Drain filter device

Abstract

Disclosed is a filter device that has a collector bag 14 made of a water porous material 18 with a region for collecting filtered substances through the opening 16 from the drain inflow, and one or mo

Description

The present invention relates to a filter device for inserting into a drain and to a method of using the filter device. Drain filters are often used to prevent unwanted substances, such as particles, sediment, debris, oils, and other pollutants, from entering drainage systems. These filters are particularly important on construction sites, where heavy machinery and loose soil often lead to significant sediment buildup and water pollution. If not properly managed, the sediment can block drainage systems and the pollutants can cause environmental damage. Managing contaminants on sites such as these can also be a legal requirement, and failure to comply can result in fines. Therefore, a drain filter may be employed to help capture substances before they can obstruct or pollute drainage systems, ensuring smooth water flow, reducing the risk of blockages, and preventing contamination. Drain filters also enhance the longevity of drainage systems, especially in areas with heavy runoff or frequent construction activity. However, typical drain filters often require complex and unreliable installation, including the use of fixings or tapes which can be time-consuming and prone to failure over time. In some cases, drain filters depend on the weight of a drain lid to trap and secure the filter in position. This can become problematic if the drain lid is dislodged. In other cases, drain filters implement a bung filled with expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads. This bung is inserted directly into a drain gully, effectively eliminating the need for any installation fixings. However, these bungs are susceptible to rupture, potentially releasing microplastic pollution into drainage systems and increasing the risk of blockages and contamination. It is therefore desired to provide improvements relating to drain filters. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a filter device for inserting into a drain, the device comprising: a collector having a collector opening configured to receive drain inflow therethrough, wherein the collector comprises a filtration material configured to filter substances from the drain inflow received through the collector opening, and wherein the collector defines a region for collecting the substances filtered from the drain inflow by the filtration material; and one or more deployment components adjacent to the collector opening, wherein the one or more deployment components are resilient to maintain the collector opening in an open state and thereby engage the device with one or more walls of the drain. As will be appreciated, the present invention in this aspect and its embodiments can capture drain inflow and large amounts of substances through an open-top design and a collector region, in contrast to existing bung devices. This configuration enables the device to capture and contain substances effectively as they enter. Additionally, the present invention in this aspect and its embodiments provides a filter device that is easy to install into drains. In particular, the one or more resilient deployment components can frictionally engage the device with one or more walls of the drain, thereby keeping the filter device in position to perform filtration effectively. This can eliminate the need for installation fixings and tapes, which can loosen and degrade over time. The present invention in this aspect and its embodiments can therefore provide a hassle-free installation, making the process of inserting the device into drains quick and simple. This not only reduces the time and effort needed for installation but also reduces the need for specialised tools or expertise, improving the overall ease of use of the device. In embodiments, the one or more deployment components may be buoyant to float the device in water in the drain. The one or more buoyant deployment components can therefore enable the device to float on water in the drain, facilitating efficient installation and operation without the need for fixings. Indeed, it is believed that this feature is advantageous in its own right. Thus, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a filter device for inserting into a drain, the device comprising: a collector having a collector opening configured to receive drain inflow therethrough, wherein the collector comprises a filtration material configured to filter substances from the drain inflow received through the collector opening, and wherein the collector defines a region for collecting the substances filtered from the drain inflow by the filtration material; and one or more deployment components adjacent to the collector opening, wherein the one or more deployment components are buoyant to float the device in water in the drain. As will be appreciated, the present invention in this aspect and its embodiments can also capture drain inflow and large amounts of substances through an open-top design and a collector region, in contrast to existing bung devices. This configuration again enables the device to capture and contain substances effectively as they enter. Additionally, the present invention in this aspect and its embodiments provides a filter device that is easy to install into drains since the one or more buoyant deployment components of the device can allow the device to float on the surface of the drain water during installation, thereby helping to orientate and locate the device in the drain. In embodiments, the collector may comprise flexible (e.g. non self-supporting) filtration material. This can allow users to store the device more compactly when not in use and provide easier handling during installation into and removal from a drain. Alternatively, the collector may be rigid, such that the collector permanently maintains its shape. As will be appreciated, the collector may comprise water-porous filtration material to allow water which has entered the collector region to flow out of the collector through the filtration material. However, the filtration material may comprise porous material having pores sized appropriately to collect the unwanted substances. The filtration material may comprise porous material having pores having a dimension less than 1 millimetre, for example less than 500 micrometres, for example less than 100 micrometres. The filtration material may comprise non-woven membrane, which can be easy to clean after use when compared with woven material. These materials can be permeable