Upflow Filter Storm Water Drain Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storm water drain systems fail to effectively filter out pollutants such as trash, organic matter, suspended solids, hydrocarbons, metals, nutrients, and bacteria from runoff water before they enter water bodies, leading to pollution.
Innovation Solution
An in-line storm water drain filter system with a series of separation chambers and an upflow filter, where the upflow filter uses filtration media to remove fine particulates and dissolved pollutants, and a hydrocarbon collecting boom to absorb hydrocarbons, all integrated within a housing that allows for easy access and maintenance, with no need for a fall between inflow and outflow pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional downward flow filtration system is used, then the system requires a fall between inflow and outflow pipes, but this increases installation complexity and limits placement options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional downward flow filtration approach by implementing an upflow filtration system. Water enters the bottom of the filter chamber and flows upward through the filtration media, eliminating the need for a fall between inflow and outflow pipes. This inversion simplifies installation and expands placement options while maintaining effective filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes hydraulic principles to enable upward flow of water through the filtration media. The outflow pipe is positioned higher than the inflow, creating a hydraulic head that drives water upward through the filter chamber, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps or complex gravity-based downward flow configurations.
2Reliability
If the upflow filter is placed directly in the drain without pretreatment, then fine particulates can be filtered effectively, but larger particles and solids will prematurely clog the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is segmented into two distinct chambers: a first filter chamber for capturing larger particles and solids, and a second filter chamber for filtering fine particulates. This segmentation allows each chamber to specialize in different particle sizes, preventing clogging of the fine particulate filter while maintaining effective filtration of smaller contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The first filter chamber performs preliminary filtration by capturing larger particles and solids before water enters the second filter chamber. This preliminary action protects the second chamber from premature clogging, extending its service life and maintaining consistent filtration performance for fine particulates over a longer duration.
3Reliability
If multiple filtration stages are implemented, then pollutant removal efficiency increases, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filtration functions into a single integrated filter assembly. The first and second filter chambers are positioned one above the other within the same housing, sharing common structural elements and access mechanisms. This merging maintains high pollutant removal efficiency while minimizing device complexity and simplifying maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first chamber captures larger particles, the second chamber filters fine particulates, and both chambers can be accessed through a single access opening for maintenance. This multi-functionality within a unified structure achieves comprehensive pollutant removal without proportionally increasing system 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
The system effectively pretreats storm water by removing larger particles and pollutants, preventing clogging of the upflow filter and reducing pollutant loads entering water bodies, thus minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The media is a filter that removes fine TSS, nutrients, metals, bacteria, and emulsified hydrocarbons from the drain water as it flows upward through the last separation chamber
Implementation Method 2
The internal weir, located on the side of the upflow filter opposite of the outflow pipe allows water pressure to build behind it which drives water through the upflow filter
Implementation Method 3
A hydrocarbon collecting boom in a cage is placed at the last separation baffle on the influent side to absorb hydrocarbons
Implementation Method 4
The separation chambers collect various densities of sediment for later cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
A system designed to control and filter runoff water in storm drains is presented. Drain water frequently carries trash, organic matter, suspended solids, hydrocarbons, metals, nutrients and bacteria collected from streets and parking lots into a storm drain inlet, which enters storm water drain pipe systems.The present invention supplies a series of baffle boxes inserted in the drain water stream with a final box possessing an upflow filter comprising filtration media and filter cartridges. The system can also support a storm flow bypass that directs high-flow storm runoff water directly to the outlet to protect the filter system.