Graduated Catch Basin Filters for Runoff Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storm drain systems face issues with clogging due to particulate matter and debris accumulation in catch basins, leading to blocked outlet pipes and undesirable discharge, requiring frequent and costly cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of graduated filters with multiple regions of varying nominal flow rates, allowing for effective filtration during small storm events while increasing flow capacity during larger events, and easy installation and removal for maintenance, using flexible bag filters and sheet-form filters within catch basins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single filter with uniform flow rate is used in catch basin, then filtration is consistent, but flow capacity is insufficient during large storm events
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple regions with different nominal flow rates. Each region is segmented to handle specific flow conditions, with lower regions providing high filtration for small storms and upper regions providing high flow capacity for large storms.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the filter have different local qualities in terms of flow rate characteristics. The lower regions have lower nominal flow rates for high filtration, while upper regions have higher nominal flow rates for high flow capacity, allowing each local area to optimize for its specific operating condition.
2Reliability
If catch basin is cleaned frequently to prevent clogging, then outlet pipes remain clear, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The graduated filter structure enables the system to self-regulate flow and sedimentation. By providing appropriate flow capacity during large storms, the system prevents overflow and clogging without requiring frequent external intervention, allowing the catch basin to serve itself for longer periods between cleanings.
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform filtration is applied throughout catch basin, then particle removal is consistent, but flooding risk increases during large storms
Solution Approach 1:
The filter dynamically adapts its flow characteristics based on storm intensity. During small storms, lower regions provide consistent filtration. During large storms, upper regions activate to provide high flow capacity, dynamically preventing flooding while maintaining appropriate filtration where possible.
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
This solution reduces the re-suspension of sediments, decreases maintenance costs, and prevents clogging by efficiently filtering and managing runoff, allowing for the gradual release of water and settlement of particles, thereby minimizing flooding risks and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
Filters can remove particulate matter (e.g., silt, sand, and/or other particles) and/or debris (e.g., rocks, sticks, leaves, trash, litter, or other foreign objects) from runoff
Implementation Method 2
Filters can have multiple regions with each region having a nominal flow rate (e.g., in gallons per minute per square foot as measured using ASTM D-4491) that is higher than an adjacent relatively lower region. The lower regions with a relatively lower nominal flow rate can provide a high degree of filtration for the runoff from small storm events. For larger storm events, as the rate of runoff entering a storm drain catch basin exceeds the rate at which water is filtered through the lower regions with a lower nominal flow rate, the level of water on the inlet side of the filters increases bringing the higher regions with a relatively higher nominal flow rate into operation.
Implementation Method 3
Over time, silt and debris can clog the catch basin resulting, for example, in blocked outlet pipes
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for treating water passing through a catch basin may include filters. In some embodiments, the filter(s) can have a plurality of regions with different nominal flow rates.