Patent Application
20140332452
This application relates to treating runoff entering storm drain systems.
Storm drain systems are designed to retain and collect runoff to be channeled to locations where it can be safely dispersed. Typically, and in particular during heavy flows, the runoff can carry particulate matter and debris. Runoff entering a storm drain system is typically collected first in a catch basin designed to remove particulate matter and debris from the runoff. Over time, silt and debris can clog the catch basin resulting, for example, in blocked outlet pipes, with water overflow and/or undesirable discharge of particulate matter out of the catch basin. Periodically, catch basins require expensive and time-consuming removal of material collected in the catch basin (e.g., using a vacuum truck) to reduce the risk of local flooding and the undesirable discharge of particulate matter out of the catch basin.
Systems and methods of treating runoff (e.g., liquids such as rainwater and solids floating on, suspended in, or otherwise pushed/carried by the liquid components of runoff) using graduated filters can provide a combination of both good filtration and additional flow capacity. Filters can remove particulate matter (e.g., silt, sand, and/or other particles) and/or debris (e.g., rocks, sticks, leaves, trash, litter, or other foreign objects) from runoff. Filters (e.g., bag filters suspended within a storm drain catch basin or sheet-form filters mounted within a storm drain catch basin) can have multiple regions with each region having a nominal flow rate (e.g., in gallons per minute per square foot as measured using ASTM D-4491) that is higher than an adjacent relatively lower region. The lower regions with a relatively lower nominal flow rate can provide a high degree of filtration for the runoff from small storm events. For larger storm events, as the rate of runoff entering a storm drain catch basin exceeds the rate at which water is filtered through the lower regions with a lower nominal flow rate, the level of water on the inlet side of the filters increases bringing the higher regions with a relatively higher nominal flow rate into operation. These higher regions with a higher nominal flow rate provide less filtration but greater flow capacity than the lower regions with a lower nominal flow rate.
For example, flexible bag filters having multiple, graduated regions, e.g. each region having a nominal flow rate that is relatively higher than an adjacent lower region, can be suspended (e.g., removably mounted) within a storm drain catch basin. The regions with lower nominal flow rate provide a high degree of filtration for the runoff from small storm events and also provide some filtration when treating higher volumes of runoff from larger storm events. Such bag filters can be positioned with the bottom of the bag filter located at approximately the elevation of the outlet pipe through which water is discharged from the catch basin. Made of flexible material and configured to be suspended within a catch basin, such bag filters are easy to install and easy to remove for cleaning.
Flexible bag filters can also be used with other filters having graduated filtration/flow characteristics. For example, a flexible bag filter can be suspended within a catch basin with sheet-form filter disposed between the bag filter and the outlet of the catch basin such that some or all of the water discharged from catch basin has passed through two filters. In one aspect, systems configured to treat water passing through a catch basin include: a first filter including an open end, a sidewall portion, and a closed end generally opposite the open end, the open end of the first filter removably mounted below an inlet of the catch basin; and a second filter extending from a first end portion having a first perimeter to a second end portion having a second perimeter relatively larger than the first perimeter, the first end portion of the second filter removably mounted to define an opening below the inlet of the catch basin, and the second end portion of the second filter removably secured to an inner surface of the catch basin, spaced apart from the inlet of the catch basin, such that the second filter defines a surface separating a inner portion of the catch basin from an outer portion of the catch basin.
Embodiments can include one or more of the following additional features:
In some embodiments, the sidewall portion of the first filter defines a first region of the first filter having a first nominal flow rate and a second region of the first filter having a second nominal flow rate that is relatively greater than the first nominal flow rate, the second region of the first filter disposed between the first region of the first filter and the open end of the first filter. In some cases, the sidewall portion of the first filter further defines a third region of the first filter having a third nominal flow rate greater than the first nominal flow rate and less than the second nominal flow rate, the third region of the first filter located between the first and second regions of the first filter. In some cases, the sidewall portion of the first filter further defines a plurality of intermediate regions of the first filter located between the first region of the first filter and the second region of the first filter, each of the intermediate regions of the first filter having a nominal flow rate greater than the nominal flow rate of an adjacent region of the first filter in the direction of the first region of the first filter and each of the intermediate regions of the first filter having a nominal flow rate less than the nominal flow rate of an adjacent region of the first filter in the direction of the second region of the first filter.
In some embodiments, the sidewall portion of the first filter includes a support structure including a first fabric having a first apparent opening size, the support structure lined with a second fabric having a second apparent opening size that is relatively smaller than the first apparent opening size. In some cases, the second fabric includes non-woven material.
In some embodiments, the system further includes a frame removably mounted to a region of the inlet of the catch basin and the open end of the first filter is attached to the frame. In some cases, the open end of the first filter is attached to the frame by a plurality of chains.
In some embodiments, wherein the second filter defines a first region of the second filter having a first nominal flow rate and a second region of the second filter having a second nominal flow rate relatively greater than the first nominal flow rate, the second region of the second filter disposed between the first region of the second filter and the first end portion. In some cases, the second filter further defines a third region of the second filter having a third nominal flow rate, the third region of the second filter located between the first and second region of the second filters, the third nominal flow rate being relatively greater than the first nominal flow rate and relatively less than the second nominal flow rate.
In some embodiments, the first filter has an outer perimeter substantially identical in shape and smaller in size to an inner perimeter of the inlet to the catch basin.
In some embodiments, the second filter includes a pleated material.
