A REVOLUTIONARY system which uses fat-eating bacteria to unblock drains has been developed by scientists in the region.

The new Bactaerator technology has been launched by CBIO in Stockton following successful trials which showed how troublesome fat balls, which can cause costly and unhygienic blockages in waste systems, are converted into harmless water and carbon dioxide.

Dr Tony Brooke, CBIO development director, said: "We've had supermarket clients with fat problems so bad the balls of fat are rolling out of the sump and through car parks. This is a revolution in waste management, harnessing nature to help our 21st century technology run smoothly."

Following the successful implementation of the Bactaerator in more than 20 commercial sites, which includes shopping centres and abattoirs, CBIO are targeting the major water companies. New legislation being introduced in October will see water companies take on responsibility for private sewer systems and pumping stations. CBIO reckon the Bactaerator can help the likes of Northumbrian Water to reduce costs, time and environmental impact.

"The trials couldn't have gone better, explained Ben Hoskyns, CBIO managing director. "Fat may be a menace in large waste systems, but to bacteria fat is simply a source of food. The Bactaerator introduces bacteria into the system that then live on the fat. This method is excellent value for money, safe for the environment and extremely effective, it prevents the fat balls growing.

"Traditionally, the whole wet well would have to be emptied and jetted clean on average every six weeks by a contractor. Smells were dealt with separately through a regular dose of strong oxidizing chemicals that are extremely expensive and complicated to handle. In comparison, the Bactaerator solves both these problems at once and only needs checking every three months."

Park Leisure 2000 which manages static holiday homes, said it was "hugely impressed" after using the Bactaerator at its site in Stanhope, Weardale. "We had a very bad odour problem with our on-site pumping station and ended up with a large toxic area of ground," said Simon Jones, UK maintenance manager for Park Leisure 2000. "Our clients had noticed the bad smells and this could have had a significant detrimental effect. CBIO installed the Bactaerator and in three weeks there was a noticeable difference. They also gave us great guidance and expertise. We have six sites around the UK at most of which we now use CBIO's grease-eating products.

"In fact we have been so impressed with this system that even though we've since had a £500,000 investment to take away the septic tanks and convert to mains drainage we have kept the Bactaerator. How can you put a value on good customer relations? We have had no complaints at all about smells since installing it."