Bioretention System With Internal High-Flow Bypass Weirs

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bioretention systems face challenges in processing large quantities of storm water during peak flow periods without causing localized flooding and efficiently removing gross pollutants, requiring additional space and increasing maintenance costs due to external high-flow bypass structures and limited pre-treatment capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A bioretention system with an integrated vault-like structure containing biofiltration media and an internal high-flow bypass structure, including top and bottom weirs, that allows excess water to bypass treatment during peak flows, and a pre-filter chamber with a screen to remove gross pollutants, optimizing space usage and simplifying maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an external high-flow bypass structure is added to increase peak flow processing capacity, then the system can handle larger quantities of storm water during peak periods, but additional space and maintenance costs are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak flow processing capacityVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass structure is integrated within the bioretention system's existing vault-like container rather than being added as a separate external structure. The bypass channel, weirs, and outlet are merged with the biofiltration chamber to form a unified system that handles both treatment and bypass functions within the same footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass structure is nested within the existing bioretention system boundaries. The bypass channel is positioned inside the vault-like container, utilizing the internal space to create an integrated high-flow pathway that does not require additional external space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If an external high-flow bypass structure is added to increase peak flow processing capacity, then the system can handle larger quantities of storm water during peak periods, but maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak flow processing capacityVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass structure is integrated within the bioretention system's existing vault-like container rather than being added as a separate external structure. The bypass channel, weirs, and outlet are merged with the biofiltration chamber to form a unified system that handles both treatment and bypass functions within the same footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the bioretention system includes pre-treatment capabilities to remove gross pollutants, then pollutant removal efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepollutant removal efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into functional zones within the single vault-like container: an inlet area for gross pollutant removal, a biofiltration chamber for fine pollutant removal, and a bypass structure for peak flow management. Each zone performs a specific function, allowing complex treatment processes to be organized into manageable segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vault-like container serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the biofiltration media, houses the bypass structure, provides structural support, and manages both treatment and bypass flows. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structures for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system effectively manages storm water runoff during peak periods, reduces the risk of flooding, and enhances pollutant removal efficiency by integrating the high-flow bypass and pre-filtering capabilities within the bioretention system, minimizing space requirements and maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

a pre-filter chamber with a screen to remove gross pollutants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The high flow bypass structure can include a top weir and a bottom weir that can obstruct fluid flow through the bioretention system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWeir flow: Hydraulic Jump

Implementation Method 3

the bioretention media captures particulate matter, including ultra-fine and dissolved pollutants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 4

the bioretention media captures particulate matter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 5

allows the treated storm water to percolate through the system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPercolation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS8535533B2Bioretention system with high internal high flow bypass

Publication Date: 2013.09.17 OLDCASTLE INFRASTRUCTURE INC

AI summary

The invention provides a bioretention system comprising one or more chambers and a high flow bypass system with top and bottom weirs for water filtration and storm water flow management. The invention also provides methods that are useful for managing storm water flow and inhibiting the flow of pollutants, debris, and other contaminants into drainage systems.