Frequently asked questions

Every kitchen is to a certain extent unique. The following general recommendations are made for the choice of Disperator model and the type of mounting assembly. A disposer should be placed at each place of work in the kitchen or galley wherever food waste appears, thereby eliminating the ineffective manual transfer of food waste within the kitchen area and the lifting of heavy leaky waste sacks which cause bad smells and create bacteria. Disperator’s modul system, where all assemblies can be used with all Disperator models, makes it possible to plan ergonomically correct solutions for different places of work in the kitchen. A range of mounting assemblies make it easy to build Disperator’s models into sinks, working benches and washing lines supplied by other manufactures.

A range of six standard models of disposers meets the varying requirements for handling and source separation of food waste; Model 510A (0.9kW), Model 515A (1.25kW), Model 520A (1.8kW), Model 530A (2.5kW), Model 550A (4.0kW) and Model 575A (5.5kW). The choice of Disperator model is decided with regards to the type of and the volume of food waste (number of persons per meal) which the disposer is to handle. A higher motor power and larger grinding unit gives, besides increased grinding power, also increased pumping and transport capacity of the grounded food waste out in the water trap. A larger model should be chosen if the disposer is expected to run for long periods without stopping, e.g. for continuous operation during 1-2 hours when removing food waste from plates. Similarly, when there is a borderline case for the choice between two models, the larger and more powerful model should always be chosen. Minimize transfer of food waste in the kitchen by installing several smaller units placed close to each working place, instead of letting several working places share a larger disposer model. For example; a kitchen which handles cold buffet (with chicken-types-bones) for approx. up to 50 persons is recommended a Model 510; a kitchen which handles rough washing-up and ready cooked from pots and pans (with some bones) for approx. 100-150 persons is recommended a Model 530A; a kitchen which handles a central food waste station (with bones) for approx. 300-500 persons is recommended a Model 575A.

Disperator’s modul system, where all assemblies can be used with all Disperator models, makes it possible to plan ergonomically correct solutions for different places of work in the kitchen. All Basic disposers of the 500A-Excellent Series can be fitted with all types of mounting assemblies for installations in sinks (BS, BS-K, ATF, ATF-K), washing lines (DRR-K), working benches (HK, UK, MI) or as free-standing cabinets (MC, MB).

Assemblies in sinks and washing lines of other manufacturers
– ATF assembly: This assembly is easy to install as no welding is required. A plate bolted to the disperator is mounted into a 90mm drain hole of an existing sink/washing line. Included with delivery are flushing nozzle and a removable combined cutlery trap and feeder. The ATF assembly is a clear advantage when it is not possible to weld on site into an existing sink/washing line.

– BS assembly: This assembly is welded into a 80mm drain hole of an existing sink/washing line. A plate bolted to the disperator is threaded to the nipple on the flange. Included with delivery are flushing nozzle and a removable combined cutlery trap and feeder. The BS assembly is recommended when the sink/washing line’s height is restricted.

– DRR-K assembly: This assembly is welded into a 170mm hole in an existing sink/washing line. An extension tube is welded into the hole. A DRR-ring having holes the same size and spacing as the disposer mounting is welded to the other end of the extension. The disposer is bolted to the DRR-ring. The assembly is delivered with a protection cover with a limit switch and a flushing nozzle/flush pipe with air gap. The DRR-K assembly is recommended when the amount or size of the food waste requires a larger outlet opening in the sink/washing line and when the full diameter of the inlet to the grinder must be used.
Assemblies in working bench of other manufacturers.

Assemblies in working bench of other manufacturers
– HK assembly: The discharge HK-cone is welded into an existing working bench and permits continuous feeding of waste into the disposer. The disperator opening is partly covered by a labyrinth protection lid enabling food waste to enter the grinding unit but preventing accidental access to the rotating grinding unit during operation. The labyrinth is fitted with a limit switch which stops the disposer motor when the lid is lifted. The discharge cone is delivered with two flushing nozzles on the inside of the cone, solenoid valve and line strainer already assembled. The HK assembly is recommended when large amounts of food waste is handled and must be fed continuously, e.g. handling of dishes and removal of food preparation leftovers.