In some embodiments, the system also includes a support member attached to the second end portion of the second filter and removably secured to the inner surface of the catch basin.
In some embodiments, the system also includes a spacing member removably secured to an inner surface of the catch basin, the spacing member disposed between the second filter and the outlet of the catch basin.
In another aspect, methods of treating runoff include: suspending a first filter from an inlet of a catch basin in a position such that water and solid material passing through the inlet of the catch basin enters the first filter; installing a second filter in a catch basin in a position such that the second filter defines a continuous surface separating the catch basin into an lower inner portion and an upper outer portion, wherein the first filter is suspended substantially within the lower inner portion of the catch basin and the catch basin outlet is in the upper outer portion of the catch basin; retaining some solid material within the first filter as water passes through the first filter into the inner portion of the catch basin; and retaining some solid material within the inner portion of the catch basin as water passes through the second filter into the upper part outer portion of the catch basin and flows out the catch basin outlet.
Embodiments can include one or more of the following additional features:
In some embodiments, retaining some solid material within the first filter includes providing a first degree of filtration to water that passes through a first region of the first filter having a first nominal flow rate; and providing a relatively lower (i.e. relatively more coarse) degree of filtration to water that passes through a second region of the first filter having a second nominal flow rate that is greater than the first nominal flow rate.
In some embodiments, the methods also include, e.g. after a time: removing the first filter from the catch basin; emptying the solid material retained in the first filter; and re-installing the first filter in the inlet of the catch basin.
In some embodiments, the methods also include, e.g. after a time: removing solid material debris from the catch basin while the first filter is removed from the catch basin and the second filter is installed in the catch basin.
In another aspect, systems configured to treat water passing through a catch basin include: a filter defining an open end, a sidewall portion, and a closed end opposite the open end, the open end of the filter removably mounted below an inlet of the catch basin. The sidewall portion of the filter defines a first region of the filter having a first nominal flow rate and a second region of the filter having a second nominal flow rate that is greater than the first nominal flow rate, the second region of the filter disposed between the first region of the filter and the open end of the filter. Embodiments can include one or more of the following features.
In some embodiments, the sidewall portion of the filter further defines a third region of the filter having a third nominal flow rate greater than the first nominal flow rate and less than the second nominal flow rate, the third region of the filter located between the first and second regions of the filter.
In some embodiments, the sidewall portion of the filter further defines a plurality of intermediate regions of the filter located between the first region of the filter and the second region of the filter, each of the intermediate regions of the filter having a nominal flow rate relatively greater than the nominal flow rate of an adjacent region of the filter in the direction of the first region of the filter and each of the intermediate regions of the filter having a nominal flow rate relatively less than the nominal flow rate of an adjacent region of the filter in the direction of the second region of the filter.
In some embodiments, the sidewall portion of the filter includes a support structure including a first fabric having a first apparent opening size, the support structure lined with a second fabric having a second apparent opening size that is relatively smaller than the first apparent opening size.
In some embodiments, the system further includes a frame removably mounted to a region of the inlet of the catch basin, wherein the open end of the filter is attached to the frame. In some cases, the open end of the filter is attached to the frame by a plurality of chains.
In some embodiments, the filter has an outer perimeter corresponding, e.g. substantially identical, in shape and size to an inner perimeter of the inlet to the catch basin.
In some embodiments, the distance from the open end of the filter to the closed end of the filter is greater than 90 percent of the difference in elevation between the inlet of the catch basin and an invert of an outlet of the catch basin.
In another aspect, methods of treating runoff include: suspending a filter from an inlet of a catch basin in a position such that water and solid material passing through the inlet of the catch basin enter the filter; and retaining some solid material within the filter as water passes through the filter into the inner portion of the catch basin. Retaining some solid material within the filter includes providing a first degree of filtration to water that passes through a first region of the filter having a first nominal flow rate; and providing a lower (e.g. coarser) degree of filtration to water that passes through a second region of the filter having a second nominal flow rate that is relatively greater than the first nominal flow rate. Embodiments can include one or more of the following features.
In some embodiments, the methods also include, e.g. after a time, removing the filter from the catch basin; emptying the solid material retained in the filter; and re-installing the filter in the inlet of the catch basin.
In some embodiments, suspending the filter includes lowering the filter through the inlet of the catch basin until a frame attached to the filter engages sides of the inlet of the catch basin. In some cases, the methods also include removing the filter from the catch basin by lifting the frame vertically.
In another aspect, systems configured to treat water passing through a catch basin include: a filter extending from a first end portion having a first perimeter defining an opening to a second end portion having a second perimeter relatively larger than the first perimeter, the first end portion attached to an inlet of a catch basin and the second end portion removably secured to an inner surface of the catch basin, the inner surface of the catch basin spaced from the inlet of the catch basin, such that the filter defines a continuous surface separating a inner portion of the catch basin from an upper, outer portion of the catch basin. The filter includes a first filter region having a first nominal flow rate and a second filter region having a second nominal flow rate relatively greater than the first nominal flow rate, the second filter region disposed between the first filter region and the first end portion.
Embodiments can include one or more of the following additional features.
In some embodiments, the filter further defines a third filter region having a third nominal flow rate, the third filter region located between the first and second filter regions, the third nominal flow rate being relatively greater than the first nominal flow rate and relatively less than the second nominal flow rate.
In some embodiments, the filter includes a support structure and a separate porous liner material disposed inside the support structure.
In some embodiments, the filter includes a pleated material.
