Catch Basin Filter Absorber for Hydrocarbon Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catch basin systems are inefficient in capturing hydrocarbons and chemicals from stormwater runoff, leading to contamination of groundwater and increased costs due to complex installations and frequent failures, with prior art inserts often becoming plugged and requiring costly custom fabrication.
Innovation Solution
A filtration apparatus for catch basins featuring a housing with a filtration media that includes absorbents like cellulose-based sorbents and activated carbon, designed to prioritize the treatment of first flush runoff, with a modular filter/absorber cartridge system that allows overflow during high flow rates, facilitating easy installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art catch basin inserts use complex structures with multiple filters and grates, then hydrocarbon capture effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catch basin insert is divided into functional zones: an upper baffle section for initial separation, a middle absorbent section for hydrocarbon capture, and a lower filter section for sediment removal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert combines multiple materials with complementary properties: floating absorbent materials for hydrocarbon absorption, filter media for sediment removal, and baffle structures for flow control. This composite approach achieves high effectiveness without requiring complex mechanical structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art catch basin inserts use custom fabricated sheet steel for each grate type, then adaptability to different catch basin sizes is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insert design uses a universal support frame structure that can accommodate various grate types and catch basin sizes. The adjustable baffle and filter media sections can be configured to fit different dimensions, eliminating the need for custom fabrication for each application while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert incorporates adjustable and removable components that can be adapted to different catch basin configurations. The baffle sections and filter media can be repositioned or replaced based on specific site requirements, providing flexibility without custom fabrication.
3Reliability
If prior art catch basin inserts use filter strainers, then sediment removal is improved, but the filter becomes plugged quickly and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert places different filter media with varying pore sizes in different zones: coarser media at the bottom for sediment trapping and finer media higher up for hydrocarbon absorption. This gradient structure prevents clogging by distributing particle capture throughout the depth rather than concentrating it at a single filter layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert transitions from a two-dimensional surface filter to a three-dimensional deep bed filtration system with multiple layers of media. This vertical dimension provides increased capacity for particle capture and extends operational life before maintenance is required.
4Reliability
If prior art catch basin inserts overflow during high flow events, then first flush treatment is improved, but untreated water enters the storm drain system
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is positioned to intercept and treat the first flush of runoff before it enters the storm drain system. The baffle and absorbent sections are designed to handle initial high-flow, high-contaminant events, providing preliminary treatment that prevents the majority of pollutants from reaching waterways.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert includes an overflow chamber and energy-dissipating elements that prepare the system for high-flow events. These features cushion the impact of sudden rainfall events, allowing the treatment media to remain effective even during peak flows and preventing untreated discharge.
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 solution effectively captures up to 70% of hydrocarbons and sediment, reducing groundwater contamination, while simplifying installation, reducing costs, and improving maintenance accessibility, with a fail-safe design that ensures efficient operation even during high storm flows.
Implementation Method 1
a filtration media that includes absorbents like cellulose-based sorbents and activated carbon
Implementation Method 2
The filtration media is disposed in the housing and disposed to cause liquid in the housing to pass through the filtration media
Data Source
AI summary
A storm water treatment device that is installed under the grate of new or existing catch basins, and more commonly referred to as an insert. The catch basin decontamination apparatus has a universal housing and support ring that allows one design to fit most applications. Adjustable chains allow for proper position below grate and a semi-flexible molded or rigid deflector directs incoming drain water to the housing. A slip-on filter/absorber cartridge fits over a perforated drain tube, in the center of the housing, allowing the drain water to first pass through the filter/absorber media before exiting through the drain tube and out the bottom of the housing. The filter/absorber cartridge includes a variety of absorber materials that absorb oil and repel water. Activated carbon, microbes and other site specific absorbents can be used in the replaceable slip-on cartridge. A leaf pre-strainer helps prevent leaves and debris from entering the housing. A clean in place suction tube and clod buster form of the apparatus aids in cleaning the housing.