– MI assembly: The discharge MI-cone is welded into an existing working bench and food waste is collected in the cone and ground in batches in the disposer when required. The opening is fully covered by a tight protection lid, preventing access to the rotating grinding unit during operation. The lid is fitted with a limit switch which stops the disposer motor when the lid is lifted. The discharge cone is delivered with two flushing nozzles on the inside of the cone, solenoid valve and line strainer already assembled. The MI assembly is recommended when space is limited and when the disposer is not in use the closed protection lid can be used an extra working station.
Freestanding cabinets

Freestanding cabinets
– MC freestanding cabinet: The freestanding cabinet is delivered ready for installation as a separate unit and connection to existing flushing water, drainage and electrical supplies. The cabinet permits continuous feeding of waste into the disposer. The opening into the disposer is partly covered by a labyrinth protection lid enabling food waste to enter the grinding unit but preventing accidental access to the rotating grinding unit during operation. The labyrinth is fitted with a safety interlock switch which stops the disposer motor when the lid is lifted. The discharge cone is delivered with a flushing nozzle or water outlet with air gap, solenoid valve and line strainer already assembled. The MC cabinet is recommended when large amounts of food waste is handled and must be fed continuously, e.g. handling of dishes and removal of food preparation leftovers.

– MB freestanding cabinet: The freestanding cabinet is delivered ready for installation as separate a unit and connection to existing flushing water, drainage and electrical supplies. The opening is fully covered by a tight cover lid, preventing access to the rotating grinding unit during operation. The lid is fitted with a limit switch which stops the disposer motor when the lid is lifted. The discharge cone is delivered with a flushing nozzle on the inside of the cone, solenoid valve and line strainer already assembled. The MB cabinet is recommended when space is limited and when the disposer is not in use the closed protection lid can be used an extra working station.

Disperator has developed and manufactured disperators for installation on land and at sea since the middle of the 1940’s.

All Disperator disperators are developed and manufactured in our own factory in Stockholm, Sweden.

To comply with EU Machine Directive the BASIC disposer and mounting assemblies BS and ATF must be fitted with an appropriate assembly/protection lid. Disposers with an assembly comply with the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. The Directive is not applicable for installations on board ships as galley installations are not included in the EEC’s Machine Directive.

As a general average 0,1-0,15 litre food waste is generated per person and meal. This includes preparation waste as well as leftovers on plate after meal. For example, if 500 persons are served it comes to 50-75 litre food waste.

Product sheet with technical specification, a User Manual, connection and wiring diagrams for electrical components and operating instructions (laminated) to fix against wall near the unit.

Installation material needed but not included with standard delivery are main circuit breaker for incoming electrical supply, reinforced flexible hose, back flower preventer, torque protection bar for mounting assemblies BS and ATF, and water trap. Items can be ordered from Disperator.

The disposer is delivered with a manual contactor (start/stop) unit including motor protector and no voltage release as standard. A control voltage for a contactor and solenoid valve having a lower voltage than the motor voltage must be specified with order. When installing for marine application, a lower control voltage (without neutral wire) requires a transformer.

There are four different optional timers available that may be included into the control circuit to regulate the time the disposer’s motor and /or solenoid valve for flushing water operate. For example, this can be useful when the operator must leave the disposer to attend to other duties or when the flow of flushing water is to continue a few seconds after the disposer has stopped to further improve the transport of food waste through water trap

Det Norske Veritas (DNV GL) Statement of compliance for MARPOL Annex V, REGULATIONS FOR THE CONTROL OF POLLUTION BY GARBAGE FROM SHIPS, as amended in 2019 for disposal of ground waste at sea applies to all disposers in the 500/500A EXCELLENT Series.
§ Regulation 4, Special reguirements for disposal of garbage, (2); “Such comminuted or ground garbage shall be capable of passing through a screen with openings no greater than 25mm” (page 318-319). § Regulation 5, Disposal of garbage within special areas, (2), c:”Such comminuted or ground garbage shall be capable of passing through a screen with openings no greater that 25mm” (Page 320).