In some embodiments, the filter also includes a support member attached to the second end portion and removably secured to the inner surface of the catch basin.
In some embodiments, the system also includes a spacing member removably secured to an inner surface of the catch basin, the spacing member disposed between an outlet of the catch basin and the filter.
Embodiments may include one or more of the following advantages.
Filters (e.g., bag filters and/or tent-shaped filters (“tent filters”)) can reduce the undesirable discharge of silt and debris from the catch basin and/or reduce local flooding. In operation, runoff can fall into a bag filter and then will tend to seep through and run down outer surfaces of the filter rather than falling directly to the bottom of the catch basin. In some instances, the bag filter can dissipate the kinetic energy of water falling into the catch basin and reduce the re-suspension of silt and debris which have settled to the bottom of the catch basin. Similarly, the tent filter can reduce the re-suspension of silt and debris which have settled to the bottom of the catch basin by isolating such material from water flowing into a catch basin from upstream portions of a storm water drainage system.
Moreover, silt and debris collects, to some extent, in the bag filter. Associated reductions in the amount of material that accumulates at the bottom of catch basins can reduce the costs associated with the removal of such material. Bag filters can be configured for removal from catch basins for cleaning by equipment frequently available on construction sites (e.g., backhoes) rather than requiring specialized equipment such as vacuum trucks.
Filter systems configured as discussed above can also use the excess catch basin capacity (i.e., the volume above the invert of the outlet) to store and gradually release runoff from the catch basin. The filter systems can change the direction and increase the distance that runoff travels within the catch basin. This can increase the retention time of runoff within the catch basin and, thus, provide additional time for fine particles to settle out of the runoff before it is discharged from the catch basin.
Tent filters can provide secondary filtration and/or treatment when used in conjunction with the bag filter. Tent filters with graduated levels of filtration/flow capacity can also be used independently as the primary source of treatment for runoff.
Tent filters configured and installed to provide a truncated conical surface between outer and inner portions of a catch basin can be easy to clean. Flow of runoff through such tent filters can cause particulate matter to accumulate on what is, in effect, the underside of the tent filter. Thus, in the absence of internal water pressure, gravity will tend to pull accumulated particulate matter off the tent filter into the bottom of the catch basin to settle. Spraying the tent filter from the outer portion of the catch basin towards the inner portion of the catch basin provides backwashing that is aided by the effects of gravity.
In some embodiments, the filtration systems or methods can be installed or applied in a standard drainage catch basin. The filtration system or method can serve to reduce large surges of water by collecting the water quickly and releasing it over a period of time.
In some embodiments, the bag filter is lightweight when empty. The filtration system or method can be installed or carried out by one person.
In certain embodiments, the filtration system or method can be custom-configured for specific storm drain catch basins and/or catch basin drainage areas. The filtration system or method can limit the re-suspension of sediments (e.g., particulate matter and/or debris) in the catch basin.
The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
Referring to
First filter 1100 is a bag filter (e.g., a filter with an open end, sides, and a closed bottom) suspended within catch basin 9000. First filter 1100 can be formed of a flexible material (e.g., a fabric or fabrics) to facilitate installation before use and removal for cleaning. Runoff entering catch basin inlet 9010 falls into bag filter 1100, which absorbs the kinetic energy of the falling material. As runoff passes through the porous walls of bag filter 1100, some of the particulate matter and debris in the runoff is retained within bag filter 1100. Although water, particulate matter, and debris can overflow during periods of high runoff flows, bag filter 1100 generally serves to detain the water and release it into the catch basin, and hence the storm drain system, over time. This detention and filtering limits the undesirable discharge of particulate matter and debris into the storm drain system and eventually into potentially environmentally-sensitive dispersal locations. This detention also reduces the likelihood of large surges of water from being released into the storm drain system and re-suspending previously settled material (e.g., silt).
Water that passes through or overflows bag filter 1100 tends to flows down the side(s) of bag filter 1100. Bag filter 1100 can be sized to extend to the standing water level in catch basin 9000 so that water, particulate matter, and debris that move from bag filter 1100 into catch basin 9000 are less likely to freefall and usually gain only small amounts of kinetic energy. Thus, water that leaves the bag filter is unlikely to disturb the water, particulate matter, and debris already present in catch basin 9000. This limits the re-suspension of sediments 9040 (e.g., particulate matter and debris) from the floor of catch basin 9000 and also allows newly-introduced particulate matter and debris to settle to the floor of catch basin 9000.
Rising water in catch basin 9000 passes through second filter 1200 and exits through catch basin outlet 9020, while some additional particulate matter and debris is retained within catch basin 9000. Second filter 1200 can expand toward the walls of catch basin 9000 during periods of excessive runoff so that more of the internal volume of catch basin 9000 is utilized for storage and detention.
Bag filter 1100 is configured for removal from catch basin 9000 by equipment such as backhoes or vacuum trucks for cleaning. Between periods of runoff, bag filter 1100 can be removed to allow for disposal of the particulate matter and debris retained within bag filter 1100. Eventually, enough particulate matter and debris may collect in catch basin 9000 (by passing through the porous walls of bag filter 1100 or overflowing bag filter 1100 altogether) to necessitate the removal of such particulate matter and debris using a vacuum truck or other means. Because most of the particulate matter and debris that falls through catch basin inlet 9010 will be collected in bag filter 1100, the cleaning frequency of catch basin 9000 can be reduced. Thus, bag filter 1100 and second filter 1200 can prevent particulate matter and debris from clogging storm drain systems and damaging environmentally-sensitive dispersal locations while also reducing the costs of maintaining the storm drain systems and increasing their effectiveness.
