Media retention plate for bulk underdrain system

Abstract

A media retention plate for an underdrain system having one or more filter blocks. The plate may include a first tank configured to allow air to pass through during air backwash and a second tank configured to allow water to pass through during air backwash. The media retention plate is configured to facilitate backflow of water through the second slot into the one or more filter blocks while maintaining air flow through the first slot to create an optimal collapse pulse. The first and second tanks are uniformly sized and uniformly spaced apart so as to create relatively small sized collapse pulses during continuous air-water backwash. A plurality of inserts may be disposed along a perimeter of a base portion of a bottom surface of the media retaining plate. The interposer improves the structural integrity of the media holding plate and prevents heaving of the media holding plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a media holding plate for block culvert systems, and more particularly to a media holding plate having a plurality of fluid channels. Background Technology

[0002] Water, wastewater, and industrial filtration systems are used to filter particles suspended in the fluid under consideration. These systems feature culvert systems that support the filter media and separate the filter media (such as, but not limited to, sand and anthracite) from the bottom of the filter. The filter media can remove particles (including dirt and debris) as well as chemical or biological contaminants from the fluid flowing through it. The structure of culvert blocks is commonly used to construct culvert systems.

[0003] Figures 1A-1B Plan and cross-sectional views of the applicant's culvert block 10, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,343,343, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The culvert block 10 has a top wall 5, a bottom wall 6, a pair of opposing end walls 20, and a pair of opposing side walls 15. The culvert block 10 also includes a central partition wall 25 extending horizontally between the pair of opposing end walls 20. The central partition wall 25 extends vertically from or near the top wall 5 to the bottom wall 6. The central partition wall 25 divides the culvert block 10 into two longitudinal segments. Lateral partition walls 50 may be formed in each longitudinal segment, thereby forming a main branch 35 (or main distribution pipe) and a secondary branch 40 (or secondary distribution pipe). The lateral partition walls 50 separate the main branch 35 from the secondary branch 40. Furthermore, the central partition wall 25 separates the main branch 35 from each other and separates the secondary branch 40 from each other.

[0004] The culvert block 10 may include holes 30 formed therein. As used herein, the term "hole" refers to any kind of opening, gap, crack, slit, or opening. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the culvert block shown, holes 30 are formed in the central partition wall 25 at opposite ends of the central partition wall 25, extending along the direction between a pair of opposing end walls 20. The holes 30 may be through-holes extending completely or substantially completely through the height of the central partition wall 25. The height of the central partition wall 25 refers to the distance from the top wall 5 or near the top wall to the bottom wall 6. At least one of the holes 30 formed in the central partition wall 25 of the culvert block 10 is capable of receiving a support member. The culvert block 10 is shaped to collect filtered water passing through the filter media. The culvert block 10 may have a low profile, covering the bottom plate of the filter bed and supporting the filter media. The low profile design increases the volume of the filtered liquid and reduces the development of biological / chemical scaling.

[0005] In a block-type culvert system, multiple culvert blocks (e.g., multiple culvert blocks 10) can be placed side-by-side and end-to-end in the bottom of the filter to form a filter substrate. Filter media can be poured onto the culvert blocks to capture dirt and other particulate matter from a liquid (e.g., water) as it passes through the filter media. The blocks can have a low profile, covering the substrate of the filter bed and supporting the filter media. The low-profile design increases the volume of the filtered liquid and reduces the development of biological / chemical scaling.

[0006] Besides providing support for the filter media, culvert systems serve two main purposes: collecting filtered water that has passed through the filter media, and evenly distributing backwash water, backwash air, or a combination of both across the filter. Backwashing is the process of pumping clean backwash fluid or gas, or a mixture thereof, alone or simultaneously, into the culvert block to remove solid particles or other unwanted substances from the filter media. Typically, the backwash fluid is clean water, and the gas used is air.

[0007] The culvert block also forms a barrier to physically separate the filter media from the air and water distribution channels designed into the block. Separating the filter media from the block prevents finer particles from the filter media from clogging the channels. Conventionally, a layer of graded gravel is used to prevent the filter media from penetrating the filter substrate. However, using a gravel layer reduces the available space for the media and makes the filter structure deeper. As an alternative to a gravel layer, a media retainer plate can be used to prevent the filter media from penetrating and entering the culvert system and to facilitate media replacement. In use, each filter block can be pre-assembled with a suitable media retainer plate. The media retainer plate also helps to hold the filter media on top of the culvert block.

