Storm Drain Berm and Filter System for Sediment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sediment control devices for storm drains are inadequate in withstanding high flow rates and vehicle traffic, often clogging or becoming inoperable due to the lack of a sturdy dam or berm, and fail to effectively filter liquid contaminants like motor oil.
Innovation Solution
A sediment control device featuring a geotextile under-seal gasket with a coarsely apertured polymeric sheet and a raised polymeric foam berm, which forms a seal around the storm drain and prevents large debris entry while allowing water to flow, with components that can be easily replaced and withstand vehicle traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fibrous mat is used to filter sediment, then sediment and small debris are prevented from passing through, but the mat clogs quickly in high flow situations and requires continuous cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the filtration function into two distinct components: a coarsely apertured threshold member that handles large debris and a separately replaceable filter member that handles finer sediment. This segmentation allows the filter member to be easily removed and replaced without replacing the entire device, solving the clogging problem by enabling quick maintenance of the filtration component.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a coarsely apertured threshold member with larger openings that prevents clogging by allowing high flow rates to pass through while still capturing large debris. The separate filter member can be made of porous material for finer filtration but can be easily replaced when clogged, combining effective filtration with easy maintenance.
2Reliability
If a perimeter dam or barrier is added to prevent sediment flow, then sediment control is improved, but the dam folds down when contacted by strong flow or vehicle traffic
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a two-dimensional flat perimeter barrier that folds under load, the invention uses a three-dimensional raised berm structure with vertical height. This dimensional change provides structural rigidity to resist both flow forces and vehicle traffic loads while maintaining the sediment containment function. The berm's vertical profile distributes loads more effectively than a flat barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The raised berm is constructed as a composite structure combining a rigid polymeric foam core for structural strength with a flexible geotextile outer layer for erosion resistance and flexibility. This composite construction allows the berm to withstand strong flow and traffic loads while maintaining its shape and containment function.
3Ease of repair
If the filter device is designed to be easily maintained, then components can be replaced quickly, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components (threshold member, filter member, berm, gasket) that can be independently replaced. The filter member is designed as a separate, easily removable component that can be replaced without disassembling the entire device, achieving ease of maintenance while keeping the overall design relatively simple through functional segmentation.
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 effectively prevents sediment and debris from entering storm drains during high flow events and heavy rainfall, while allowing water to flow, thus reducing the risk of clogging and flooding, and can be easily maintained without disassembling the entire system.
Implementation Method 1
When wetted, the under-seal gasket forms a peripheral seal around the storm drain preventing water from seeping under the roadway grate filter
Implementation Method 2
a coarsely apertured polymeric sheet (the threshold member) stapled or sewn to the gasket to cover the central opening of the under-seal gasket
Implementation Method 3
a raised sediment berm surrounding the perimeter of the first central rectangular or square opening
Data Source
AI summary
A sediment control device includes an under-seal gasket, a threshold member, a filter member, and a berm extending upwards from the top surface of the under-seal gasket. The under-seal gasket includes a first central opening, and the filter member includes a second central opening smaller than the first central opening. The threshold member and the filter member are attached directly to the bottom surface of the under-seal gasket, but are not attached to each other. The threshold member extends across the first and second central openings and includes a plurality of apertures. The berm includes an elongated cylindrical foam member that surrounds a perimeter of the first central opening.