A STORM WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storm water management system comprising a first conduit, a storage device, a first well and a valve, wherein the storage device comprises a coherent man-made vitreous fibre module (MMVF module), wherein the MMVF module comprises an upper passage and a lower passage, wherein the upper passage is in fluid communication with the first conduit, and wherein the lower passage is connected to the first well by the valve.

Claims

1. A storm water management system comprising a first conduit, a storage device, a first well and a valve, wherein the storage device comprises a coherent man-made vitreous fibre module (MMVF module), wherein the MMVF module comprises an upper passage and a lower passage, wherein the upper passage is in fluid communication with the first conduit, and wherein the lower passage is connected to the first well by the valve.

2. The storm water management system according to claim 1, wherein the first conduit is a pipe.

3. The storm water management system according to claim 1, further comprising a second well upstream of the first well.

4. The storm water management system according to claim 1, further comprising a bypass apparatus, wherein the bypass apparatus is in fluid communication with the first conduit and the upper passage.

5. The storm water management system according to claim 1, wherein the first well comprises an upper outlet and a lower outlet, wherein the upper passage is in fluid communication with the upper outlet of the first well, and optionally wherein when a predetermined level water is provided in the first well, and water flows from the upper outlet of the first well into the upper passage.

6. (canceled)

7. The storm water management system according to claim 1, further comprising a filter, wherein the filter is upstream of the storage device.

8. The storm water management system according to claim 1, wherein the upper passage and/or the lower passage comprise a perforated pipe.

9. The storm water management system according to claim 1, wherein the first well comprises a lower outlet, wherein the lower outlet is positioned in the bottom half of the first well, wherein the lower outlet is in fluid communication with a water collection point or a water disposal point; and/or further comprising a trap between the lower outlet of the first well and the water collection point of the water disposal point.

10. The storm water management system according to claim 1, wherein the storage device comprises a watertight layer, wherein the watertight layer comprises a man-made vitreous fibre layer (MMVF layer), a plastic layer, a rubber membrane or a combination of two or more thereof.

11. The storm water management system according to claim 1, wherein the MMVF module is hydrophilic.

12. The storm water management system according to claim 1, wherein the MMVF module comprises a plurality of man-made vitreous fibre elements (MMVF elements), wherein a first MMVF element comprises a first groove, which when placed adjacent to a second MMVF element forms the upper passage, wherein the second MMVF element comprises a second groove which lines up with the first groove such that the first and second groove form the upper passage; and/or wherein a third MMVF element comprises a third groove, which when placed adjacent to a fourth MMVF element forms the lower passage, wherein the fourth MMVF element comprises a fourth groove which lines up with the third groove such that the third and fourth groove form the lower passage.

13. The storm water management system according to claim 1, wherein the MMVF module comprises a plurality of man-made vitreous fibre elements (MMVF elements), wherein a first MMVF element comprises a first groove, which when placed adjacent to a second MMVF element forms the upper passage, wherein the second MMVF element comprises a second groove which lines up with the first groove such that the first and second groove form the upper passage; and/or wherein a third MMVF element comprises a third groove, which when placed adjacent to a fourth MMVF element forms the lower passage, wherein the fourth MMVF element comprises a fourth groove which lines up with the third groove such that the third and fourth groove form the lower passage wherein a first surface between the first MMVF element and the second MMVF element is substantially horizontal or substantially vertical; and/or a third surface between the third MMVF element and the fourth MMVF element is substantially horizontal or substantially vertical.

14. The storm water management system according to claim 1, wherein the device is an underground storage device.

15. The storm water management system according to claim 1, wherein an elongate element passes through the storage device.

16. The storm water management system according to claim 1, further comprising an upper gutter well connected to the upper passage, wherein a pipe connects the upper gutter well to the upper passage; and/or further comprising a lower gutter well connected to the lower passage, wherein a pipe connects the lower gutter well to the lower passage.

17. A method of delaying water entering a sewer system, comprising providing a storm water management system according to claim 1, and positioning the storage device in the ground, whereby water flows from the first conduit into the upper passage of the storage device, and optionally wherein the water is stored in the storage device or released from the storage device by actuating the valve.

18. A method of storing or releasing water comprising using the storm water management system according to claim 1 by positioning the well and the storage device in the ground, directing water from the first conduit into the storage device and actuating the valve to either store water in the storage device or release water from the storage device.

19. The storm water management system according to claim 1, further comprising a second well upstream of the first well, wherein the volume of the second well is less than the volume of the first well.

20. The storm water management system according to claim 1, further comprising a bypass apparatus, wherein the bypass apparatus comprises a deflector, a throttle valve, a perforated conduit or a combination of two or more thereof.

21. The storm water management system according to claim 1, wherein the MMVF module comprises a hydrophilic binder and/or a wetting agent.