[0008] Air can be evenly distributed throughout the bottom region of the filter to flush the filter media and provide air lift, which, along with water, removes solids released from the filter. Air flushing involves injecting controlled filtered air through the media retainer plate into the filter media (or filter, or media, these terms are used interchangeably herein). This process is followed by water backwashing to increase momentum and push the particles upwards, after which the air is shut off, and only water is used to remove wastewater containing these particles from the system. Using air and water simultaneously or sequentially significantly reduces the volume of backwash wastewater generated and greatly reduces operating costs through a uniform backwashing process. The pressurized air / water combination allows filtered water to flow upwards through the media at sufficient velocity to prevent filtration problems such as mud balls, filter breakage, clumping on fine media particles, and inactive areas within the filter.

[0009] In conventional culvert block filtration systems, fluid flows through the culvert blocks at a high rate during backwashing. Backwash water enters the main branch channel and then flows through control orifices into two secondary branch channels. Backwash air is distributed via upper control orifices between the main and secondary branch channels, providing uniform air distribution. Therefore, backwashing improves the performance of the filter media. This process also causes the media bed located on top of the media retainer plate. The media retainer plate plays a crucial role in the air scouring process.

[0010] Some conventional media retainer plates comprise compressed high-density polymer beads. The use of polymer beads forms a porous filter / plate that can be used as both a filter bed and a media retainer bed. This process results in variable pore sizes and uneven spacing between pores. While the pores are typically sized smaller than conventional filter media, the filter media can sometimes penetrate the pores and clog / block the media retainer plate. This, in turn, leads to a reduction in overall filter efficiency and performance. The uneven pore distribution and varying pore sizes on the media retainer plate also result in uneven flow distribution on the filter bed. Due to the uneven pore size and spacing / distribution, uneven collapsing pulse behavior exists on top of the filter bed during backwashing operations. This uneven pore distribution can cause filter media to agglomerate on top of the filter bed due to the uneven collapsing pulse effect. This renders the backwashing process ineffective, thus increasing the overall operating cost of the culvert system. Conventional media retainer plates are also prone to bending at the edges of the filter blocks, causing filter leaks and resulting in numerous points of failure for the filter.

[0011] U.S. Patent Publication No. 20180333660 discloses a media holding plate having a plurality of funnel-shaped compartments formed on a top surface and having a first inclined wall and a second inclined wall, the second inclined wall being angled toward the first inclined wall in a direction from the top surface toward the bottom surface. The plate further has at least one first groove extending through at least one of the first and second inclined walls and at least one second groove extending through a top sidewall. Other prior art media holding plates include an upper media holding plate and a lower media holding plate. A potential disadvantage of such designs is the difficulty in remanufacturing, as tolerances between the two plates can accumulate, and inconsistencies in one plate can cause filter assembly failure. It is also more expensive because a filter requires two components, and secondary operations are increased because the upper and lower plates need to be placed together.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need for an improved media holding plate for block culvert systems that can ensure optimized fluid flow into the culvert filter blocks during operation and uniform flow distribution through the filter media during air-water backwashing processes. Summary of the Invention

[0013] According to one or more embodiments, the present invention relates to an improved media retention plate (also interchangeably referred to as a "plate") for block culvert systems. Specifically, the invention comprises a single (or one) media retention plate for culvert blocks. The media retention plate is configured with a plurality of precisely designed slots to allow two fluids of different densities to pass through. As used herein, the term "slot" includes, but is not limited to, grooves, slits, holes, cuts, or openings located in the media retention plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the first fluid is air, and the second fluid is water. Each slot is configured to allow only one of these fluid types to pass through during an air-water backwashing process.

[0014] The air and water channels are positioned along the media retaining plate to facilitate optimal flow in and out of the plate while preventing media from passing through. The plate prevents media loss through the filter substrate while increasing the available filter headroom.

[0015] The media holding plate facilitates optimal collapsing pulses by allowing water to flow back into the filter blocks through the water holding tank while maintaining airflow through the air distribution tank. This allows for proper agitation of the filter media located on top of the media holding plate due to the eddies generated at the top. The collapsing pulse effect generates turbulence due to the energy dispersion of rising bubbles and allows the media bed to expand by separating the media. Proper agitation of the filter media improves the efficiency of cleaning the filter media and reduces overall backwash time, thus saving operating costs. This improves the overall performance of the block culvert system by optimizing the backwashing process.

