Stormwater Separator Insert for Fine Sediment and Hydrocarbon Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stormwater separation systems struggle to effectively settle fine particulates and remove hydrocarbons, floatables, and debris, especially under high flow rates, necessitating improved separator units.
Innovation Solution
A stormwater separator unit with an insert that divides the internal volume into inlet, central, and outlet regions, featuring a down cylinder with flow openings, deflector shields, and a downwardly angled skirt, along with textured surfaces to enhance settling and limit resuspension, and a drain down pipe for efficient water flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional stormwater separation systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to settle fine particulates and remove hydrocarbons is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into distinct functional zones: an inlet region for receiving stormwater, a central region for sedimentation and treatment, and an outlet region for discharged water. The insert structure further segments the internal volume to control flow patterns and enhance separation efficiency for different types of particulates.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the separator are designed with specific local characteristics: the inlet region handles high-velocity incoming flow, the central region provides calm zones for fine particulate settlement with textured surfaces, and the outlet region ensures clean water discharge. Each zone is optimized for its specific function to maximize overall separation performance.
2Reliability
If conventional separators are used, then the device complexity is low, but the removal efficiency of hydrocarbons and floatables deteriorates under high flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The separator design accommodates varying flow rates through dynamic flow control features. The insert structure and baffle assembly adapt to different inflow conditions, maintaining effective separation performance whether flow rates are low or high, ensuring reliable removal of hydrocarbons and floatables across all operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator utilizes hydraulic principles to control water flow through the insert structure and baffle assembly. The cylindrical wall with flow openings and the baffle arrangement create specific flow patterns that enhance the separation of hydrocarbons and floatables from stormwater, leveraging fluid dynamics to improve removal efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional tank designs are used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the sedimentation performance for fine particulates is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The insert structure includes a cylindrical wall with multiple flow openings that create a porous-like flow path. This allows water to pass through while trapping fine particulates, enhancing sedimentation performance without requiring complex filtration materials, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving fine particulate removal.
4Productivity
If conventional outlet arrangements are used, then the structure is simple, but the water flow management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet deck serves as an intermediary structure between the central region and the outlet. It includes a drain down opening and pipe that mediate the flow of treated water, ensuring efficient water flow management by controlling the transition from the treatment zone to the discharge point, thereby improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A stormwater separator includes a tank with a bottom wall and an upright sidewall, and an insert configured to divide the internal volume into an inlet region, an interior region and an outlet region. The insert is configured to define multiple flow openings for passage of water between the inlet region and the interior region. The insert is configured to provide at least one outlet opening through which stormwater exiting the interior region passes to reach the outlet region and then the tank outlet opening. Multiple deflector shields extend outwardly from the interior region, each deflector shield having a distal edge portion spaced inwardly from the upright sidewall. At least a first one of the flow openings is located at a height that are above a height of a downwardly angled skirt and below a height at which at least one of the deflector shields abuts to the interior region.