Referring also to
Sidewall portion 1110 of bag filter 1100 may include a first bag region 1120, having a first nominal flow rate; a second bag region 1125, located between first bag region 1120 and open end 1115, and having a second nominal flow rate relatively greater than first nominal flow rate; and a third bag region 1130, located between first bag region 1120 and second bag region 1125, and having a third nominal flow rate relatively greater than first nominal flow rate and relatively less than second nominal flow rate. Generally, first bag region 1120 also includes closed end 1105 of bag filter 1100 in addition to the lower part of sidewall portion 1110. However, in some embodiments, closed end 1105 is made of or lined with an impermeable material and does not transmit water through the bag filter.
Bag filter 1100 is configured to overflow when incoming runoff flows are greater than the flow capacity of bag regions 1120, 1125, 1130 (e.g., the amount of water that can flow through the bag regions for given water levels in the system). In this embodiment, bag filter 1100 is suspended in catch basin 9000 and such overflows pass through the space between the top of sidewall portion 1110 of bag filter 1100 and catch basin inlet 9010. In some embodiments, sidewall portion 1110 includes an overflow region (not shown) that does not provide significant filtering and allows the generally free passage of such overflows. Bag regions 1120, 1125, and 1130 may be sized equally or differently; any one bag region may be larger or smaller than other bag regions, i.e., may cover more or less surface area of sidewall portion 1110, than any other bag region. In any implementation of bag filter 1100, the sizes of bag regions 1120, 1125, 1130, and of any other bag region or regions may be optimized for a given geographical region, locality, or climate, or for average or expected flow through a specific catch basin, to ensure the proper balance between filtration and water flow.
Referring now also to
In some embodiments, tent filter 1200 may have a system of regions with graduated nominal flow rates similar to the systems described above with respect to bag filter 1100. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, tent filter 1200 may have only first filter region 1220 having first nominal flow rate, and second filter region 1225 having second nominal flow rate. In some embodiments, tent filter 1200 may have more than three filter regions. In certain embodiments, tent filter 1200 may have a filter overflow 1240, located adjacent first end portion 1205 or located between first end portion 1205 and second filter region 1225.
The sizes of the various filter regions may be equal or different. For example, the sizes of any or all of the filter regions may be optimized for a given geographical region, locality, or climate, or for the needs of a particular catch basin, to ensure a proper balance between filtration and water flow.
A optional spacing member 1500, such as that shown in
In some embodiments, bag filter 1100 is manufactured by forming a support structure from a strong, coarse mesh. Inner surfaces of support structure are then lined with materials having varying flow rates to form bag regions 1120, 1125, 1130. The liner may include multiple pieces of fabric of varying nominal flow rate sewn together to correspond with the various bag regions, or it may be a single piece of fabric manufactured to have a graduated nominal flow rate. In other embodiments, bag filter 1100 can be manufactured by directly attaching (e.g., by sewing) filter materials with desired strength and flow to each other to form a single piece of material with graduated nominal flow rate along the sidewall portion 1110 that increases with distance from closed end 1105. Formed of flexible material such as fabrics, bag filter 1100 can be easily compressed for passage through catch basin inlets during installation.
Bag filter 1100 is configured with a cross-section substantially identical in shape and size to an inner perimeter of catch basin inlet 9010. Constructed of flexible material, bag filter 1100 generally can be pulled out of catch basin 9000 through catch basin inlet 9010 for cleaning even in the event that bag filter 1100 expands somewhat in response to the accumulation of particulate matter and debris. Bag filter 1100 can be sized such that the length of bag filter 1100 from closed end 1105 to inlet 1115 substantially corresponds to the distance between catch basin inlet 9010 and the invert (e.g., lowest point) of catch basin outlet 9020 which tends to be the standing water level within catch basin 9000. Thus, when bag filter 1100 is suspended from catch basin inlet 9010 or frame 1300, closed end 1105 reaches the standing water level inside catch basin 9000. In some implementations, the length of bag filter 1100 from closed end 1105 to inlet 1115 may be greater than the distance from catch basin inlet 9010 to the bottom of catch basin outlet 9020, i.e. to the standing water level of catch basin 9000, such that, in use, closed end 1105 of bag filter 1100 extends beneath the standing water level of catch basin 9000.
The material used in or on any part of bag filter 1100 may be woven or non-woven. In some cases, woven material may be less likely to cake up or clog with silt and small particulate matter than non-woven material. The support structure and/or the liner/filter material can be chosen from materials (e.g., polypropylene fabrics) with sufficient strength that a bag filter 1100 suspended by its top is unlikely to break as particulate matter and debris accumulates within bag filter 1100. For example, the bag filter can be configured having a breaking load of at least 1000 pounds (e.g., breaking load can be defined as the maximum load (or force) applied to a specimen in a tensile test carried to rupture). Individual materials may be high-strength. In some embodiments, individual materials can have minimum tensile strengths of between about 80-380 lbs. (e.g., between, 100-260 lbs., or 120-180 lbs). Tensile strength can be measured using ASTM D-4632. In some embodiments, the material may be UV-resistant. The hydraulic characteristics of the liner/filter material can be defined by apparent opening size (e.g., United States standard sieve sizes) or flow rates (e.g., as measured by ASTM D-4491). Liner/filter material can have apparent opening sizes ranging of 25-150 (e.g., 40-120 or 80-100) United States standard sieve size and/or flow rates of 1-200 (e.g., 1-150, 1-100, or 1-20) gallons per minute per square foot. In some cases, material with a nominal flow rate in the range of about 2 to about 6 gallons per minute per square foot, e.g. about 4 gallons per minute per square foot can be used for a first filter material, other material with a nominal flow rate in the range of about 16 to about 20 gallons per minute per square foot, e.g. about 18 gallons per minute per square foot can be used for a second filter material, and still other material with a nominal flow rate in the range of about 6 to about 16 gallons per minute per square foot, e.g. about 12 gallons per minute per square foot, can be used for the third filter material. The materials in or on bag filter 1100 can also be selected to provide additional treatment. For example, the liner can include oil absorbent materials to remove hydrocarbons from runoff being treated by system 1000.