[0016] In conventional block culvert filtration systems, fluid flows through the culvert block at a high rate during backwashing. This results in an increased velocity distribution due to the two main branches of the culvert block. (However, it should be noted that some culvert filter blocks include only one main branch.) To regulate the velocity, two secondary branches are installed in the filter block. The two main branches and secondary branches allow for a much more stable velocity distribution. However, due to the overall length of these culvert filtration systems, maintaining such a stable distribution cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, in one or more embodiments, the grooves on the media holding plate of the present invention are configured on a downwardly sloping surface to stabilize the velocity of the fluid flow. This ensures that the filter operates optimally in all given conditions. The back pressure on the media holding plate can be substantially reduced by means of pre-designed angled grooves by increasing the volume between the fluid outlet groove and the orifice, while maintaining optimal pressure inside the filter block.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, multiple inserts or legs are located at the base of the bottom surface of the plate for secure mounting to the filter block. This design also improves the structural integrity of the filter block assembly and prevents bulging of the media holding plate. During backwashing, the media holding filter can be subjected to pressure on its bottom surface. This pushes the filter away from the filter block, creating a leak point. This causes an overall degradation in system performance and may lead to system failure. In addition to ensuring structural integrity, the inserts also ensure that the media holding plate with the filter bed remains stable under the pressure conditions generated during backwashing. In one or more embodiments, the inserts are configured to engage with the filter block, and adhesives or sealants may be used in conjunction with screws or other fastening devices to secure the media holding plate to the filter block. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which describe or relate to the devices, systems, and methods of the invention. In the drawings, which are not intended to be drawn to scale, each similar component shown in the various figures is represented by similar numbers. In the drawings:

[0019] Figures 1A-1B An exemplary prior art culvert block is shown.

[0020] Figures 2A-2B A media holding plate for a culvert block is shown according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figures 3A-3C Various views of a media holding plate according to one embodiment are shown, illustrating a dual air tank and a water tank.

[0022] Figure 4 A side view of a media holding plate with an insert according to one embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Depending on the context, all references to "invention" below may refer only to certain specific embodiments in some cases. Various terms are used herein. If a term used in the claims is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition that has been given to the term by one skilled in the art, as reflected in the printed publications and granted patents at the time of filing.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a media holding plate for a culvert filter block has: a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface; a pair of opposing sidewalls and a pair of opposing endwalls, the pair of opposing sidewalls and the pair of opposing endwalls together connecting the top surface and the bottom surface; a plurality of plate segments formed on the top surface, wherein each internal segment includes one or more air slots and one or more water slots; and a plurality of inserts arranged along the periphery of a base portion of the bottom surface, wherein each insert is configured for fixing to the top surface of the culvert filter block.

[0025] The medium holding plate further includes a first set of inner walls, wherein each inner wall in the first set extends from a first end wall to a second end wall. The medium holding plate further includes a second set of inner walls, wherein each inner wall in the second set extends from a first side wall to a second side wall. Each wall in the first set of inner walls intersects with a corresponding wall in the second set of inner walls to form a plurality of plate compartments or plate segments. Each plate segment further includes a central projection, which is laterally joined on both sides by a pair of opposing downwardly sloping surfaces.

[0026] An air groove is formed along a first intersection, wherein the first intersection is formed by intersecting the lower edge of the central protrusion and the first end of the downwardly sloping surface. Similarly, a pair of air grooves may be formed on opposite sides of the central protrusion along the intersection of the lower edge of the central protrusion and the first end of each downwardly sloping surface. The air groove extends along the width of the first intersection.

[0027] A water tank is formed along a second intersection, wherein the second intersection is formed by intersecting the second end of a downwardly sloping surface with the top portion of the bottom surface of a media holding plate. Similarly, a pair of water tanks can be formed by intersecting the second end of each downwardly sloping surface with the bottom surface of a media holding plate. The water tank extends along the width of the second intersection.

[0028] The width of one or more air and water tanks is pre-designed to ensure retention of the filter media positioned on the media holding plate.

