The EMSD has skilfully leveraged ultrasonic technology to address fire hazards at cooked food markets. Over 70 cooked food markets across Hong Kong are using central exhaust systems to extract oily fumes from kitchens. However, grease often accumulates in the exhaust ductwork over time, posing fire hazards. While the ultraviolet-C and ozone technologies that the EMSD previously introduced had significantly reduced grease accumulation, the problem related to cleaning the oil filters used in the stall kitchens remained to be solved.
It so happened that a colleague came across some ultrasonic glasses cleaners on street. It sparked the idea of using ultrasonic technology in cleaning oil filters. The colleague then suggested installing ultrasonic soak tanks in cooked food markets to facilitate filter cleaning anytime by stall owners and reduce grease accumulation. After finalising the design within a short period of time, we promptly ordered a large, custom-made ultrasonic soak tank specifically designed for cleaning oil filters. Faced with various constraints, such as lack of space, power supply and drainage at the cooked food centre, we were still able to overcome all difficulties and successfully arranged for trial operation at the Sheung Wan Market Cooked Food Centre after we patiently explained to stall owners how to use the soak tank and answered their enquiries.
Once the soak tank was put into use, the difference it made was self-explanatory. Not only did it help stall owners save time and efforts, it also brought noticeable improvements in ventilation of the exhaust systems. The client was also pleased with the proactive attitude of the EMSD team demonstrated in overcoming challenges.
In July 2020, the EMSD procured for the Yue Kwong Road Market Cooked Food Centre another ultrasonic soak tank that was about one-third smaller than the previous model. As our client advised that the cleaning result was satisfactory, we believe that this soak tank could be adopted by more cooked food markets in the future.
To learn more about the application of ultrasonic soak tanks, please feel free to contact Mr. Wong Siu-wah, Solomon, Project Specialist Engineer, at 3757 6027.