In one exemplary embodiment, the support structure was formed from a trampoline bed. The seams of bag filter 1100 and the top edge of sidewall portion 1110, i.e. the edge of sidewall portion 1110 that defines open end 1115, were sewn with at least 10 rows of heavy-duty thread to provide structural stability. Galvanized rings or other fasteners were sewn into the top edge of sidewall portion 1110 to facilitate the mounting of bag filter 1100 to a frame 1300 or to a region of catch basin inlet 9010. Geotextiles were sewn to the support structure to form three bag regions. A silt fence material was sewn to the support structure to form the bottom bag region. Two layers of ⅛ inch thick felt filter material were sewn to the support structure to form the intermediate bag region. A single layer of ⅛ inch thick felt filter material was sewn to the support structure to form the top bag region. A portion of the support structure was left unaltered to provide an overflow region.
Tent filter 1200 may be manufactured by forming a support structure in the shape of a truncated cone or pyramid including a first end portion 1205 having a first perimeter, a second end portion 1210 having a second perimeter greater than the first perimeter. The first end portion 1205 and the second end portion can have different shapes (e.g., one could be square and the other could be round). Filter 1200 defines a continuous surface 1215 between first end portion 1205 and second end portion 1210. A liner may be attached to the support structure on the inside of continuous surface 1215. The liner may be a single piece of fabric having a graduated nominal flow rate, or it may include various pieces of fabric of various porosities sewn together and/or onto the support structure, such that filter regions 1220, 1225, and any other filter region or regions have desired nominal flow rates, respectively. In some implementations, a tent filter 1200 may include a single, continuous piece of fabric or material, and having a graduated nominal flow rate, such that the highest nominal flow rate occurs nearest second end portion 1210 and the lowest nominal flow rate occurs nearest first end portion 1205.
Optionally, tent filter 1200 may be formed from a pleated material (e.g., a material having a series of substantially parallel folds). In embodiments including this feature, the tent filter 1200 has a natural state in which the pleats or folds are contracted, and an expanded state (discussed in detail below with reference to
Frame 1300 may be manufactured by welding sections of angle iron in the shape of a catch basin inlet 9010, such that the angle irons are arranged, and frame 1300 is sized, to rest on a perimeter of catch basin inlet 9010. Frame 1300 can be thin enough to allow the original catch basin inlet grate to rest on top of frame 1300 without being significantly raised. Hooks may be attached to frame 1300 and arranged to engage one or both of the top edge of sidewall portion 1110 of bag filter 1100 and first end portion 1205 of tent filter 1200. Alternatively, frame 1300 may be manufactured of any material strong enough to support one or both of tent filter 1200 and bag filter 1100, i.e. when bag filter 1100 is full of particulate matter and debris and water. Frame 1300 may be manufactured in any shape that allows or facilitates the mounting of frame 1300 in a region of catch basin inlet 9010.
In some embodiments, frame 1300 comprises two nested members. A first member is sized and configured to fit within and engage the rim of catch basin inlet 9010 and a second member is sized and configured to fit within and engage the first member. The first member is attached (e.g., by ropes or chains) to tent filter 1200 and the second member is attached (e.g., by ropes, cables, straps with carabineer-type fasteners, or chains) to bag filter 1100. Thus, bag filter 1100 can be removed by lifting on the second member of frame 1300 while the first member of frame 1300 and the attached tent filter 1200 remain in place.
Support member 1400 may be a strip of plastic, metal, or other material configurable into a shape identical to the perimeter of catch basin 9000. Support member 1400 may also include a mechanism that allows support member 1400 to be expanded and contracted. For example, support member 1400 may be a ring formed from a metal strip, with the two ends of the metal strip joined by a mechanism that adjusts the amount by which the two ends overlap, much like the mechanism on a hose clamp, such that the strip can expand to create a tight seal at a fixed elevation. Alternatively, support member 1400 may be a plastic strip formed into a square, i.e. to fit into a square catch basin, and the plastic strip may be temporarily deformable, such that it can be compressed to fit through catch basin inlet 9010 and returns to its original shape once the compressive force is released.
As a runoff event begins, water, particulate matter, and debris begin passing through catch basin inlet 9010 and are initially collected in bag filter 1100. Lower bag region 1120 is made of material with a small apparent opening size. Lower bag region 1120 provides a high degree of filtration but has a low nominal flow rate. For a small runoff event, water may be able to seep through lower bag region 1120 as quickly as runoff enters catch basin 9000 and/or lower bag region 1120 may provide sufficient volume to store water that begins to collect within bag filter 1100 when the flow rate of runoff entering bag filter 1100 exceeds the flow rate of water being filtered through lower bag region 1120. In such events, all of the water exiting bag filter 1100 passes through lower bag region 1120 and is highly filtered with, typically, all debris and most or all particulate matter retained within bag filter 1100. For example, some silts may pass through lower bag region 1120 with sands, gravels, and debris retained within bag filter 1100.
