Adjustable Surface Water Outlet Device for Sediment Pond Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface water outlet devices for sediment ponds lack the ability to be field-adjusted and provide variable discharge flow based on water depth, leading to inadequate water retention times during varying rain events across different basin volumes.
Innovation Solution
A surface water outlet device featuring a float with interconnected pipes, a swivel, and an annular slide pipe that allows for adjustable water flow through slots in the drain pipe, ensuring controlled water removal while preventing sediment disturbance, with a filter screen to prevent debris clogging and a flexible or rigid discharge pipe for efficient water conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed discharge rate device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot provide variable discharge flow based on water depth for different basin volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the discharge rate variable through an adjustable gate mechanism. The gate can be positioned at different heights to change the opening area, allowing the device to adapt to different water depths and basin volumes. This transforms a static discharge structure into a dynamic one that can respond to varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the discharge parameter (opening area) by allowing the gate to be adjusted to different positions. By modifying the gate opening area parameter, the device can provide variable discharge rates suitable for different basin volumes and water depths, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring multiple fixed devices.
2Productivity
If water is drained quickly from sediment ponds, then water removal efficiency is improved, but sediment is re-suspended and discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different flow conditions at different locations within the discharge structure. The gate mechanism allows controlled water removal at the surface level while maintaining calm conditions at the bottom where sediment settles. This localized control of flow characteristics enables efficient water removal without disturbing the sediment layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable gate provides dynamic control over the discharge rate, allowing operators to adjust the water removal speed based on current conditions. During sediment settling periods, the gate can be positioned to maintain low flow rates that prevent re-suspension, while during clear water periods, the discharge rate can be increased to improve water removal efficiency.
3Reliability
If a single discharge rate is used for all basin volumes, then the device is simple to manufacture, but proper water retention times cannot be ensured during varying rain events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a simple adjustable gate mechanism that provides dynamic discharge rate control. This relatively simple mechanical adjustment system enables reliable water retention time control by allowing operators to modify the gate opening based on basin volume and rainfall intensity, without requiring complex automated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate mechanism allows easy change of the discharge parameter (opening area) to match different operational requirements. For larger basins or intense rainfall events, the gate can be opened wider to increase discharge capacity, while for smaller basins or light rainfall, the gate opening can be reduced to maintain appropriate retention times.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables controlled water drainage from sediment ponds at specified levels, accommodating a range of basin volumes by varying water flow rates based on water depth, ensuring proper water retention times during rain events, and preventing sediment re-suspension.
Implementation Method 1
a float comprised of interconnected lengths of pipe sealed against water intrusion
Implementation Method 2
A swivel is positioned intermediate the float and the drain pipe and adapted to allow the float to rise and fall with the water level in the sediment pond and to allow the drain pipe to pivot relative to the float as the floats rises and falls with the water level
Implementation Method 3
An annular slide pipe is positioned over the drain pipe and is moveable along the length of the drain pipe to cover a varying length of the slots to correspondingly vary the rate at which water flows into the drain pipe through the slots
Implementation Method 4
a filter screen is positioned over the drain pipe to prevent debris from clogging the slots
Data Source
AI summary
A surface water outlet device for allowing water removal from a sediment pond while controlling sediment removal that includes a float formed of interconnected lengths of pipe sealed against water intrusion and a drain pipe attached to the float and having a plurality of openings to allow water to drain into the drain pipe. A swivel is positioned intermediate the float and the drain pipe and adapted to allow the float to rise and fall with the water level in the sediment pond and to allow the drain pipe to pivot relative to the float as the floats rises and falls with the water level. An annular slide pipe is positioned over the drain pipe and is moveable along the length of the drain pipe to cover a varying length of the slots to correspondingly vary the rate at which water flows into the drain pipe through the slots.