Stormwater Runoff Separator and Collector for Curb Inlet Type Catch Basins

Abstract

A hydraulic separation and collection system applicable to linear street curb-inlet type drainage-chambers, independent or connected to a storm drainage network. The FIRST FLUSH COLLECTOR™ is a pollutant separation and collection apparatus that can be integrated into an existing storm drain network, or be retrofitted as a component into a new or existing curb-inlet type drainage-chamber. The outfall from the FIRST FLUSH COLLECTOR™ can be redirected to a conventional stormwater pollutant BMP, or be diverted to a sanitary sewer, storm drain, or combined collection system for treatment downstream. The apparatus is envisaged as a simple, easy to install prefabricated-kit utilizing a basic build-in-place separation and collection apparatus. The apparatus can be readily adapted to the needs of a given curb-inlet type drainage-chamber with minor alterations to the chambers, or to the connected existing storm drainage network. The uniquely adaptative capability of the apparatus enables selective structuring based on the retrofitting requirements of a curb-inlet type drainage-chamber. The system is designed to handle a variety of ecosystem-contaminants, ranging from basic street-refuse and floatable objects, to coarse sediment, finer silt, and comparatively minute environmentally-hazardous petrochemicals, heavy-metals, phosphates, and nitrates. The system is design to refuse floatables and debris which will continue to the existing curb-inlet type drainage-chamber. Other pollutants contained in the first flush are readily collected from the apparatus and transferred to a selected outfall facility. The system has no moving or mechanical components and is designed to function on fluid hydraulic principles.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not ApplicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX (IF APPLICABLE)[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0004]This invention relates to stormwater pollutant separator and collection apparatus; and more particularly it relates to said apparatus specifically adapted in a curb-inlet subterranean drainage-chambers to separate, collect and divert polluted stormwater runoff from roadways or other impervious surfaces with inlet structures.Background of the Invention[0005]Stormwater is conventionally defined as runoff generated from precipitation such as rain and snow melt. In developed areas runoff flows over impervious surfaces such as parking lots, streets, rooftops and paved areas as opposed to purculating into the soil as a natural means of pollutant removal and water filtrat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]The general field of this invention applies to road structure, process, or apparatus street, or curb inlet for surface drainage. The invention is designed to intercept stormwater runoff at a curb-inlet type drainage-chambers. Interception is accomplished in such a way as to permit excess liquid beyond the capacity of the invention, and large debris, to be directed automatically into the curb-inlet type drainage chamber in which the invention is installed. The invention can be retrofitted to an existing curb-inlet type drainage chamber, or be installed in a new curb-inlet structure. The invention facilitates a secondary outfall that can be directed to a separate drainage system, or to a stormwater best management practice (BMP) for treatment.

[0019]The objective of this invention is to provide a means of separating, collecting and diverting the most polluted, initial stormwater runoff from a precipitation event often referred to as the First Flush. The components of the invention can be retrofitted into an existing curb-inlet drainage chamber, or be installed into a new drainage chamber prior to the structure installation. A typical curb-inlet has an opening of four (4) feet to twenty (20) feet longitudinal to the roadway and five (5) inches high from the gutter pan flow path to the bottom of the chamber cover. This size of the opening allows flow during storm events but prevent large objects and debris from being carried into the chamber. The chambers are often prefabricated concrete structures typically measuring about four (4) feet wide, five (5) feet deep, and are permanently constructed as a critical infrastructure component of a roadway system or paved surface area. Other critical components of a drainage chamber include an outlet pipe which provides a means for stormwater to be conveyed to the collection system, a manhole which provides access for maintenance, and a sump to collect debris not suitable for the collection system.

[0021]It is an additional object of this invention to provide an overflow mechanism to prevent surface flooding in the event the apparatus is clogged.

Problems solved by technology

Untreated stormwater can have detrimental impacts on receiving bodies.

Urban municipalities have recognized that stormwater pollution, particularly the first flush, is a significant environmental problem.

This device as designed is not intended to be retrofitted into an existing structure.

While both inventions are capable of utilizing a collection system, this device as designed is not intended to be retrofitted into an existing structure.

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