Closed end 1105 of bag filter 1100 touches or extends beneath the surface of the standing water within catch basin 9000. The water and silts seeping through lower bag region 1120 will tend flow down the outer surface of bag filter 1100 and mix with the water already present in catch basin 9000. Limited kinetic energy is associated with this process. The sediments 9040 already present at the bottom of catch basin 9000 are not likely to be disturbed. As the water level in catch basin 9000 outside of bag filter 1100 begins to rise above the invert of catch basin outlet 9020, water will begin to pass through lower tent region 1220 and the perforations in spacing member 1500 and flow out of catch basin 9000. Lower tent region 1220 is also made of material with a small apparent opening size that provides a high degree of filtration and has a low nominal flow rate. The material making up lower tent region 1220 can have the same or a different apparent opening size than the material making up lower bag region 1120. Tent filter 1200 helps retain particulate matter and debris within catch basin 9000 where, due to the low levels of kinetic energy in the system, the particulate matter and debris are likely to settle to sediments 9040 at the bottom of catch basin 9000. When inlet pipes 9025 are present, tent filter 1200 separates water entering catch basin 9000 from upstream portions of the drainage system from the inner portion 9005 of the cavity of catch basin 9000 where particulate matter has settled and/or is settling.
Referring to
Referring to
When inlet pipe(s) 9025 are present, tent filter 1200 separates water entering catch basin 9000 from upstream portions of the drainage system from the inner portion 9005 of the cavity of catch basin 9000 where particulate matter has settled and/or is settling. Water flowing into catch basin 9000 from inlet pipe(s) 9025 mixes with water already present in the outer portion 9007 of the cavity of catch basin 9000 (e.g., outside of tent filter 1200) and flows out of catch basin 900 through outlet pipe 9020. Water from upstream effectively bypasses treatment system 1000 but is separated from sediments 9040. The sediments 9040 already present at the bottom of catch basin 9000 are not likely to be disturbed by water from upstream portions of the drainage system. Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
As time passes, the amount of particulate matter and debris collected in bag filter 1100 and catch basin 9000 increases. Most large particulate matter and debris will remain in bag filter 1100, while smaller particulate matter and debris, for example sand and sediment, will collect both in bag filter 1100 and in catch basin 9000. Periodical removal of this particulate matter and debris from bag filter 1100 and catch basin 9000 will ensure that each operates effectively.
Referring to
With bag filter 1100 removed from catch basin 9000, particulate matter and debris collected in catch basin 9000 can be removed (e.g., using a vacuum truck to vacuum out the particulate matter and debris, or manual removal of the particulate matter and debris with a shovel or other suitable tool).
Once particulate matter and debris has been removed from either or both of bag filter 1100 and catch basin 9000, bag filter 1100 can be re-installed as described above. In this manner, bag filter 1100 may be re-used. In some instances, bag filter 1100 and/or tent filter 1200 can be rinsed (e.g., with freshwater) from within to remove attached particular matter and/or debris before bag filter 1100 is reinstalled in catch basin 9000. The gap between bag filter 1100 and tent filter 1200 can also allow tent filter 1200 to be rinsed from outside inward (i.e., towards the center of the catch basin) as is discussed further with respect to
Tent filter 1200 can also be configured for ease of cleaning. For example, as discussed above, tent filter 1200 can be configured to provide a truncated conical surface between outer and inner portions 9005, 9007 of the cavity of catch basin 9000 such that the inner portion 9005 of the cavity of the catch basin 9000 is below as well as within the outer portion 9007 of catch basin 9000. Flow of runoff through tent filter 1200 can cause particulate matter to accumulate on what is, in effect, the underside of tent filter 1200. Thus, in the absence of internal water pressure, gravity will tend to pull accumulated particulate matter off tent filter 1200 into the bottom of the catch basin 9000 to settle. Spraying tent filter 1200 from the outer portion 9007 of the catch basin towards the inner portion 9005 of the cavity of the catch basin to backwash the tent filter is also aided by the effects of gravity.
In some cases, system 1000 includes bag filter 1100 and tent filter 1200 jointly installed in catch basin 9000. Bag filter 1100 may be installed by mounting open end 1115 to a region of catch basin inlet 9010, or by attaching open end 1115 to frame 1300 (e.g., using ropes or chains), and mounting frame 1300 to region of catch basin inlet 9010. When installed, open end 1115 of bag filter 1100 should be suspended beneath catch basin inlet 9010, such that closed end 1105 reaches or extends beneath the standing water level inside catch basin 9000. Tent filter 1200 may be installed by attaching first end portion 1205 to either catch basin inlet 9010 or frame 1300, and by attaching second end portion 1210 to an inner surface 9030 of catch basin 9000 separated from catch basin inlet 9010. Second end portion 1210 may be attached using a support member 1400 that presses all or part of second end portion 1210 against inner surface 9030. Alternatively, second end portion 1210 may be attached to inner surface 9030 using fasteners (e.g., staples, hooks, nails, or adhesives). Additionally, second end portion 1210 may be attached to support member 1400, which may in turn be attached to inner surface 9030.
