Flexible Separator Module for Stormwater Gully Solids Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stormwater gully chambers have low separation efficiency, and during heavy storm flows, solids can be stirred up and pass into the outlet pipe, leading to inefficiencies in sediment and pollutant removal.

Innovation Solution

A separator module with a flexible partition arrangement that divides the chamber into upper and lower regions, featuring adjustable inlet and outlet chutes, a weir, and an annular bypass channel to enhance separation efficiency and accommodate different chamber sizes, preventing washout of solids during high flows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional gully chamber is used, then the structure is simple, but the separation efficiency is low and solids are stirred up during heavy flows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gully chamber is divided into an upper region and a lower region using a partition arrangement. The partition includes an inlet chute, outlet chute, and bypass channel, segmenting the flow path to improve separation efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition arrangement includes a flexible bypass channel that can deform under heavy flow conditions. This dynamic element allows the system to adapt to varying flow rates, maintaining separation efficiency during both low and high flow conditions without complex mechanical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a hydrodynamic vortex separator with inlet and outlet compartments is used, then separation efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases and bypass capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of compartments and ducts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of separate inlet and outlet compartments, the invention uses a single chamber divided by a partition into upper and lower regions. This segmentation achieves similar separation functionality with fewer discrete components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass channel serves multiple functions: it provides overflow capacity during heavy flows, acts as a flow path around the partition, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the bypass duct is made available in different radii of curvature to conform to different chamber diameters, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit to different chamber sizesVSAvoidmanufacturing variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass channel is designed as a flexible element that can change its shape and radius of curvature to adapt to different chamber diameters. This single flexible component replaces the need for multiple pre-formed ducts with different radii

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass channel is constructed as a flexible membrane or thin-walled structure that can deform to match different chamber geometries. This flexibility provides adaptability to various chamber sizes while maintaining a standardized manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 separator module significantly improves separation efficiency by directing solids to the bottom or surface of the chamber, reducing solids accumulation and washout, and allows for installation in various chamber configurations, achieving up to 80-90% reduction in accumulated solids on the bypass channel.

Implementation Method 1

solids entering the chamber, whether from the inlet pipe or through the grating, collect under gravity in the base of the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

A weir is provided between the inlet compartment and the bypass duct so that, in periods of heavy flow, only some of the flow entering the inlet compartment will pass through the inlet opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic flow:

Implementation Method 3

At least a portion of the partition arrangement is flexible so as to allow an external diameter of the partition arrangement to be adjusted to fit different sized chambers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3033456B1A separator module for a stormwater gully chamber

Publication Date: 2017.12.27 HYDRO INTERNATIONAL AG

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AI summary

A separator module (10) for a stormwater gully chamber (2) is disclosed, the separator module comprising: a partition arrangement which, in use, divides the chamber into an upper region and a lower region, the partition arrangement comprising: an inlet chute (16) having an opening (20) which, in use, provides an inlet to the lower region from the upper region; an outlet chute (18) having an opening which, in use, provides an outlet from the lower region to the upper region; and a weir (28) separating the outlet chute (18) from the inlet chute (16); wherein at least a portion of the partition arrangement is flexible so as to allow an external diameter of the partition arrangement to be adjusted to fit different sized chambers.