Vortex Flow Chamber Geometry for Stormwater Peak Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storm water drainage systems are often overloaded during heavy rainfall or storms, leading to increased flooding in urban areas due to insufficient flow rate capacity.
Innovation Solution
A vortex flow control device with a unique geometry combining a cylindrical inlet volume and a tapered outlet volume, which generates high peripheral velocities and creates a back pressure to restrict flow for a broader range of desired flow rates and head heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional drainage systems are used to convey surface water, then the system can handle typical rainfall, but the flow rate capacity is insufficient during heavy rainfall or storms leading to flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex flow control device is installed upstream in the drainage system to pre-regulate and attenuate surface water flow before it enters the main drainage network. By creating a vortex that generates back pressure, the device preliminarily reduces peak flow rates and delays runoff, preventing the drainage system from being overloaded during heavy rainfall events.
2Productivity
If restrictors are provided to control maximum discharge flow rates into drainage systems, then discharge flow rates are limited, but surface water accumulates on property at rates higher than the mandated maximum discharge rate
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex flow control device is positioned upstream to pre-attenuate surface water flow before it reaches properties. By regulating flow rates at the source, the device prevents excessive water accumulation on properties while maintaining controlled discharge into the drainage system, eliminating the need for additional on-site storage facilities.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If attenuation tanks are provided upstream of restrictors to hold accumulated surface water, then peak flow rates are limited, but the system requires additional infrastructure and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex flow control device combines the functions of flow attenuation, peak flow restriction, and back pressure generation into a single integrated component installed within the existing drainage pipeline. This eliminates the need for separate attenuation tanks and restrictors, reducing infrastructure requirements and system complexity while achieving the same protective effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the flow control function from complex external infrastructure (attenuation tanks and restrictors) and integrates it directly into the existing drainage pipeline through a vortex-generating device. This extraction simplifies the overall system by removing unnecessary intermediate components while maintaining effective peak flow control.
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 vortex flow control device effectively attenuates surface water discharged into drainage systems, reducing peak flow rates and increasing flow durations, thereby mitigating flooding risks.
Implementation Method 1
the chamber defines a first cylindrical volume proximal to and/or at the first end and wherein the inlet is tangential to the first cylindrical volume; and wherein the chamber defines a tapered volume disposed between the first cylindrical volume and the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A vortex flow control device (2) comprises a chamber (20), having a first end (21), a second end (22), an inlet (23) proximal to and/or at the first end (21) and an outlet (24) proximal to and/or at the second end (22), wherein the first end (21) and the second end (22) are mutually opposed and wherein the inlet (23) and the outlet (24) are mutually orthogonal; wherein the chamber (20) defines a first cylindrical volume CV1 proximal to and/or at the first end (21) and wherein the inlet (23) is tangential to the first cylindrical volume CV1; and wherein the chamber (20) defines a tapered volume TV disposed between the first cylindrical volume CV1 and the outlet (24).