Floating Stormwater Filter with Nested Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stormwater filtering devices in storm drains are inefficient in removing pollutants, difficult to install and replace, and can impede the function of the storm drain system.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a filter unit with a floating carrier and multiple filter layers, including absorbing materials and heavy metal filtering peat, designed for easy installation and replacement, with a sensor for monitoring pollutant levels, and apertures in the carrier to engage stormwater at the surface film for effective pollutant removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art filtering devices are installed in storm drains, then pollutant removal function is provided, but installation and replacement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two main segments: a reusable floating carrier and a replaceable filter unit. The carrier remains in the storm drain while the filter unit can be easily removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the filtering function to be maintained while simplifying installation and replacement operations, as only the filter unit needs to be handled during maintenance rather than the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is designed to nest within the floating carrier. The carrier has a recess that receives the filter unit, allowing the filter media to be contained within the carrier structure. This nesting arrangement enables easy installation by simply placing the filter unit into the carrier, and facilitates replacement by removing the filter unit from the carrier while leaving the carrier in place.
2Reliability
If prior art filtering devices are used, then some filtration is achieved, but filtration efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit incorporates porous filter media including geotextile fabric and porous plates that allow water to pass through while trapping pollutants. The porous structure provides large surface area for filtration, enhancing the efficiency of pollutant removal. The porous materials are integrated into a structured container that maintains their filtration capability while providing mechanical support.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses composite filtering structures combining multiple materials with different properties: geotextile fabric for initial filtration, porous plates for structural support and secondary filtration, and various filter media layers. This composite approach enhances overall filtration efficiency by utilizing the complementary properties of different materials to trap various types of pollutants effectively.
3Reliability
If traditional filter devices are installed in storm drains, then filtration function is provided, but storm drain function is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The floating carrier is designed to be buoyant and float on the stormwater surface, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation based on water level and flow conditions. This dynamic positioning enables the device to adapt to varying storm drain conditions, maintaining filtration effectiveness while allowing adequate water flow through the system without creating bottlenecks.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the vertical dimension by floating on the water surface rather than being fixed at the bottom of the storm drain. The filter unit extends vertically into the water column, allowing water to flow horizontally around and through the device. This dimensional arrangement maintains storm drain productivity by not obstructing the horizontal flow path while still providing effective filtration.
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 device provides reliable and efficient filtration of stormwater pollutants, easy installation and replacement, and monitoring capabilities to detect sudden pollution events, ensuring effective pollutant removal without impeding storm drain function.
Implementation Method 1
a floating carrier (18) for carrying the filter unit (17), wherein the filter unit (17) comprises a bottom portion (21) and a top portion (22), and wherein the carrier (18) comprises a recess (28) for receiving the bottom portion (21) of the filter unit (17)
Implementation Method 2
The filter unit can comprise a plurality of different filter layers. For example, the filter unit comprises one or more of an absorbing material, a heavy metal filtering peat and activated carbon
Implementation Method 3
the filter unit comprises one or more of an absorbing material, a heavy metal filtering peat and activated carbon
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A device (10) for filtering stormwater inside a storm drain (11), wherein the device (10) comprises a filter unit (17) and a floating carrier (18) for carrying the filter unit (17), wherein the filter unit (17) comprises a bottom portion (21) and a top portion (22), and wherein the carrier (18) comprises an axially extending recess (28) for receiving the bottom portion (21) of the filter unit (17), so that at least a part of the bottom portion (21) of the filter unit (17) is arranged below a surface (A) of the stormwater inside the storm drain (11) when the device (10) is arranged therein, and through apertures (30) extending radially from an outer surface of the carrier (18) to the recess (28), so that stormwater at the surface (A) can pass through the apertures (30) and reach the bottom portion (21) of the filter unit (17). Also a method for filtering stormwater inside a storm drain (11) is disclosed.