Stormwater Runoff Separator and Collector for Curb Inlet Type Catch Basins

Abstract

A hydraulic separation and collection system applicable to linear street curb-inlet type drainage-chambers, independent or connected to a storm drainage network. The FIRST FLUSH COLLECTOR is a pollutant separation and collection apparatus that can be integrated into an existing storm drain network, or be retrofitted as a component into a new or existing curb-inlet type drainage-chamber. The outfall from the FIRST FLUSH COLLECTOR can be redirected to a conventional stormwater pollutant BMP, or be diverted to a sanitary sewer, storm drain, or combined collection system for treatment downstream. The apparatus is envisaged as a simple, easy to install prefabricated-kit utilizing a basic build-in-place separation and collection apparatus. The apparatus can be readily adapted to the needs of a given curb-inlet type drainage-chamber with minor alterations to the chambers, or to the connected existing storm drainage network. The uniquely adaptative capability of the apparatus enables selective structuring based on the retrofitting requirements of a curb-inlet type drainage-chamber. The system is designed to handle a variety of ecosystem-contaminants, ranging from basic street-refuse and floatable objects, to coarse sediment, finer silt, and comparatively minute environmentally-hazardous petrochemicals, heavy-metals, phosphates, and nitrates. The system is design to refuse floatables and debris which will continue to the existing curb-inlet type drainage-chamber. Other pollutants contained in the first flush are readily collected from the apparatus and transferred to a selected outfall facility. The system has no moving or mechanical components and is designed to function on fluid hydraulic principles.

Claims

1. A system for separating, collecting and diverting the initial stormwater runoff from a precipitation event often referred to as the First Flush installed in a curb-inlet type subterranean drainage chamber of a storm drain system, comprising: a. A collection channel with at least one opening at the upper end for affixture on the longitudinal ledge of said curb inlet type subterranean drainage chamber adapted to the length of said curb inlet. b. Collection channel tees allowing transverse connections of additional extremity components. c. Caps at each end of the said collection channel tees installed to maintain hydraulic continuity. d. A flushing port in fluid communication with the upper longitudinal channel tee. e. An overflow tee in fluid communication with the lower longitudinal tee. f. An outlet pipe in fluid communication with said overflow tee. g. Said outlet pipe in fluid communication with a secondary collection facility.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the collection channel is of any rectilinear cross sectional shape.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said collection channel with at least one opening at the upper end is configured with: a. A single slot longitudinal to the body of the channel for collection. b. Patterned perforations for collection. c. Multiple angled slots for collection.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0024] The attributes and advantages of the invention, and other objects will become apparent from the description of the present embodiments, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] FIG. 1, is a cross-sectional perspective view of the general environment and preferred embodiment of the invention. For visual clarity a portion of the top, and right sidewall of the existing drainage chamber has been omitted.

[0026] FIG. 2, is a perspective view of the exploded preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 3. Is a perspective view of several embodiments of the slotted collection channel.

ITEMIZED NOMENCLATURE REFERENCES

[0028] Existing-Structure: [0029] 10Catch Basin [0030] 11Catch Basin Top [0031] 12Curb [0032] 13Roadway [0033] 14Gutter Pan [0034] 15Catch Basin Outlet Pipe [0035] 16Manhole Access [0036] 17Curb Inlet [0037] 18Stormwater to Catch Basin [0038] 19Stormwater to Invention [0039] 20Stormwater to collection system/Outfall

[0040] New-Structure: [0041] 50, 50A, 50B,Slotted Collection Channel [0042] 51Slotted Collection Channel Tee [0043] 52End Cap [0044] 53Piping [0045] 54Piping Bend [0046] 55Overflow Tee [0047] 56Flushing Port [0048] 57Secondary Overflow Pipe [0049] 58Overflow to catch basin [0050] 59Outflow to secondary collection facility

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1 where the installation relationship between the invention, the catch basin 10, the catch basin top 11, the curb 12, and the curb inlet 17 is shown. Approaching stormwater runoff 18 and 19 flows along the roadway 13 to the gutter pan 14 to the curb inlet 17 of the catch basin 10.

[0052] The preferred embodiment of the invention shown is installed along the front wall of the catch basin 10 at the curb inlet 17. The installation location allows for hydraulic separation of flows without impediment. The initial stormwater runoff 19 flows directly to the slotted collection channel 50. Debris and excessive stormwater 18 flows into the existing catch basin 10. The method of attaching the slotted collection channel 50 to the catch basin 10 may vary depending on the orientation and material of the existing catch basin 10. Fasteners, and adhesives may be considered as appropriate attachment methods. Additional support brackets may be needed to secure the upstream and downstream transverse sections of the invention.

[0053] The initial stormwater runoff 19 is collected by the slotted collection channel 50. On both ends of the slotted collection channel 50 is a slotted collection channel tee 51. Along with the end caps 52 the slotted collection channel tee 51 comprises the portion of the invention installed along the curb inlet section 17 of the catch basin 10.

[0054] At the upstream end of the system, a flushing port 56, a bend 54, a section of piping 53, and a channel tee 52 are connected to the slotted collection channel 50. The orientation and lengths of piping 53 are to be adjusted to allow the flushing port 56 to be accessible directly below the manhole access 16 as to allow for routine maintenance without man entry.

[0055] At the downstream end of the system connected to the slotted collection channel tee 52 is a section of piping 53, an overflow tee 55, another section of piping 53, a bend 54, and a outflow pipe 59 for connection to a secondary collection system or stormwater management practice. The overflow tee 57 allows for overflow to the catch basin 10 in the event of a clog in the outflow pipe 57 or a clog in the system upstream of the overflow tee 55. The orientation and lengths of piping 53 are to be adjusted to allow for an appropriate outlet elevation which produces a positive flow to the desired outfall.

[0056] An exploded view of the invention is provided in FIG. 2. Only components of the inventions are portrayed in FIG. 2. The components of the invention are shown in FIG. 2 and are in the same orientation as shown and described in FIG. 1.

[0057] Several embodiments of the slotted collection channel 50 are shown in FIG. 3. Embodiment 50 is a single slot longitudinal to the body of the slotted collection channel 50. Embodiment 50A show perforations in-lieu of a slot. Embodiment 50B shows multiple angled slots. Elements such as the width of the perforations/slot(s), the size of the perforations/slot(s) the shape of perforations/slot(s), and the spacing of the perforations/slot(s), can vary in the fabrication process based on the requirement of a site.

[0058] The preferred embodiment of the invention will be fabricated of polyvinyl chloride, high density polyethylene, other plastics, resins, or the like. The connections will be push on bell and spigot with a self locking mechanism. Each section described would be a single molding thus only requiring connections between independent members. The invention is not limited to the material of which it is fabricated. Components can be fabricated of differing materials when said material offers a distinct advantage to the prescribed application such as corrosion resistance, or extended design life. Materials including but not limited to ductile iron, stainless steel, fiber-reinforced plastic resin or the like may be used for fabrication of the invention. Use of multiple materials in a single installation may be preferable. Independent of material type hydraulic continuity and system integrity are necessary for the system to function as designed.

[0059] Although the preceding description is specific, it should not be considered as a limitation on the scope of the invention. The preferred embodiment should not be considered restrictive in nature; variations are possible. Different attachment methods, materials, dimensions, relative positions, shape and other foregoing elements can differ unless specifically indicated. The scope of the invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents, not by the description provided in the preferred embodiment.

SEQUENCE LISTING

[0060] Not Applicable