to water but can prevent passage of substances such as sediment. The collector may also comprise hydrocarbon-absorbent filtration material to remove hydrocarbons, such as oil, from the drain inflow. The collector may comprise a collector bag (e.g. formed of the filtration material). The collector bag can define the collecting region. The collecting region may be substantially cylindrical, conical, orfrustoconical. The collecting region may be narrower at the base of the collector (which is distal from the collector opening) and wider towards the top of the collector (which is proximal to the collector opening). This tapering can help insertion into and removal from the drain. In embodiments, the collector opening may be wider than the base of the collector, which again can help insertion into and removal from the drain. An upper part of the collector (e.g. adjacent the one or more deployment components and / or collector opening) may comprise a substantially straight sided and / or non-tapered (e.g. substantially cylindrical) section. The upper part of the collector may be substantially vertical in use. This can help to ensure proper engagement with the walls of the drain. The plane of the top of the collector may be parallel to the plane of the base of the collector. The plane of the top and / or base of the collector may be substantially horizontal in use. In embodiments, the collector opening may be substantially circular. The collector opening may retain its substantially circular form when the opening remains in the open state. This can allow the collector to be used with drains which are circular in cross-section. In other embodiments, the opening may be substantially polygonal, e.g. rectangular including square. The collector opening may retain its substantially polygonal form when the opening remains in the open state. This can allow the collector to be used with drains which are polygonal in cross-section. Thus, the shape and / or size of the collector opening may be substantially the same as (or slightly larger than) the cross section of the drain into which the device is inserted. In embodiments, the collector may comprise one or more pockets containing the one or more deployment components. The one or more pockets can receive and maintain the one or more deployment components at the collector opening. The one or more pockets may at least partially or fully enclose the one or more deployment components. This can help to ensure the device maintains its intended configuration, keeping the one or more deployment components properly positioned and ensuring the device continues to perform its function. The one or more pockets can help to secure the one or more deployment components in place, preventing displacement during use. Partial or full enclosure of the one or more deployment components can provide a cover to conceal those for aesthetic purposes and / or to offer added protection against the potentially damaging substances entering the collector. The one or more pockets may be held closed by one or more releasable fasteners. For example, in embodiments where the collector comprises more than one pocket, each pocket can be held closed by one or more releasable fasteners. The one or more fasteners may comprise one or more toggles. Other types of fasteners, such as buttons, clips, clasps or zips may also or instead be used. The one or more deployment components may be removable from the device. This can allow the one or more deployment components to be removed, e.g. for cleaning, repair or replacement. Alternatively, the one or more deployment components may be integral with the device. In embodiments, the one or more deployment components may at least partially or fully surround the collector opening. This can help to ensure the filter device is configured to receive drain inflow and effectively perform filtration. In some embodiments, the one or more deployment components may comprise a single deployment component. This can facilitate manufacture and / or maintenance of the device. This can also help to maintain the collector opening in the open state. However, in other embodiments, the one or more deployment components may comprise plural deployment components. The one or more deployment components may comprise foam material, such as closed-cell and / or polyethylene foam material. These embodiments can provide a durable and water-resistant device. This in turn can help to enhance the longevity of the one or more deployment components. The one or more deployment components may be elongate and / or cylindrical. These embodiments can reduce the risk of contributing to microplastic pollution. In other embodiments, the one or more deployment components may comprise one or more inflatable structures. The one or more inflatable structures may be inflated or deflated to suit the requirements of the device at any given time. However, these embodiments are less preferred in that they are more likely to fail, e.g. due to puncture of the one or more inflatable structures. In embodiments, the one or more deployment components may provide a buoyancy of at least 10 Newtons, for example of at least 30 Newtons. These embodiments are suitable for most applications. As will be appreciated, the weight of the device may be less than the buoyancy provided, thereby allowing the filter device to float in the drain water. However, if the weight of the device (together with the substances collected during use) exceeds the buoyancy provided, the device can become submerged. The device may therefore be installed such that a base of the device rests on a surface within the drain. In embodiments, the filter device may indicate the maximum fill level on the collector, providing users with a visual reference and a warning for when the maximum fill is approaching. This can help to ensure that the user is aware of the device’s limits and can take appropriate action, such as emptying the collector, to maintain its performance and prevent overflow. ln embodiments, the filter device may comprise one or more (e.g. plural such as two, three or four) handles for inserting and / or removing the filter device from the drain. The one or more handles may comprise one or more looped handles, which can provide a user with a secure and balanced grip for handling the device during insertion into and removal from a drain. Other types of handle such as a strap or cord may also or instead be used. The one or more handles may be configured and evenly distributed around the collector opening. This can help to ensure the collected substances stay contained in the collector during handling, to prevent spillages. The one or more handles may comprise