[0029] The media holding plate is configured to facilitate water backflow into the culvert block through one or more water channels while maintaining airflow through one or more air channels to generate optimal collapse pulses. The one or more air channels and water channels are uniformly sized and spaced evenly to facilitate the generation of relatively small collapse pulses during continuous air-water backwashing.

[0030] According to another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a media holding plate for a culvert filter block, the media holding plate having: a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface; a pair of opposing sidewalls and a pair of opposing endwalls, the pair of opposing sidewalls and the pair of opposing endwalls together connecting the top surface and the bottom surface; a plurality of plate segments formed on the top surface, wherein each internal segment includes one or more air slots and one or more water slots; and a plurality of inserts arranged along the periphery of a base portion of the bottom surface, wherein each insert is configured for attachment to the top surface of the culvert filter block, the method comprising: forming a first slot and a second slot using a pair of first mold blocks and second mold blocks. The method further comprises: pressing the first mold block upward toward a central protrusion to form one or more air slots; and pressing the second mold block downward onto a downwardly sloping surface to form one or more water slots.

[0031] As in Figures 2A-2B As shown, the present invention relates to an improved media holding plate for a culvert system having at least one culvert block (e.g., Figures 1A-1B The culvert block 10 disclosed herein. A media holding plate is configured to be mounted on top of the culvert block. One or more layers of filter media (not shown) can be positioned on the media holding plate. The filter media can be any type known in the art. For example, the filter media can include, but is not limited to, sand or gravel.

[0032] The media retainer plate has uniformly sized and spaced slots for the entry and exit of air and water. The slots are further configured with angular profiles and separated by baffles or sidewalls. The slots prevent filter media from passing through the filter media blocks, thus preventing media loss during the process flow. The slots are configured to achieve a consistent, well-distributed backwash fluid flow through the media retainer plate into the filter media bed.

[0033] Due to the pressure difference of the fluid located at the top surface of the media holding plate, the size and spacing of the slots facilitate the generation of relatively small collapsing pulses during backwashing. These smaller collapsing pulses allow for high energy dissipation in the filter media and facilitate agitation of the filter media for proper media cleaning. The angled slots with baffles allow the surface of the filter media to be cleaned using the eddies generated during the backwash flow. The filter media and media holding plate are optimally cleaned using the agitation of the filter media caused by the collapsing pulses.

[0034] One or more embodiments of the invention enhance the back pressure handling capacity of block culvert systems by utilizing dual air and water channels of predetermined widths, along with inserts located on the bottom surface of the media holding plate. Additionally, water retention is improved during process flow and air flushing backwashing by utilizing separate air and water channels.

[0035] As in Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the filter media holding plate 100 has a top surface 107 and an opposing bottom surface 108. The media holding plate 100 is configured to extend longitudinally between opposing ends of a culvert block (not shown). A first pair of opposing sidewalls 101c and 101d are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and a second pair of opposing endwalls 101a and 101b are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Each sidewall is connected to two endwalls 101a, 101b. Additionally, the opposing sidewalls and endwalls connect the top and bottom surfaces of the media holding plate 100. The media holding plate 100 may be rectangular or square in shape. However, it should be understood that the media holding plate 100 may have any other suitable shape. The media holding plate 100 further has a set of inner walls 102. A first set of inner walls 102a extends longitudinally from endwall 101a to 101b and is perpendicular to sidewalls 101c, 101d. The first set of inner walls 102a is arranged in a linear pattern, spanning from the proximal sidewall 101a to the proximal sidewall 101b. Similarly, the second set of inner walls 102b is configured to extend from the first sidewall 101c to the second sidewall 101d, and is perpendicular to the end walls 101a and 101b. The second set of inner walls 102b is arranged in a linear pattern, spanning from the proximal sidewall 101c to the proximal sidewall 101d. The addition of the inner walls 102 improves the overall structural integrity of the entire media holding plate 100. Each wall in the first set of inner walls intersects with a corresponding wall in the second set of inner walls to form a plurality of plate compartments or plate segments 103 (described below). The intersecting inner walls serve as baffle walls or partition walls for air and water channels (120 and 130) formed on the surface of the media holding plate 100.

[0036] The filter media (not shown) poured onto the media holding plate 100 can be agitated by eddies generated by a collapse pulse effect, which is caused by the bursting of bubbles as they move upward through the media bed to properly clean the filter media. The collapse pulse is caused by the pressure difference between the high pressure at the bottom 108 of the plate and the low pressure at the top 107 of the media holding plate 100.

