Open-Bottomed Stormwater Filter with Pretreatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tree box filter systems are limited by their closed design, which restricts root growth, reduces infiltration efficiency, and lacks a separate pretreatment chamber, leading to potential clogging and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
An open-bottomed stormwater treatment system with a separate pretreatment chamber and unrestricted root growth, allowing direct infiltration and efficient pollutant removal through a multi-stage process involving a pretreatment chamber, filter media, and an open-bottomed compartment for direct soil interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a closed tree box filter system is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but root growth is restricted and infiltration efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional segments: a pretreatment chamber for initial filtration, a filter media layer for pollutant removal, and an open-bottomed compartment for direct infiltration. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a closed bottom design that restricts infiltration, the invention inverts the approach by using an open-bottomed compartment that allows direct infiltration into the subsurface environment, thereby improving infiltration efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a closed tree box filter system is used, then construction is straightforward, but root growth is restricted leading to reduced system longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the root growth zone from the filtration zones by providing an open-bottomed compartment that extends root access into the subsurface environment. This segmentation allows roots to grow unrestricted while keeping the filtration structure simple and easy to construct.
Solution Approach 2:
The open-bottomed design adds a vertical dimension to root growth by allowing roots to extend downward into the subsurface environment rather than being confined to the horizontal plane within the container, thereby extending system longevity without complicating construction.
3Device complexity
If no separate pretreatment chamber is included, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system is prone to clogging and increased maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a pretreatment chamber that handles initial debris and sediment removal, a filter media layer for pollutant filtration, and an open-bottomed compartment for infiltration. This segmentation concentrates maintenance activities in the pretreatment chamber while protecting the infiltration system from clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The pretreatment chamber performs preliminary filtration of stormwater before it reaches the filter media and infiltration zones. This preliminary action removes debris and sediment that would otherwise cause clogging, reducing maintenance requirements and costs.
4Reliability
If an open-bottomed design is used, then direct infiltration into subsurface environment is enabled, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into discrete functional zones including an open-bottomed compartment for infiltration, a filter media layer, and a pretreatment chamber. This segmentation enables direct infiltration while maintaining clear functional boundaries that simplify construction and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The open-bottomed compartment serves multiple functions: it provides direct infiltration pathways, supports root growth into the subsurface environment, and contains the filter media. This multi-functionality achieves enhanced infiltration efficiency without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
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
Enables unrestricted root growth, enhanced pollutant removal, and efficient stormwater infiltration into the subsurface environment, reducing maintenance costs and improving system longevity.
Implementation Method 1
removing and remediating pollutant constituents entrained in the water by way of physical, chemical, and biological processes
Implementation Method 2
Some constituents have a chemical affinity to 'sorb' (adsorb/absorb) and collect, or, 'hitch a ride,' onto sand particles, sediment, or other non-aqueous matter entrained in the stormwater during transport
Implementation Method 3
removing and remediating pollutant constituents entrained in the water by way of physical, chemical, and biological processes
Implementation Method 4
An open-bottomed compartment or liner may be provided which is surrounded by or in communication with the surrounding native or existing soil to provide direct infiltration
Implementation Method 5
a separate pretreatment chamber with sidewalls of varying height(s), with the purpose to contain or maintain incoming sand, sediment, and other floatable or non floatable matter entrained within the stormwater flow
Implementation Method 6
contain or maintain incoming sand, sediment, and other floatable or non floatable matter entrained within the stormwater flow
Data Source
AI summary
A stormwater treatment system and method for removing sediment, chemical pollutants, and debris from stormwater runoff by utilizing bioretention practices including physical, chemical and biological processes by passing stormwater runoff water through a multi-phase filtering and treatment train. Stormwater is initially directed to and enters a pretreatment collection chamber located within or exterior of a primarily open-bottomed, multi-dimensional container whereby entrained sediment and other transportable materials are captured and collected prior to continued transport, filtration and treatment through a media filter layer. A live plant (preferably a tree) situated within the container with roots resident in the media filter layer with the ability for expansion beyond the perimeter of the container through openings in one or more sidewalls. The treated water may be further conveyed to a separate compartment or storage area for additional filtration and temporary collection and storage, or discharged exterior of the container. A vertically positioned overflow/bypass piping apparatus may be included within the stormwater treatment system to provide additional water conveyance. Additional ancillary filtration and storage facilities may be connected to the described stormwater treatment system as conditions warrant.