a flexible (e.g. non self-supporting) material. In use, the one or more handles can be conveniently stored inside the device (e.g. tucked into the collector). This can help to ensure that they are easily accessible without obstructing either the drain or the incoming drain inflow. Also, when not in use, the one or more handles can be compactly stored inside of the device (e.g. tucked into the collector) to help to ensure the device remains compact and the one or more handles are protected from snagging. The one or more handles may also be used to pull the one or more deployment components out of engagement with the drain when removing the device from the drain. The one or more handles may be configured to apply inward forces to the deployment components during removal, causing these components to move (resiliently) inwardly sufficiently to be pulled away from the drain walls and allow the device to be extracted through a drain opening. In this regard, the drain opening may be smaller than the deployment components when not moved inwardly. The one or more handles therefore can facilitate easier removal of the device from a drain during use. ln embodiments, the device may be configured to fit tightly against the sides of the drain into which it is inserted. Thus, the deployment component may be configured so that it can frictionally engage the device with the side of the drain. The resilience of the deployment component can then help to keep the device in position. This can help to prevent any movement that could damage the device or create gaps where the drain flow is not properly filtered. The device may be available in a range of sizes in accordance with common drain dimensions. This can help to ensure compatibility with most standard drains. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using a filter device described herein in any aspect or embodiment, the method comprising: inserting the filter device into a drain such that the one or more deployment components position the device in the drain; and allowing the device to receive drain inflow through the collector opening such that the filtration material filters substances from the drain inflow received through the opening and such that the region defined by the collector collects the substances filtered from the drain inflow by the filtration material. In embodiments, inserting the filter device may comprise engaging the device, via the one or more deployment components, with one or more walls of the drain. The resilience of the one or more deployment components can then help to keep the device in position. The drain may be filled with water prior to inserting the filter device into a drain. This can provide a water level substantially at which the one or more deployment components may sit during installation. This can help to orientate and locate the device in position during installation. The method may further comprise removing the device from the drain and disposing of the collected substances. The method may further comprise reinserting the filter device into a drain such that the one or more deployment components position the device in the drain again. The method may further comprise allowing the device to receive drain inflow through the collector opening again such that the filtration material filters further substances from the drain inflow received through the opening and the collector collects the further substances filtered from the drain inflow by the filtration material. The filter device may be inserted into the drain and / or removed from the drain using one or more handles. This can make it easier to lift the device during removal and reduce the risk of spilling the collector contents. As discussed above, removing the device using the one or more handles may cause the deployment component to disengage the device from the sides of the drain, allowing the device to be easily removed. Disposing of collected substances may comprise disposal into a designated waste zone such as a spoil heap, in accordance with disposal regulations to ensure compliance with environmental standards. After emptying the collector, the device may be washed to ensure it remains in good condition for repeated use. This can help to maintain the filtration material to promote longevity of the device and reduce the need for frequent replacements. Washing the filter device may comprise rinsing the collector with clean water to prevent the filtration material from becoming clogged. Once cleaned, the device may be reinserted into the drain in the same way it was originally installed. This can help to provide consistent filtration. As will be appreciated, the filter device can be easily inserted into existing drains, requiring no installation fixings or significant alterations to a drain structure. The device can also be configured to fit tightly against the sides of the drain to help maximise the amount of substances from the drain inflow that can be captured by the collector opening. In embodiments, inserting the filter device may comprise selecting a filter device that matches the size and / or shape of the cross section of the drain into which it is inserted. Moreover, the device may indicate a maximum fill level, which can allow a user to monitor when it is time to remove the device. By way of example only, embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a filter device for inserting into a drain according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-section through the filter device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-section through the filter device of Figure 1 when inserted into a drain; and Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-section through the filter device of Figure 1 when the handles are used to remove the device from a drain. Figures 1 and 2 show a filter device 10 for inserting into a drain. The filter device 10 comprises a collector 12 for filtering and collecting substances from drain inflow. In this embodiment, the collector 12 comprises a collector bag 14 which defines a collecting region 17 and a collector opening 16. The collector opening 16 is configured to receive the drain inflow, whereas the collector bag 14 is configured to collect and capture substances filtered from the drain inflow. The collector opening 16 is circular and substantially corresponds in size and shape to the cross-section of the drain with which it is used. In this embodiment, the collector bag 14 is frustoconical in shape, with the diameter of the collector opening 16 being larger than the diameter of the base of the collector bag 14. This configuration can help to insert and remove the device 10 from a drain. The collector