Vortex Stormwater Separator With Perforated Inclined Skirt
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vortex separators face challenges in reliably separating fine settling substances from storm-water, require complex installation and maintenance, and often obstruct traffic due to multiple access points, making it difficult to remove foreign substances like large stones or reinforcing bars.
Innovation Solution
A vortex separator design featuring a guide plate with a perforated inclined skirt that separates coarse settling substances in a center space and fine settling substances in a ring-shaped space, using a single removal hole for both, allowing easy access and simplified maintenance, and eliminating the need for additional power or consumable elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional vortex separator with multiple access points is used, then floating and settling substances can be separated from storm-water, but traffic obstruction increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple access points into a single integrated access point. The removable lid provides unified access to both the floating substance storage chamber and the settling substance storage chamber, eliminating the need for separate access points and thereby reducing traffic obstruction while maintaining full maintenance capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single access point serves multiple functions: it provides access for removing floating substances, access for removing settling substances, and access for inspecting internal components. This multi-functional design maintains the reliability of substance removal while simplifying the structure and improving ease of operation
2Reliability
If a conventional separator with large installation space is used, then foreign substances can be effectively separated, but the space required for installation becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal separation approach to a vertical separation approach. By stacking the floating substance storage chamber above the settling substance storage chamber and utilizing vertical space, the design achieves effective substance separation while minimizing the horizontal footprint and installation area
3Reliability
If a conventional vortex separator with complex internal structure is used, then separation performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the internal structure into distinct functional segments: an inlet section that directs flow, a floating substance storage chamber, a settling substance storage chamber, and an outlet section. This segmentation achieves effective separation of different substances while keeping each segment's structure simple and easy to understand
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical moving parts or active control mechanisms, the patent uses passive flow dynamics and gravity-based separation. The inlet structure naturally directs flow to create vortex patterns that separate substances, and the chambers are positioned to allow automatic accumulation of floating and settling materials without requiring complex internal mechanisms
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
Effectively separates both coarse and fine settling substances, simplifies installation and maintenance, reduces traffic obstruction, and allows for easy removal of foreign substances, enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of the system.
Implementation Method 1
the storm-water, which is drawn into the center space in the guide plate of the separation casing, forms a vortex in the guide plate
Implementation Method 2
the storm-water is moved into a ring-shaped space both by the centrifugal force of a vortex
Implementation Method 3
a perforated inclined skirt provided below the guide plate to guide the settling substances to a bottom of a sediment storage chamber
Implementation Method 4
storm-water spirally moves downwards in the center space and spirally moves upwards in the ring-shaped space
Implementation Method 5
floating substances, such as oil and grease, are separated from storm-water
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a vortex separator for separating floating and settling substances from storm-water. The vortex separator of the present invention can separate fine settling substances as well as coarse settling substances, floating substances and oil from storm-water. To achieve the above purpose, the vortex separator of the present invention includes a separation casing, a guide plate, which is provided in the separation casing and supported by a connection plate, and an inlet pipe, which is coupled to the guide plate and extends outside the separation casing, so that the storm-water is drawn into the guide plate through the inlet pipe. The vortex separator further includes a perforated inclined skirt, which is provided below the guide plate to guide the settling substances onto a bottom of a sediment storage chamber and prevent the settling substances from being resuspended, and an outlet pipe, which is coupled to the separation casing at a position below the connection plate and extending outside the separation casing, so that the storm-water is discharged through the outlet pipe.