[0037] The media holding plate 100 is configured to be securely fitted or coupled to a conventional filter block (not shown) for a culvert system to prevent filter media loss and better maintain backwash pressure. Additionally, since the media holding plate 100 essentially eliminates filter media loss, the operating costs of the backwashing process are reduced. Improved airflow and water flow through the filter block enhance the overall performance of the culvert system by improving the backwashing process.

[0038] Now for reference Figures 3A-3C Each panel compartment / segment 103 includes a central protrusion 106, which is laterally joined on both sides by a pair of downwardly inclined / angled surfaces 104. A portion of each inclined surface 104 may include a cutout portion 112.

[0039] Each of the plate segments 103 is configured to have a slot for two different fluid types: a slot for air and another for water. It should be understood that one or more slots may be formed in each plate segment for each of these fluid types. For example, an air slot 120 may be formed along the lower edge of a protrusion 106 (wherein the protrusion 106 has a top and a lower edge) and the intersection 105 of the first (or upper) ends of one or both downwardly sloping surfaces 104. The air slot 120 has a predetermined length and extends along the entire or part of the width of the intersection 105. A water slot 130 is formed along the intersection 115 of the second (or lower) ends of any one or both downwardly sloping surfaces 104 and the top portion 108A of the bottom surface of the media holding plate. The water slot 130 has a predetermined length and extends along the entire or part of the width of the intersection 106. The widths of the air slot 120 and the water slot 130 are precisely designed such that they do not allow filter media to pass through.

[0040] US Patent Publication No. 20180333660 also discloses water and air channels, where the water channel does not extend through the sloping wall and the air channel does not extend through the top sidewall. Instead, the arrangement of the air and water channels in this invention facilitates maintaining optimal pressure inside the culvert block, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the culvert block and reducing the back pressure generated by the media holding plate 100 on the culvert system. To ensure the filter operates under optimal conditions during air, air-water, and water-only backwashing, the channels 120 and 130 on the sloping surface 104 are utilized in two different ways. The air channel 120 is utilized during air flushing. Furthermore, by utilizing the water channel 130 to return water to the culvert block, the water level inside the filter block is maintained. The water channel 130 ensures optimal fluid flow during operation of the culvert system.

[0041] During the backwashing process, the fluid tanks (120, 130) act as inlet and outlet points for the corresponding fluids (air, water) in an upward direction perpendicular to the top surface 107 and bottom surface 108 of the media holding plate.

[0042] The degree of inclination (of the downwardly sloping surface 104) can be predetermined using the relationship between pressure and volume and the distance between the fluid channels 120, 130 on these surfaces 104, to increase / decrease the back pressure generated on the filter media due to the media holding plate 100. Optimal pressure can also be maintained inside the filter block to ensure its effectiveness and reduce the back pressure generated by the media holding plate 100 on the culvert system.

[0043] Slots 120 and 130 are configured with predetermined, uniform slot dimensions to allow for uniform distribution of flow from the filter during backwashing and to optimize the flow rate into the filter block during operation. In an exemplary embodiment, each slot may have a width of 0.008 inches or 0.2 millimeters (unrestricted). In one or more embodiments, the slots extend through the depth of the plate to the bottom surface 108 of the plate 100. Additionally, the position / location of the air and water slots (120, 130) allows for optimal flow into and out of the media holding plate 100. Each fluid flows into its corresponding slot (120, 130) due to differences in their fluid density. Angled surface 104 further stabilizes the flow rate distribution. The back pressure generated by the original media holding plate is reduced by the angled surface 104 of the plate section 103 by increasing the volume between the fluid slots and the top surface 107, while maintaining optimal pressure within the culvert block.

[0044] Furthermore, the grooves 120 and 130 on the inclined surface 104 facilitate the backwashing process. Air, water, and combinations of both fluids are allowed to pass through the filter plates in the opposite direction to the process flow during backwashing. The air groove 120 allows air to pass through the media holding plate 100 and into the filter media, which agitates the media located on top of the filter plate 100 using the resulting collapsing pulses. The collapsing pulses clean the media due to the turbulence and agitation of the media located on the surface 107 of the media holding plate 100. The process also allows for proper bed expansion and media separation due to the gravity of the agitated individual media. In addition, during air-only backwashing, the water groove 130 allows water to remain in the filter, which maintains the air-to-water ratio inside the filter block. The water groove 130 also plays an important role during the process flow by maintaining proper fluid flow.