bag 14 further comprises water-porous filtration material 18 containing hydrocarbon absorbent material configured to filter out substances and hydrocarbons from the drain inflow. The filtration material 18 in this embodiment comprises 100-micron non-woven geomembrane. The collector 12 further comprises an annular pocket 22. The pocket 22 is formed by a pocket flap 24. The pocket 22 is held closed in place with fasteners in the form of toggles 26 which keeps the pocket flap 24 closed and held down. The pocket 22 fully encloses a resilient and buoyant deployment component 20, which can provide both frictional engagement with the walls of the drain and can float the empty device 10 in the drain water during installation. The pocket 22 can provide a cover for aesthetic purposes and offers added protection to the deployment component 20 against the substances entering the collector 12. A maximum fill level 30 is marked on the inside of the collector 12 on flap 24, indicated by the dashed line near the collector opening 16. The maximum fill level 30 indicates the level beyond which the device 10 should not be used to collect additional substances. The circular shape of the collector opening 16 is maintained by the resilience of the deployment component 20. The deployment component 20 is accordingly received by the pocket 22 of the collector 12, surrounding the collector opening 16, with the pocket 22 securely holding the deployment component 20 in place. Figure 1 also shows that the device 10 comprises four looped handles 28, providing a convenient means for handling the device 12. The handles 28 are particularly useful when removing or inserting the device 10 into a drain. The handles 28 are attached to and evenly distributed around the collector opening 16, which can help to ensure that collected substances remain contained within the collector bag 14 to prevent spillage during removal of the device 10 from a drain. The handles 28 are flexible and can be stored neatly and compactly inside of the collector 12. This can provide easy access to the handles 28 during use or non-use without causing obstruction. Referring now just to Figure 2, the deployment component 20 is located adjacent to the collector opening 16 and is configured to float the device 10 during installation. In this embodiment, the deployment component 20 is cylindrical and elongate. The two cross-section ends of the cylindrical deployment component 20 are shown by the two circles adjacent to the collector opening 16. As is shown, the deployment component 20 is fully enclosed by the pocket 22. When the pocket 22 is closed (i.e. when the pocket flap 24 is held down by toggles 26), the pocket 22 maintains the deployment component 20 in place at the collector opening 16. The deployment component 20 also surrounds the collector opening 16, helping to maintain its circular open state. The deployment component 20 can be removably received by the pocket 22. In this embodiment, the deployment component 20 comprises polyethylene foam and provides a buoyancy of 30 Newtons, i.e. sufficient to float a mass of 3kg in water. Figure 3 shows the device 10 in use when inserted into a drain 32. The water level 40 inside of the drain gully 38 is indicated by a wavy line. The device 10 is shown to be at a level dictated by the point at which the deployment component 20 engages the device 10 with the sides of the gully 38 and the buoyancy of the deployment component 20 floats the opening 16 substantially at the surface of the drain water. The buoyancy prevents the device 10 being seated too low in the drain whereas the resilience of the deployment component 20 keeps the device in position in use. The collector bag 14 is shown submerged beneath the water level 40, where it collects substances from the drain inflow that enter the filter device 10 via the collector opening 16. The bottom of the collector bag 14 is shown to be resting at the bottom of the drain gully 38. This allows the collected substances to be supported by the bottom of the drain gully 38. Initially, when the device 10 is inserted, an empty collector bag 14 may not be fully submerged beneath the water level 40 but instead float on or near the water’s surface or remain at the same level where the deployment component 20 engages with the sides of the gully 38. Since the collector bag 14 is flexible, the weight of the collected substances causes it to expand and fill out, thus causing the bottom of the bag 14 to rest at the bottom of the gully 38. The device 10 is configured such that it fits within the drain gully 38 into which it is inserted. This is shown in Figure 3 with the device 10 sitting against the sides of the drain gully 38 to prevent the device 10 from moving or becoming dislodged to create gaps where the drain inflow is not being properly filtered. The collector opening 16 is also configured so that it closely matches the size of the drain opening in Figure 3. This allows the device 10 to effectively capture substances in the drain inflow as it enters through the collector opening 16. The handles 28 are also shown to be compactly stored inside of the collector bag 16, to minimise the risk of obstruction to incoming drain inflow. When it is time to remove the filter device 10 from the drain 32, the handles 28 may be accessed from the collector 12 and used to pull the device 10 out of the drain gully 38. The drain 32 comprises a drain cover 34, shown in Figure 3 as closed, covering both the drain gully 38 and the collector opening 16. The drain cover 34 comprises slits 36, which allow the drain inflow to pass through the cover 34 into the drain gully 38 and collector opening 16. The drain cover 34 can be lifted to reveal the drain opening, through which the device 10 can be inserted or removed. The drain 32 further comprises an exit drain pipe 42 through which excess drain water flows out of the drain gully 38. Water can pass freely through the collector bag 14 and continue to flow through the drain pipe 42. However, substances with particle sizes larger than the pore size of the filtration material 18 and hydrocarbons are blocked from passing through the collector bag 14 and are instead captured within it. Finally, referring to Figure 4, the two handles 28 visible in the cross-section are shown pulled together, as they would be during use when removing the filter device 10 from a drain. The thick arrows indicate the pulling force applied to the handles 28 by the user and tension force applied through the handles 28 during removal. This tension causes the deployment component 20 to disengage from the sides of the drain 38, allowing the device 10 to be released when pulled out by the user.

