Sediment Capture Row Filtration for Modular Stormwater Crates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stormwater management systems struggle to effectively isolate debris and solid contaminants, leading to increased labor and assembly costs, and inefficient sediment capture, which complicates field installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A sediment capture row within the stormwater management crate system, comprising connected stormwater crates wrapped in geotextile fabric and supported by side panels, which filters and separates debris and sediment from the runoff before it enters the main crate array, with a cleanout structure for maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solids retention system is used to prevent debris from entering crates, then debris isolation is improved, but the system becomes more complex and requires more maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sediment capture function from the main stormwater management system by creating a separate, dedicated sediment capture row. This row is positioned upstream of the main crate array and contains only sediment capture functionality, allowing debris to be removed before entering the main treatment system. This separation simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining effective debris isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stormwater management system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a sediment capture row for debris removal, a main crate array for stormwater storage and treatment, and separate inlet/outlet structures. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing system complexity while improving reliability through specialized functionality.
2Reliability
If traditional sediment capture methods are used, then sediment separation is achieved, but labor and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sediment capture row uses standardized stormwater crate components that are identical to those used in the main crate array. The same crate structures, geotextile wraps, and panel configurations are used throughout, allowing the sediment capture row to be assembled using the same procedures and materials. This universality reduces manufacturing complexity and assembly costs while maintaining effective sediment separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to easily remove and discard accumulated sediment from the sediment capture row through periodic cleaning operations. The modular crate structure allows for easy access and emptying of sediment, reducing maintenance complexity and costs compared to traditional sediment capture systems that require complex discharge mechanisms.
3Reliability
If comprehensive debris isolation is implemented, then contaminant separation is improved, but field installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components that can be independently assembled and installed in the field. The sediment capture row can be installed separately from the main crate array, allowing for staged construction and easier field installation. Each module can be pre-assembled and then connected, reducing the complexity of field work while maintaining comprehensive contaminant separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sediment capture row is nested within or adjacent to the main crate array structure, with both systems using the same modular crate components. This nesting approach allows for compact installation and reduces the overall footprint, making field installation easier while maintaining effective contaminant separation through the integrated design.
4Productivity
If existing stormwater crate systems are used, then basic stormwater management is achieved, but sediment capture efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sediment capture row performs preliminary sediment removal before stormwater enters the main crate array. By capturing and removing sediment upstream, the main treatment system is protected from contamination and maintains higher treatment efficiency. This preliminary action ensures that the main system focuses on stormwater management rather than dealing with mixed sediment-stormwater loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The sediment capture row acts as an intermediary between the stormwater source and the main treatment system. It intercepts and removes sediment, debris, and contaminants before they reach the main crate array, thereby improving the overall sediment capture efficiency of the system while maintaining basic stormwater management functionality.
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 sediment capture row efficiently isolates contaminants, reducing labor and assembly costs while enhancing sediment capture efficiency and facilitating easier maintenance, thereby improving the overall performance of the stormwater management system.
Implementation Method 1
a geotextile wrap surrounding the one or more stormwater crates
Implementation Method 2
allow debris to settle to a bottom of the assembly before the stormwater is released into the ground
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments relate to a stormwater management system. In some embodiments, the stormwater management system may comprise a plurality of stormwater crates connected in one or more rows and a sediment capture row located within the plurality of stormwater crates. In some embodiments, the sediment capture row may comprise one or more stormwater crates connected in a row, a geotextile wrap surrounding the one or more stormwater crates, a plurality of side panels located on an outer side of the geotextile wrap, and a front panel connected to a front end of the sediment capture row.