In some systems, bag filter 1100 is used without tent filter 1200. In these embodiments, bag filter 1100 is generally as described above. However, once water, particulate matter, and debris enter catch basin 9000, there is no additional filter to help retain the particulate matter and debris in catch basin 9000. Similarly, in some systems, tent filter 1200 is used without bag filter 1100. In these embodiments, tent filter 1200 is generally as described above. However, the kinetic energy of water, particulate matter, and debris falling through catch basin inlet 9010 are not dissipated by bag filter 1100 and particulate matter and debris inside the catch basin may be re-suspended in the water. However, there is still the benefit of the rising water level increasing the distance between the more turbulent surface level and the volatile silt on the bottom of the catch basin increases.
Various modifications may be made to the systems and methods described above. For example, bag filter 1100 may include a handle attached to closed end 1105 to aid in removal of particulate matter and debris as explained above. In another example, referring to
Referring to
In some embodiments, tent filter 1200 is connected to a separator skirt 6020 mounted to a support member 1410 just below catch basin outlet 9020. Separator skirt 6020 is configured so that the flow of particulate matter from catch basin 9000 into groundwater is reduced (e.g. limited or prevented). Instead, most or all particulate matter flows into catch basin outlet 9020. In these embodiments, separator skirt 6020 may be made of the same material as first filter region 1220 of tent filter 1200, providing greater filtration and a low nominal flow rate. Additionally, separator skirt 6020 may be made of or lined with an impermeable material and does not transmit water to catch basin 9000 such that only water that passes through panel 1220 enters the lower portion of the catch basin outside the filter that includes the infiltration outlet of the catch basin and ultimately exits through port 6000. The system shown in
Referring to
The impact of liquid 7010 on surface 1215 of tent filter 1200 has a backwashing effect, so that particulate matter is loosened from tent filter 1200. Storm water can then flow through the filter more freely, impeded less by attached particulate matter. Spray head 7000 receives the liquid 7010 from a liquid supply pipe 7020 that leads to e.g. a water supply or water tank. In some embodiments, catch basin 9000 has more than one spray head 7000 so that liquid 7010 is sprayed on the filter 1200 and from multiple angles. In some embodiments, multiple taps are formed through walls of the catch basin with each tap leading to a spray head. In some embodiments, a single tap is formed through a wall of the catch basin with the single tap connected, for example, to piping extending around the interior wall of the catch basin to feed the spray heads.
Referring to
Some systems include a mechanism for shaking or otherwise moving filters installed in a catch basin. Shaking or movement of the filters can dislodge dried material (e.g. leaves, paper, and/or dried particles) from the filters to improve their flow characteristics.
Referring to
Lever 9100 protrudes slightly above the road surface 9130 such that a tire 9140 rolling over the exposed end of lever 9100 causes the other end of the lever to lift rapidly, shake, or oscillate. Referring to
In some embodiments, the lever/activator mechanism is mounted to an upper inner surface of the catch basin 9000 rather than the removable grate. For example, a hole could be drilled through the roof of the catch basin inside or outside the filters with a rod extending through the hole. One end of the rod can protrude slightly above the road bed to contact vehicle tires as they pass and the other end of the rod can be connected a lever/activator mechanism. The connectors/cables go directly to the outside of tent 1200 in embodiments where the lever/activator mechanism is mounted outside the filters.
Similar activator mechanisms can be mounted in piping such a storm sewers to move, shake, or vibrate other types of devices and filters including, for example, cartridge filters.
Referring to
Referring to
Catch basins have various configurations that depend on factors including where a specific catch basin is located in an overall storm sewer system. For example, most of the water passing through some catch basins comes from upstream portions of the storm sewer system rather than entering these catch basins from inlets open to the environment (e.g., curb inlets). Some treatment systems are configured to treat water entering catch basins from upstream portions of a storm sewer system.
Referring to
Referring to
In the embodiments shown in
Similar systems can be installed in catch basin that have an access cover rather than an upper inlet. For example, the inlet grate 9010 (e.g., in
Referring to
Referring to
Additionally, in the event that bag filter 1100 fills with water and overflows, the overflowing water may flow down the outer surface of the tent filter 1200. As the water flows down the outer surface of the tent filter 1200, the water may flow through lining 1600 and filtration media 1800. Therefore, although the water may not pass through the entire system of filters by flowing out through them in the conventional manner, the water may receive some level of treatment as it flows down filtration media 1800.
In effect, this system can act as a way of directing filtered water up and over annular weirs in order to send it down a long path of premium contact. In this embodiment, water flows down the outside of an inverted cone (i.e., tent filter 1200). In some embodiments, other configurations of filters (e.g., cylindrical filters or rectangular filters) can provide a similar feature. This can be particularly important in removing dissolved constituents (e.g., dissolved phosphorus or dissolved nitrogen) from water being treated.
For example, it is generally accepted that about 50% of phosphorus pollution is particle bound and 50% is dissolved. Particle-bound phosphorus lines the surface of a particle and can be removed from runoff as the particle settles or is removed by filtration. However, dissolved phosphorus is not susceptible to removal through filtration or settling.
Fine particles carry more phosphorus than coarser particles because they have more surface area per unit of mass. Fines are considered more of a problem because fine particles transport more phosphorus, carry it farther, and are easily re-suspended.
For dissolved phosphorus, a desirable treatment approach is to first remove fines through settling or be filtration, then introduce a media that can adsorb the phosphorus as the water containing the dissolved phosphorus runs over the adsorbtive material. Removal increase with increased contact time between the water being treated and the media. Slow, thin sheet-flow of the water over the media is desirable, in particular, when the water flows through a long tortuous path. The outer surface of the filters in the systems (e.g. the outer tent filter surface) has a thin, sheet-flow that can be relatively slow.