Claims

1. A filter device for inserting into a drain, the device comprising:a collector having a collector opening configured to receive drain inflow therethrough, wherein the collector comprises a filtration material configured to filter substances from the drain inflow received through the collector opening, and wherein the collector defines a region for collecting the substances filtered from the drain inflow by the filtration material; andone or more deployment components adjacent to the collector opening, wherein the one or more deployment components are resilient to maintain the collector opening in an open state and thereby engage the device with one or more walls of the drain.

2. A filter device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more deployment components are buoyant to float the device in water in the drain.

3. A filter device for inserting into a drain, the device comprising:a collector having a collector opening configured to receive drain inflow therethrough, wherein the collector comprises a filtration material configured to filter substances from the drain inflow received through the collector opening, and wherein the collector defines a region for collecting the substances filtered from the drain inflow by the filtration material; andone or more deployment components adjacent to the collector opening, wherein the one or more deployment components are buoyant to float the device in water in the drain.

4. A filter device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collector comprises flexible filtration material.

5. A filter device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collector comprises water-porous filtration material.

6. A filter device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collector comprises hydrocarbon-absorbent filtration material.

7. A filter device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collector comprises a collector bag.

8. A filter device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collector opening is substantially circular.

9. A filter device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collector comprises one or more pockets containing the one or more deployment components.

10. A filter device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more pockets at least partially or fully enclose the one or more deployment components.

11. A filter device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the one or more pockets are held closed by one or more releasable fasteners.

12. A filter device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more deployment components at least partially or fully surround the collector opening.

13. A filter device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more deployment components comprise foam material.

14. A filter device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more deployment components provide a buoyancy of at least 10 Newtons.

15. A filter device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises one or more handles for inserting and / or removing the filter device from the drain.

16. A filter device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the one or more handles comprise a flexible material.

17. A method of using a filter device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising:inserting the filter device into a drain such that the one or more deployment components position the device in the drain; andallowing the device to receive drain inflow through the collector opening such that the filtration material filters substances from the drain inflow received through the opening and the region defined by the collector collects the substances filtered from the drain inflow by the filtration material.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising removing the device from the drain and disposing of the collected substances.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18, further comprising:reinserting the filter device into a drain; andallowing the device to receive drain inflow through the collector opening such that the filtration material filters further substances from the drain inflow received through the opening and such that the collector collects the further substances filtered from the drain inflow by the filtration material.

20. A method as claimed in claims 17, 18 or 19, wherein the filter device is inserted into the drain and / or removed from the drain using one or morehandles.

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