Bioretention Tree Box Filter With Internal Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stormwater management systems in developed areas face challenges such as clogging from gross pollutants, inadequate handling of peak flow, and the need for maximizing treatment surface area while minimizing system footprint, along with flexibility to accommodate landscape features.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a bioretention system with a tree box filter featuring internal bypass structures, including a tray with weirs and treatment compartments to direct stormwater flow, allowing for effective filtration and infiltration, and an outlet compartment for excess flow during high fluid conditions, optimizing treatment and flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If stormwater is directed through treatment media for filtration, then gross pollutants are removed, but the system clogs and maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate flow paths: a treatment path through media cartridges for pollutant removal, and a bypass path for excess flow. This segmentation allows the treatment media to process stormwater during low-flow conditions without being overwhelmed by peak flows that would cause clogging
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between treatment mode and bypass mode based on flow conditions. During peak flows, the bypass activates to prevent clogging of treatment media, while during low flows, all water is directed through treatment media for maximum pollutant removal
2Object-affected harmful factors
If treatment surface area is maximized, then filtration efficiency improves, but system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional surface filter to a three-dimensional vertical flow through media cartridges. This vertical arrangement maximizes treatment surface area within a compact footprint by utilizing the vertical dimension, allowing multiple layers of treatment media to be stacked efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple media cartridges are nested within a single vault structure, with each cartridge containing multiple layers of treatment media. This nesting approach maximizes the treatment surface area within the confined footprint of the vault by efficiently utilizing internal space
3Object-affected harmful factors
If all stormwater is treated through the system, then pollutant removal is maximized, but peak flow capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments stormwater flow into two paths: treated flow through media cartridges and bypass flow for excess water. This segmentation enables the system to handle peak flows by directing excess water through the bypass while maintaining pollutant removal capabilities during low-flow conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow parameter dynamically based on storm intensity. During low-flow conditions, 100% of water is directed through treatment media for maximum pollutant removal. During peak flows, the bypass activates to accommodate excess water, adjusting the treatment ratio to prevent system overload
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
This approach enhances the efficiency of stormwater treatment by allowing for effective filtration of gross pollutants, accommodating peak flows, and maximizing treatment surface area while minimizing the system's footprint, thus addressing the challenges of clogging and flow management.
Implementation Method 1
The tray is defined at least in part by a first weir adjoining adjacent sidewalls of the enclosure and a second weir adjoining adjacent sidewalls of the enclosure. The treatment compartment comprises treatment media and is adapted to receive stormwater flowing past the first weir.
Implementation Method 2
It also may be desirable for a stormwater management system that allows for infiltration of stormwater to the surrounding soil and other areas.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides structures, methods, and assemblies for bioretention systems, including tree box filters with one or more internal bypass features incorporated into the tree box filter. The invention also provides methods and additional structures that are useful for managing stormwater flow and inhibiting the flow of pollutants, debris, and other contaminants into drainage systems.