Vertical Scupper Filtration for Bridge Runoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for reducing pollutant runoff from roadways and bridges are inefficient and costly, often requiring large treatment structures and land, and fail to effectively treat stormwater before it enters water bodies.
Innovation Solution
A filtration system with vertically positioned scuppers containing polymer filtration media, which can be easily installed and retrofitted into roadways and bridges, allowing stormwater to flow through and treat contaminants before discharge, with a bypass mechanism to prevent water accumulation in traffic lanes during heavy rainfall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large treatment structures and piping systems are used to treat stormwater runoff, then pollutant removal effectiveness is improved, but land area requirement and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the treatment function into multiple distributed scupper units installed at intervals along the roadway, each containing filtration media. This segmentation allows pollutant removal to occur at multiple locations simultaneously, reducing the need for a single large treatment structure while maintaining overall treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system transitions from horizontal land-based treatment structures to vertical integration within the roadway structure itself. Scuppers are installed through the roadway deck, utilizing the vertical dimension to provide treatment capacity without occupying additional land area on the surface.
2Reliability
If large treatment structures are used to treat stormwater runoff, then pollutant removal effectiveness is improved, but operational and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration media within the scuppers is designed to be self-cleaning through backwashing action caused by stormwater flow. The system automatically maintains filtration effectiveness without requiring external power sources, manual intervention, or expensive operational systems, thereby reducing operational and maintenance costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional scupper holes are used for drainage, then water discharge is simplified, but pollutant discharge into water bodies occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the drainage function with the filtration function by installing scuppers that contain filtration media within the same structural element. Water discharge and pollutant removal occur simultaneously through the same scupper openings, eliminating the need for separate filtration systems while preventing pollutant discharge into water bodies.
4Reliability
If filtration media is installed in scuppers, then contaminant filtration is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration media is contained within flexible mesh socks that can be easily inserted into and removed from the scupper openings. This flexible containment approach simplifies installation and maintenance while providing effective filtration, avoiding the need for complex rigid filtration structures.
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 treats stormwater runoff by filtering contaminants, reducing pollutant discharge into water bodies without the need for large treatment structures, and allows for quick inspection and replacement of filtration media, enhancing operational efficiency and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
A water filtration media is disposed within the scupper. The filtration media is preferably a polymer material that provides filtration, absorption, and/or adsorption of contaminants contained in water that passes through the media.
Implementation Method 2
The filtration media is preferably a polymer material that provides filtration, absorption, and/or adsorption of contaminants contained in water that passes through the media.
Implementation Method 3
The filtration media is preferably a polymer material that provides filtration, absorption, and/or adsorption of contaminants contained in water that passes through the media.
Implementation Method 4
The mesh sock is placed inside the tube so that water on the top surface of the roadway gravity flows down through the tube, thereby flowing through the filtration media for treatment of the water for contaminants.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for treating liquid runoff from bridge decks or other types of roadways are provided. The system includes vertical scuppers positioned at low points along a length of a bridge deck. Each scupper has a removable tube fitted inside the scupper with a filtration media for treating liquid runoff such as stormwater. During rainfall events, liquid runoff gravity flows downward through the tubes and the filtration media inside the tubes so that the liquid is treated before being discharged to the environment. The tubes can be removed to periodically replace the filtration media.