning that transferring oil is a quick as a touch of a button and doesn’t require manual handling. Once your oil is filtered, just tap the button to discard it rather than returning the spent oil into the vat. An ideal set up for direct pump connection calls for the storage tank to be placed within 75 feet of the fryer, and placement adjacent to an exterior wall is ideal. Both indoor and outdoor systems are capable if they’re able to reside close enough to the fryer.

How do you know if your fryer has direct pump connection capability?

You’ll want to know what to look for when determining whether your fryer is capable of direct pump connection. The first thing you’ll want to look for is a built-in filtration system. This is a requirement, and if your fryer has one, it is compatible with direct pump connection. Secondly, look for a disposal port on the back or the side of the fryer. Sending a photo of the front and back of your fryer to your provider prior to installation is never a bad idea to err on the side of caution. Make sure the fryer door is open when snapping the photo.

Direct pump compatibility is becoming more common by the year as fryer technology becomes more advanced. If your fryer is relatively modern, odds are it is compatible with direct pump connection.

Why direct pump connection is important

You may be wondering if there are any adverse side effects to direct pump, such as potential damage to your fryer or the hard piping system causing the fryer to be immobile. Direct pump connection will not damage your fryer if it is compatible, and if you’re using a factory kit on the fryer, it will likely have a safeguard to protect the pump. The way the connection between the fryer and tank is set up, that previously mentioned hose connection that allows you to move the fryer short distances to clean behind and around it.

Direct pump connection is the safest and most efficient way to transfer your used cooking oil. It saves time and eliminates your employees having to handle hot grease that could lead to burns or slips and falls if there is a spill. If your kitchen layout and equipment can accommodate it, direct pump connection is the way to go.