Description

[0129] Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which

[0130] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section view of a storm water management system.

[0131] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section view of a storm water management system.

[0132] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section view of a storm water management system.

[0133] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section view of a storm water management system.

[0134] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a MMVF module.

[0135] FIG. 6 shows a substantially horizontal cross-sectional view of a MMVF module.

[0136] FIG. 7 shows a substantially horizontal cross-sectional view of a MMVF module.

[0137] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a storage device.

[0138] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section view of a storm water management system 1. A first conduit 3 is shown connected to a first well 4. The first conduit 3 is connected to a guttering system on a building (not shown). The first conduit 3 may be connected to a drainpipe of the guttering system (not shown), or may be the drainpipe. The first well 4 has a removable or hinged lid 8 which can be used for cleaning and maintenance and to pump water out of the first well 4. In use, water coming from the roof of a building flows down the first conduit 3, through the filter 17. Water can then either flow directly into the first well 4 or is directed by the bypass apparatus 5 into the upper passage 11 of the storage device 7. The bypass apparatus 5 is shown as a deflector. The bypass apparatus 5 has an aperture 5a which allows water to flow directly into the first well 4. When the flow of water down the first conduit 3 increases, water will be directed by the bypass apparatus 5 in to the upper passage 11.

[0139] The storage device 7 comprises a MMVF module 9 with an upper passage 11 which is in fluid communication with the first well 4, the first conduit 3 and the bypass apparatus 5. The MMVF module 9 has a lower passage 13 connected by a valve 15 to the first well 4. In use, water flows into the storage device 7 via the upper passage 11 and dissipates through the MMVF module to the lower passage 13. Water is contained in the lower passage 13 when the valve 15 is closed. This allows water to be held in the storage device 7 until the valve 15 is actuated. When the valve is actuated and is opened, water flows from the lower passage 13 and into the first well 4. The upper passage 11 is shown to extend further through the MMVF module 9 than the lower passage 13. This helps distribute water throughout the MMVF module 9. The MMVF module 9 is shown formed of six MMVF elements 9a-9f which form an array. The MMVF 9a-9f elements have a greater height than depth and preferably comprise substantial vertical fibres. A watertight layer 19 is shown as a water tight casing which extends along the base and the sides of the MMVF module 9. There is not a watertight top layer to allow water to be absorbed from above the storage device.

[0140] A particulate layer 16, such as gravel and/or sand is positioned above the storage device 7 and in direct contact with the upper surface of the MMVF module 9. Paving slabs 18 are positioned above the particulate layer 16 and in direct contact with the particulate layer 16. The paving slabs 18 form a surface, such as a pavement. Water can pass through the paving slabs 18 or through the gaps 18a in the paving slabs, through the particulate layer 16 and into the MMVF module 9. In this way, the system can also absorb and store surface water. The first well 4 has an upper outlet 10 in fluid communication with the upper passage 11. The first well 4 has a lower outlet 12 in fluid communication with a with a water collection point or a water disposal point (not shown) via a sewer (not shown). The lower outlet 12 is above the base of the first well 4. This allows debris, such as sediment 50, to accumulate in the bottom of the first well 4 and not enter a sewer (not shown). The water level 52 is shown as above the lower outlet 12. The debris, such as sediment 50 can then be removed, such as by pumping by accessing the first well 4 via the removeable lid 8. A trap 54 is between the lower outlet 12 of the first well 4 and the water collection point or the water disposal point (not shown). The trap 54 allows any debris, such as sediment 50 to settle into the bottom of the first well 4 and reduces the amount of sediment 50 that flows towards the water disposal point or water collection point (not shown). Further, it allows floating debris, such as leaves to remain in the first well 4, as the water level 52 in the first well is preferably above the lower outlet 12. Further, the trap 54 helps prevent any unpleasant smells from a sewer (not shown) from entering the first well 4.

[0141] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section view of a storm water management system 1. The storm water management system is as described for FIG. 1, except the part of the system between the first conduit and the upper passage 11. As shown, no filter or bypass apparatus are present. The first conduit 3 is connected to a second well 56. The second well has a removable or hinged lid 58 which can be used for cleaning and maintenance and to pump water out of the second well 56. The second well 56 is smaller than the first well 4. The second well 56 can be cleaned more easily as it has a smaller volume and does not require specialist equipment. The second well 56 has an outlet 60 positioned in the bottom half of the second well. The outlet 60 is not at the very bottom of the second well 56 to allow space for sediment to settle out. A pipe 62 directly connects the second well 56 to the upper passage 11. In use, all water flows into the storage device 7. It will be appreciated that the second well 56 may be used in other embodiments of the invention. Further, in other embodiments the first conduit 3 may be directly connected to the upper passage 11, without a second well 56.

