Filter

Abstract

The invention is a filter device, apparatus and system used to filter contaminants from liquids, such as water, particularly surface water runoff. The invention is configured to capture sediment, debris, and soluble and insoluble contaminants, including gas, oils and metals that enter the device. The invention consists of an adapter ring, an outer casing, a first filter material, an interior mesh, a blabla filter, and an inner casing. The invention is configured for easy installation within existing manhole frames without significantly impacting the height of the manhole cover and may be used within manholes for underground dry wells, storm drains, catch basins and other similar types of water collection structures.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 588,688 filed on Jan. 20, 2012 which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally screens and filtration devices, specifically screen and filtration devices for use in manholes and water collection basins in and around parking lots, streets and other paved areas. More specifically, the invention relates to a filter device that can be used to capture sediment and debris which otherwise would enter and accumulate within the structures. The invention removes soluble and insoluble contaminants from fluids passing through the device (typically rain water but sometimes including the improper dumping of motor oil or gas) and into the water collection basin, particularly gasoline, motor oil, metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other gasoline combustio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a filter device that can be easily installed in existing manhole frames without affecting the height of the manhole cover. The invention captures sediment and debris that would otherwise enter and accumulate within the structure, reducing contamination and increasing the life expectancy and performance of the water collection structures in which it has been installed. The device uses a fibrous lipophilic geo-textile material for the first filter and a porous mesh for the second filter to capture soluble and insoluble contaminants, such as oil and petroleum, from the fluids passing through. A gap between the first filter and the outer casing base functions as an underflow to prevent the device from overflowing during high flow events. The invention provides an efficient solution for protecting and improving water collection structures in urban environments, minimizing the negative impact on the environment and public safety.

Problems solved by technology

Although the perforated covers screen out some larger insoluble contaminants and debris that would otherwise enter the water collection structure, they are incapable of screening debris that is smaller than the perforations, including many fine insoluble contaminants and soluble contaminants.

Debris, dirt, garbage and other contaminants that enter water collection structures typically settle to the bottom and accumulate over time.

Dry wells, storm drains, and other similar types of catch basins, particularly those located on or near gas stations and / or in or around parking lots, are particularly susceptible to receiving contaminated surface runoff.

Storm water may become contaminated while running down the road or other impervious surfaces, such as parking lot asphalt, a gas station's pavement, or from lawn chemical runoff.

These contaminants often make their way into water collection structures accumulate in the sediment within the structure, and most likely enter surrounding soils and groundwater.

The resulting contamination poses great health risks to individuals, wildlife and the environment.

Eventually, over time, without proper cleaning and maintenance (which is common for these structures due in part to the difficulty with seeing what is happening inside of them) the debris and sediment entering these water collection structures accumulates and clogs the drainage openings.

One result is undesirable water accumulation in the structure and water flooding at the inlet surface.

Another result is accumulation of contamination in the structure.

The cost of remediation is typically high and often interferes with the daily operation and use of the property.

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