Storm Drain Catch Basin Filter Sampling Port Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storm water catch basin filters require labor-intensive and time-consuming methods for sampling, which can lead to contaminated samples and false readings due to the complexity of existing designs, such as the need to remove the storm grate and catch basin filter for access, and the potential contamination of sampling cups.
Innovation Solution
A storm water catch basin filter with a self-sealing or sealable sampling port that allows for real-time sampling without removing the storm grate or filter, featuring a sampling device that can be inserted through the port to capture storm water that has flowed through the filter, with options including a small opening with a removable closure or a tube member with a self-sealing valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the storm grate and catch basin filter are removed to access the sump area for sampling, then access to storm water is achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The catch basin filter is segmented to include a separate sampling port that provides independent access to filtered storm water. This allows sampling to be performed without removing the entire storm grate or filter assembly, thereby reducing labor and time requirements while maintaining ease of access.
2Ease of operation
If the storm grate and catch basin filter are removed to access the sump area for sampling, then access to storm water is achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling function is extracted from the main catch basin filter structure by providing a separate sampling port. This allows the sampling operation to be performed independently without disturbing the main filter or grate assembly, simplifying the overall system while improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If a permanent cup is used to trap the sample in the sump area, then sampling is enabled, but the cup becomes contaminated over time giving false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling port is positioned to receive storm water that has recently passed through the filter media, before the water enters and becomes contaminated in the sump area. This preliminary sampling action ensures that the sample reflects the actual filter performance rather than contaminated sump water, maintaining measurement precision.
4Ease of operation
If the sump area is used for sampling, then sample collection is possible, but the sump area becomes contaminated and never purified leading to false negative results
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling port acts as an intermediary that provides access to clean, recently filtered storm water without requiring access to the contaminated sump area. This intermediary sampling point ensures reliable indication of filter effectiveness by sampling water that has not been contaminated by sump accumulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A storm water catch basin filter having a sampling port such that a real-time sample can be taken of water flowing through the filter without the need to remove the filter, the sampling port being an opening preferably covered by a removable closure member or a self-sealing valve.