[0045] Figure 4A side view of a media holding plate 100 is shown, having a top surface 107 and a bottom surface 108 configured for holding filter media. Conventionally, during an air-water backwashing process, the media holding plate is subjected to pressure on its bottom surface. This can push the filter away from the filter block, creating leak points and potentially causing an overall reduction in system performance and efficiency. Advantageously, the media holding plate 100 is configured to have a plurality of inserts or legs 109 attached to the base 108B of the bottom surface 108 of the media holding plate 100. The inserts 109 can be secured to the drain block using fastening devices (not shown) (such as, but not limited to, sealants, adhesives, and screws) to improve the overall structural integrity of the media holding plate 100 and prevent the media holding plate from bulging. This also improves the backpressure handling capacity of the media holding plate 100.

[0046] In another embodiment, the method of manufacturing the media holding plate 100 includes using custom-made molds to manufacture the two types of fluid channels 120, 130 described herein. The air channel 120 and water channel 130 can be precisely machined on the inclined surface 104 of the media holding plate 100 to retain desired fluid flow characteristics by utilizing a pair of relatively large blocks (not shown) made of metal or other suitable material. Conventionally, channels are manufactured using metal pieces with desired channel dimensions in the mold. Advantageously, the manufacture of this media holding plate avoids the use of such metal pieces in the mold. During the formation of the air and water channels in this media holding plate, relatively large mold blocks / pieces with the dimensions of cutout portions (112) are used in the mold. The corners or edges of the mold block are used to form openings of desired / predetermined sizes by allowing them to precisely pass through the surface of the media holding plate 100. In an exemplary embodiment, a first mold block can be pressed downwards onto the inclined surface 104 to form the water channel 130. A second mold block can be pressed upwards against the protrusion 106 to form the air channel 120. This simplifies the molding / manufacturing process and increases mold life. Because the slot opening is formed using a larger metal part with dimensions for the cut portion rather than the slot size, it prevents the mold from wearing out, breaking, or bending over multiple runs. This improves mold life and efficiency. It also allows for the formation of precise slot dimensions, as small as 0.0008 inches, which would not be complex or challenging using conventional manufacturing techniques.

[0047] Therefore, the present invention is highly suitable for achieving the mentioned and inherent objects and advantages. The foregoing description is not intended to limit the invention, which may be used in various aspects or embodiments without departing from its scope. Discussions of actions, materials, devices, articles, etc., are included in this specification merely for the purpose of providing background information on the invention. No implication or representation is made that any or all of these contents form part of the prior art or are common general knowledge in the field related to the invention.

