Elongated Filter Element for Fine Sediment Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing sediment from stormwater runoff, such as sedimentation-based tanks and granular media filter systems, are inefficient in removing fine sediment and require frequent maintenance due to clogging issues, especially during high flow events.
Innovation Solution
An elongated filtratable element with a permeable fiberglass filter media that surrounds a flexible inner core, providing a large surface area for filtering fine sediment and allowing the aqueous portion of stormwater to pass through while trapping sediment, which can be used individually or in combination with existing systems to improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sedimentation-based tanks are used to remove sediment from stormwater, then coarse sediment can be removed, but fine sediment cannot be completely removed due to insufficient settling time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous filter media (such as geotextiles or fabric filters) with specific pore sizes to physically trap fine sediment particles. The porous structure allows water to pass through while retaining suspended solids, achieving high removal efficiency for fine sediment that cannot be settled by gravity alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from volume-based sedimentation (3D settling tanks) to surface-based filtration (2D filter media). This dimensional change increases the effective filtration area, allowing much finer particles to be captured in a compact configuration without requiring large settling volumes.
2Reliability
If granular media filter systems are used to remove fine sediment, then filtration efficiency improves, but the system clogs frequently requiring complex and expensive pressurized backwashing
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is designed to self-clean through natural processes. The filter media allows trapped sediment to be periodically flushed using simple gravity-driven flow reversal or manual rinsing, eliminating the need for complex pressurized backwashing systems while maintaining filtration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable or easily replaceable filter media elements that can be discarded or renewed when clogged, rather than requiring complex regeneration systems. This approach trades the cost of simple media replacement for the complexity of sophisticated backwashing equipment.
3Device complexity
If filter cloths with small surface area are used, then the filter structure remains simple, but the system clogs quickly during high flow events
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dramatically increases filter surface area by using vertically suspended filter elements or stacked flat filters, transforming the filtration from a small horizontal area to a large vertical or multi-layer surface. This provides sufficient capacity for high flow events while keeping the overall footprint compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system is divided into multiple independent filter elements or cartridges that can be arranged in parallel. This segmentation increases total filtration capacity and allows individual elements to be replaced without shutting down the entire system, maintaining productivity during maintenance.
4Ease of operation
If flexible hose-type filter elements relying on pressurized flow are used, then portability is improved, but fine sediment removal efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous filter media with controlled pore sizes that passively trap fine sediment through physical filtration as water flows through. This eliminates the need for pressurized flow to achieve separation, allowing the system to remain portable while maintaining high fine sediment removal efficiency.
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 removes a substantial amount of fine sediment from stormwater runoff, reducing clogging and maintenance needs, with a high sediment removal efficiency of 90-92% as demonstrated in experiments, and can be contained in a compact chamber.
Implementation Method 1
a permeable fiberglass filter media that surrounds a flexible inner core, providing a large surface area for filtering fine sediment and allowing the aqueous portion of stormwater to pass through while trapping sediment
Implementation Method 2
the inlet line is positioned such that the influent liquid is introduced tangentially into the filter chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A system for removing sediment from water is disclosed. The exemplary embodiments described herein disclose a system with a chamber having a deck positioned inside to divide it into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The deck may have a plurality of holes to hold filtration elements and also may have a ridge or a skirt or both. The filtration elements may be filter cartridges with multiple elongated filter elements that extend down into the lower chamber.