By incorporating an absorptive material (e.g., perlite, ground aluminum or an iron mix) on outer surfaces of the filters, the systems can provide a highly efficient sequential treatment using, for example, both filtration and absorptive removal of dissolved constituents as water being treated flows down the outside of the filters. In particular, the inverted cone filter, with its progressive filter sections (in relation to elevation) and progressive flow rate (in relation to head pressure) creates a good balance between physical treatment and contact time. For example, when a small storm only has water going though the low region, this water goes through the low media then turns downward and only has a few inches of contact distance before the water is out of the absorptive media. Even though the distance is low, the contact time can be acceptable as there is also a low volume of water being treated so the ratio of time per liter per surface contacted is acceptable. In larger storms, when the water is deeper in the cone, the water comes out of the filter and cascades down through the media on outside surfaces of the path is longer which helps as the contact time per liter per surface is less. The inner part of the filter can act as a place to let particles settle, and the cone can act as a weir to force some water back up and over the long route of treatment it needs in a higher flow situation.
Filtration media 1800 can include activated carbon, anthracite, birm, calcite, filter sand, garnet, manganese greensand, MTM®, coir fiber, resin based media, or similar type media. Filtration media 1800 is sized such that it is substantially larger than the porous holes in both lining 1600 and tent filter 1200. In some situations, the filtration media can be vacuumed out of the filter when it needs to be replaced.
Referring to
In some embodiments, lining 1600 may have only first lining region 1620 having first nominal flow rate. For example, each of the multiple lining cavities extends vertically from an upper end with an opening in the vicinity the top of the tent filter 1200 to a lower end in the vicinity the lower end of the tent filter 1200. Such vertically configured lining cavities (as indicated by the dashed lines on
In some embodiments, lining 1600 may have more than three lining regions.
The sizes of the various lining regions may be equal or different. For example, the sizes of any or all of the lining regions may be optimized for a given geographical region, locality, or climate, or for the needs of a particular catch basin, to ensure a proper balance between filtration and water flow.
Some catch basins are configured with an outlet at the bottom of the catch basin that discharges to a storm sewer underneath the catch basin. Unlike the side-outlet catch basins described above, these bottom-outlet catch basins do not include a naturally formed sump. Systems can be configured to treat runoff collected and discharged by these bottom-outlet catch basins.
The tent filter 9116 is different from the tent filters described above in having a sleeve 9117 that provides a relatively open flow path that extends between a portion 9118 of the catch basin cavity outside of the tent filter and the outlet 9110 to the storm sewer 9112. The sleeve 9117 can be formed of the same material as the bottom region of the tent filter. Runoff passing through upper portions of the tent filter 9116 runs down the outside of the tent filter and flows out through the sleeve 9117. Runoff can also pass directly though sides of the sleeve 9117 and drain out of the catch basin.
In some embodiments, the tent filter 1200 is formed from material whose coarsest mesh is small enough that the tent filter 1200 limits the movement of insects (e.g., mosquitos) through the filter. For example, in some embodiments, the largest opening in the bag or tent filter is 850 microns, which is the Apparent Opening Size (AOS) of the bypass region. This region is sewn on to the rubber seal that presses as a gasket/internal pipe seal to the top of the cast catch basin 9000. This can provide a membrane of material extending between the open ends that has an AOS no larger than 850 Microns. The filter (e.g., the bag filter) has a frame that is sandwiched in between the catch basin grate and the frame and this frame is connected to the 850 micron material using a system of that substantially seals to avoid any openings. In the illustrated system, the bag filter can prevent insects such as mosquitos from getting to standing water in the sump from the street/atmosphere above and the tent filter can prevent migration of mosquitos up through an outlet pipe as the mosquitos can't get to the sump even if it does get into the upper/outer region of the catch basin. Likewise, a mosquito cannot get through to the sump by entering a catch basin without protection which is upstream (in the storm sewer system) of the catch basin in which the filter system is installed.
In the illustrated configuration, the filter 1200 and supports 1400 are attached directly to sides of the catch basin inlet (i.e., rather being suspended hanging below the inlet as in some embodiments described earlier in this disclosure). In this configuration, the tent filter can act a barrier limiting the movement of insects such as mosquitoes and flies into and through storm sewers. Referring to
Implementations of filter systems can include a combination of the features of the specific embodiments described above.
Both the inner three-zone tent filter 1954 and the outer lining 1955 are attached to the upper supports 1400 and the lower supports 1400. In this embodiment, both the upper supports 1400 and the lower supports 1400 are stitched into rubber supports which are attached to the sides of the catch basin. The space between the tent filter 1954 and the outer lining 1955 is filled with a filter media. In the illustrated embodiment, the space is filled with kitty litter which can be effective in removing dissolved phosphorus, nitrogen, and/or hydrocarbons.
Filter systems can also include other features. For example, the outside surface of filters (e.g., bag filters, tent filters, or other filters) can be lined with a sheet form media. Water running down the outside surface of the filter travels through this media as it runs down the outside of the filter. Materials can include, for example, steel wool and/or aluminum to reduce phosphorus, nitrogen, or other dissolved constituents. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2012/067625 | 12/3/2012 | WO | 00 | 5/30/2014 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61566453 | Dec 2011 | US |