[0142] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section view of a storm water management system 1. The storm water management system is as described for FIG. 1, except the part of the system between the first conduit 3 and the upper passage 11. The first conduit 3 is connected to a bypass apparatus 5 which is connected to the upper passage 11. The bypass apparatus 5 has a pipe section 65 with an upper aperture 66 and a lower aperture 67. The throttle valve 64 is shown in a substantially vertical position. When the water flows at a low rate down the first conduit 3 and into the bypass apparatus 5, the throttle valve 64 is in a substantially vertical position and the water flows through the lower aperture 67 and into the first well 4. As the flow of water increases, the throttle valve 64 moves from a substantially vertical position towards a substantially horizontal position. The water is then able to flow through the pipe section 65 and into the upper passage 11 of the storage device 7. In this way, when there is a high flow of water, the bypass apparatus 5 directs the water into the storage device. Preferably, the throttle valve 64 substantially closes the lower aperture 67 when it is in a substantially horizontal position. The throttle valve 64 may only close part of the lower aperture 67.

[0143] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section view of a storm water management system 1. The storm water management system is as described for FIG. 1, except the part of the system between the first conduit and the upper passage 11. A bypass apparatus 5 is connected to the first conduit 3. The bypass apparatus comprises a perforated pipe 68 between the first conduit 3 and a pipe 70. The pipe 70 is connected to the upper passage 11. In use, water flows from the first conduit 3 into the perforated pipe 68. When the water flow is lower, substantially all of the water will pass through the perforations in the perforated pipe 68 and into the first well 4. When the water flow is higher, some of the water will flow out of the perforated pipe 68 through the pipe 70 and the upper passage 11 of the storage device 7. In this way, when there is a high flow of water, the bypass apparatus 5 directs the water into the storage device.

[0144] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a MMVF module 9 formed of four MMVF elements 21, 25, 29 and 33 stacked vertically on top of each other. The first MMVF 21 element has a first groove 23, the second MMVF element 25 has a second groove 27. The first groove 23 lines up with the second groove 27 to form the upper passage 11. The third MMVF element 29 has a third groove 31, the fourth MMVF element 33 has a fourth groove 35. The third groove 31 lines up with the fourth groove 35 to form the lower passage 13. Each passage can be provided with a perforated pipe. This aids the distribution of the water through the MMVF module 9 and improves its strength.

[0145] FIG. 6 shows a substantially horizontal cross-sectional view of a MMVF module 9. This shows the upper passage 11 with a T shape. As shown, water can enter the upper passage 11 through a first part of the T 43 and then flow into the branched part of the T 45. The water can then dissipate through the MMVF module.

[0146] FIG. 7 shows a substantially horizontal cross-sectional view of a MMVF module 9. This shows a lower passage 11 with a T shape. As shown, water can enter the lower passage 11 and flow into the branched part of the T 49 and/or the first part of the T 47 and can then leave the lower passage through a first part of the T 47.

[0147] It will be appreciated that FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are cross-sections through different substantially horizontal planes, with FIG. 6 being through the upper passage 11 and FIG. 7 being through the lower passage 13. When FIGS. 6 is positioned on top of FIG. 7, it will be appreciated that the upper passage 11 and the lower passage 13 are offset across the width of the MMVF module 9. This facilitates the water dissipating from the upper passage 11 through the MMVF module 9. Further it facilitates the water leaving the MMVF module 9 as the lower passage 13 is positioned nearer to the first well 4 (not shown).

[0148] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a storage device 7 with a MMVF module 9. An upper passage 11 and a lower passage 13 are shown. Three sensors 72a-c are shown at different heights in the MMVF module 9 and can therefore be used to monitor the amount of water in the storage device 7. The sensors 72a-c are shown at substantially the same positions across the width/length of the MMVF module 9. The sensors are shown at different heights. It is preferable that the sensors are arranged at substantially the same length and width positions, however they may be arranged at different width/length positions in some embodiments.

[0149] Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein and vice versa.

[0150] Within this specification, the term “about” means plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.

[0151] Within this specification, the term “substantially” means a deviation of plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.

[0152] Within this specification, reference to “substantially” includes reference to “completely” and/or “exactly”. That is, where the word substantially is included, it will be appreciated that this also includes reference to the particular sentence without the word substantially.

[0153] Within this specification, reference to “prevents” includes substantially prevents and completely prevents.

[0154] Within this specification “rain” includes all precipitation.

[0155] Within this specification, “watertight layer” means that in use in the present invention, substantially no water passes from one side of the layer, through the layer to the other side.

[0156] Within this specification, “connected” may be directly connected, or indirectly connected, such as by an additional component, preferably directly connected.

[0157] Within this specification, “fluid communication” means that fluid, preferably liquid, preferably water, may flow from one part to another part. The pathway may be direct between the two parts, or the fluid communication may be via other parts.

[0158] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.