The information found on the disposer’s serial number plate is model number, motor power and supply voltage, ampere, revolutions per minute (rpm), ISO and IP-classification, weight and a unique serial number. For disposers mounted in sinks, working benches and washing lines the serial number plate is found below the disposer outlet flange. For disposers delivered in free-standing cabinets the serial number plate is found on the outside of the inlet cone (front panel must be removed).

If the disposer stops or does not start, it could be because waste has jammed between the stationary and rotary shredder. A humming sound may be heard from the motor and/or the motor protector may disconnect the control circuit when it is jammed. A jam release wrench, delivered together with the disposer, is used to dislodge the jammed waste material.

The jam release wrench is placed on the centre nut of the rotary shredder and then rotated back and forth until the cause of jamming is freed. See Operation Instructions for further details and how to use the jam release wrench.

When using ATF and BS mounting assembly with a threaded nipple and flange the disperator must be fixed with a torque protection bar fitted to the wall or bulkhead. The starting torque or a quick stop, due to cutlery mistakenly getting into the grinding chamber, can otherwise turn the disperator so that the water trap/sewer pipe will move from its position and leakage may occur. A torque protection bar can be ordered as an optional extra. If a torque protection bar is not suitable due to a large distance to the wall/bulkhead, special legs for fixing in floor/floor plate can be ordered as an optional extra. For MC and MB freestanding cabinet the included adjustable legs must be fixed against the floor/floor plate.

The hole where the flushing nozzle is to be installed must be 21mm. Position the nozzle as high up as possible and above the spillway. Place the flushing nozzle as far from the inlet to the disposer as possible, this will allow for a larger flushing area in the bottom of the sink basin.

Yes, to better suit existing drain connection the disposer may be turned 90° to the left or right. This must be informed with order. If not otherwise requested the cabinet is delivered with the disperator outlet on the back of the cabinet.

Models having a motor power up to and including 1.1 kW can in most cases be hung vertically under e.g. a sink and are supplied without legs as standard. Models having a motor power of 1.5 kW or more are supplied with 3 legs, screwed to the bottom of the disposer. The 3 legs are adjusted to give a proper support against the floor. The height of the legs can be adjusted 0-40mm, longer legs are available on request.

The standard Disperator cabinet model is made of stainless steel AISI304 and not recommended for outdoor usage. Depending on such conditions as salt water and wind a cabinet in acid proof stainless steel (AISI316) can be supplied as an optional extra. In case sea water shall be used as flushing water the disposer can be delivered with salt water resistant inner parts as an optional extra.

The standard disposer is delivered with an end shield in aluminium and not recommended for the use of alkaline detergent. When alkaline detergent with pH >9 is used the disposer can be delivered with an end shield in cast iron as an optional extra.

When supplying full throttle of cold water at normal water pipe pressure (6 bar), the consumption is around 20 l/min for disposers delivered with mounting assemblies ATF, BS, DRR-K, MI, MB and MC. For disposers delivered with a HK-mounting cone it is 24 l/min. Installations having a continuous and even flow of food waste and for assemblies with smaller inlets (ATF, BS), the required amount of flushing water may be less and can from experience later on be reduced by adjusting the water supply using a ½” flow and cut off valve on the incoming water supply pipe.
The continuous water supply to the disposer assures that dry food waste (like bread, of-steamed rice, etc), sticky food waste (like dough, pancakes, etc) and fibre-rich food waste (like banana peels, leeks, etc.) flows effectively through the drain pipe.
For those installations where water saving techniques is required, we recommend the food waste processor GTS. The system grinds and pumps food waste to a tank or for disposal overboard, using as little as only 2-3liters of cold water per minute.

Secure the operation instructions (in plastic) by screwing it to the wall / bulkhead in a position where it is easily seen by the operator. Check that the rotary shredder of the disposer turns freely in both directions by hand, and make sure that no foreign object has been dropped into the grinding unit during the installation. Start the disperator and determine that the rotary shredder revolves and that flushing water flows automatically. Check assembly, flushing water connections and plumbing connections for possible leaks. Instruct the person responsible for the machines in the galley / kitchen about the operation of the disperator before handing over the remaining documentation and the jam release wrench.