[0048] Furthermore, the specific illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be modified or altered, and all such changes are considered to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. While the media holding filter and its method of use of the present invention are described as “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various means / components or steps,” it should be understood that the system and method may also be “substantially constituted by various components and steps” or “consisting of various components or steps.” Whenever a numerical range with a lower and upper limit is disclosed, any number falling within that range and any included range is specifically disclosed. In particular, each range of values ​​disclosed herein (in the form of “from about a to about b,” or equivalently, “from approximately a to b”) should be understood to describe each number and range covered within a wider range of values. If the use of words or terms in this specification conflicts in any way with one or more patents or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions consistent with this specification shall apply. Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty) 1. A media holding plate for culvert filter blocks, the media holding plate comprising: The top surface and the bottom surface opposite the top surface; A pair of opposing sidewalls and a pair of opposing endwalls, the pair of opposing sidewalls and the pair of opposing endwalls together connecting the top surface and the bottom surface; Multiple plate segments are formed on the top surface. Each plate segment further includes a central protrusion, which is laterally joined on both sides by a pair of opposing downwardly inclined surfaces, and The air groove is formed along the first intersection, which is formed by the intersection of the lower edge of the central protrusion and the first end of the downwardly sloping surface. Multiple legs, wherein each leg is attached to the bottom surface of the media holding plate and configured to be fixed to the top surface of the culvert filter block. 2. The medium holding plate according to claim 1, further comprising a first set of inner walls, wherein each inner wall in the first set of inner walls extends from a first end wall to a second end wall. 3. The medium holding plate according to claim 2, further comprising a second set of inner walls, wherein each inner wall in the second set of inner walls extends from the first sidewall to the second sidewall. 4. The medium holding plate according to claim 3, wherein each wall in the first group of inner walls intersects with a corresponding wall in the second group of inner walls to form the plurality of plate segments. 5. The medium holding plate according to claim 1, wherein the air groove extends along the width of the first intersection. 6. The medium holding plate according to claim 1, wherein the water tank is formed along a second intersection, the second intersection being formed by intersecting a second end of a downwardly inclined surface with a top portion of the bottom surface. 7. The medium holding plate according to claim 6, wherein the water tank extends along the width of the second intersection. 8. The media holding plate according to claim 1, wherein the widths of the one or more air troughs and water troughs are pre-designed to ensure retention of the filter media positioned on the media holding plate. 9. The medium holding plate of claim 1, wherein the medium holding plate is configured to facilitate water flow back through the one or more water channels into the culvert block, while maintaining airflow through the one or more air channels to generate an optimal collapse pulse. 10. The media holding plate of claim 1, wherein the one or more air slots and water slots are uniformly sized and uniformly spaced to generate relatively small collapsing pulses during continuous air-water backwashing. 11. A method of manufacturing a dielectric holding plate according to claim 7, the method comprising: The first and second grooves are formed using a pair of first and second mold blocks. 12. The method of manufacturing a medium holding plate according to claim 11, further comprising pressing a first mold block upward toward the central protrusion to form one or more air grooves. 13. The method of manufacturing a media holding plate according to claim 12, further comprising pressing a second mold block downward on the downwardly inclined surface to form one or more water tanks.

Claims

1. A media holding plate for culvert filter blocks, the media holding plate comprising: The top surface and the bottom surface opposite the top surface; A pair of opposing sidewalls and a pair of opposing endwalls, the pair of opposing sidewalls and the pair of opposing endwalls together connecting the top surface and the bottom surface; Multiple plate segments are formed on the top surface, wherein each internal segment includes one or more air slots and one or more water slots; and Multiple inserts are arranged around the periphery of the base portion of the bottom surface, wherein each insert is configured to be fixed to the top surface of the culvert filter block.

2. The medium holding plate according to claim 1, further comprising a first set of inner walls, wherein, Each of the first set of inner walls extends from the first end wall to the second end wall.

3. The medium holding plate according to claim 2, further comprising a second set of inner walls, wherein, Each of the second set of inner walls extends from the first sidewall to the second sidewall.

4. The medium holding plate according to claim 3, wherein, Each wall in the first group of inner walls intersects with a corresponding wall in the second group of inner walls to form the plurality of plate segments.

5. The medium holding plate according to claim 4, wherein, Each plate segment further includes a central protrusion, which is laterally joined on both sides by a pair of opposing downwardly sloping surfaces.

6. The medium holding plate according to claim 5, wherein, An air trough is formed along a first intersection, which is formed by intersecting the lower edge of the central protrusion and the first end of the downwardly sloping surface.

7. The medium holding plate according to claim 6, wherein, The air slot extends along the width of the first intersection.

8. The medium holding plate according to claim 6, wherein, The water tank is formed along the second intersection, which is formed by intersecting the second end of the downwardly sloping surface with the top portion of the bottom surface.

9. The medium holding plate according to claim 8, wherein, The water tank extends along the width of the second intersection.

10. The medium holding plate according to claim 1, wherein, The widths of the one or more air and water tanks are pre-designed to ensure retention of the filter media positioned on the media holding plate.

11. The medium holding plate according to claim 1, wherein, The medium holding plate is configured to facilitate water flow back through the one or more water channels to the culvert block, while maintaining airflow through the one or more air channels to generate optimal collapse pulses.

12. The medium holding plate according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more air and water tanks are uniformly sized and spaced apart to generate relatively small collapsing pulses during continuous air-water backwashing.

13. A method of manufacturing a dielectric holding plate according to claim 7, the method comprising: The first and second grooves are formed using a pair of first and second mold blocks.

14. The method of manufacturing a medium holding plate according to claim 9, further comprising pressing a first mold block upward toward the central protrusion to form one or more air grooves.

15. The method of manufacturing a media holding plate according to claim 14, further comprising pressing a second mold block downward on the downwardly inclined surface to form one or more water tanks.

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