Before grinding dry food waste (like bread, off-steamed rice, etc.), sticky food waste (like dough, pancakes, etc.) and fibre-rich food waste (like banana peels, leeks, etc.) in the disposer it’s recommended to add water to the waste bucket, thereby dissolving the sticky food waste. It is also advantageous to mix the waste with other types of food waste. Permit continuous water supply to the disposer, and make sure of the required gradient of 1:20 for the drain line from the disposer, to ensure that this type of waste effectively will flow in the drain line.

Disperators in the 500A-Excellent Series require that preventative service should be undertaken at 3-5 year intervals and that a complete service is made every 10 years. Service Package 1 includes items to be replaced when carrying out a preventative maintenance and Service Package 2 includes items to be replaced when subject to wear.
NOTE! The V-ring seal (03/01) and the two axel seals (03/02) with special grease (04) and stationary seals (05, 08) must be replaced with every overhaul! Items are included in Service Package 1 and 2.
See User Manual for further information and an exploded view of disperator parts.
Detailed information regarding service and maintenance can be found under “Installation & Service” on Disperator’s website.

The stationary and rotary grinders are manufactured from special alloy nickel-steel and have a life time of approximately 10 years.

Check that the supply voltage corresponds to the specified voltage on the disperator’s serial number plate and that the supply voltage for the delivered model is fused as specified in the enclosed product leaflet. Check that the motor protector is adjusted to the rated current which is specified on the serial number plate of the disperator. The rated current at the voltage to be connected to the delivered disperator model is also given in the enclosed product leaflet. The motor protector must never be adjusted to a greater value than the rated current. Check that the control voltage of the contactor and valve, as shown on their coils, corresponds to each other, the delivery note and the electrical connection diagram. After the internal wiring is completed, check that the top half of the contactor casing (with protection class IP55) fits properly and is tightened in order to seal from damp. The operation of the start and stop buttons is dependent upon the top half of the contactor casing fitting correctly.

The disposer’s grinding and pumping operations function correctly irrespective of the motor’s rotational direction. It is therefore irrelevant in which sequence the electrical phases are connected.

The control voltage means the voltage for the contactor coil and the solenoid valve coil. For marine installations this voltage is often the same voltage as the motor voltage (the supply voltage). Some customers sometimes order a transformer as an option in order to have a lower voltage in the control circuit for marine disposer installations, the reason being that no neutral wire is available in most marine installations

The contactor with coil, motor protector and auxiliary contact is always delivered assembled in the control box and all internal wiring in the control box is connected.

For disposers installed in other manufacturers’ interior (sink, working table, etc.) the connection to the contactor is made after it has been mounted to the wall. The disposer’s motor is supplied with a 2 meter cable for connection to the contactor.

For the best possible protection against electrical faults caused by high pressure water flushing and damage by knocks and bumps, the contactor casing should be placed as high up as possible on the wall / bulkhead but within comfortable reach for kitchen / galley personnel.

Use connection cable having 1.5 mm² wire area for disperators with rated current up to 14A. For disperators with rated current above 14A use cable having 2.5 mm² wire area. The rated voltage and current for the disperator is given on the disperator serial number plate.

For the best possible protection against electrical faults caused by high pressure water flushing and damage by knocks and bumps, the contactor casing should be placed within comfortable reach for kitchen / galley personnel but as high up as possible on the wall / bulkhead.

* Cable dimension
Use connection cable having 1.5 mm2 wire area for disperators with rated current up to 14A. For disperators with rated current above 14A use cable having 2.5 mm2 wire area. The rated voltage and current for the disperator is given on the disperator serial number plate.

* Cable protection
All electrical cable must be protected against damage by being securely fastened, for example to the assembly frame work and wall / bulkhead. If there is a risk that the cables can be damaged, for example, by passing trolleys then the cables must be protected by flexible sleeving or conduit.

* Earth wire
The earth wire shall be longer than main voltage wires when connecting to the cable terminal block. This gives earthing protection if the voltage wires become insecure in the cable nipple allowing them to be pulled from their terminals.