EXFILTRATION APPARATUS
An exfiltration apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid includes a housing, a filter portion positioned within the housing, and a particulate collecting member. The housing defines a fluid flow path extending from a fluid inlet disposed on a first side of the housing to a fluid outlet disposed on a second side of the housing. The particulate collecting member is disposed within the housing between the fluid inlet and the filter portion. The particulate collecting member includes a recessed particulate collecting portion proximate the filter portion and a raised apertured portion proximate the fluid inlet. Fluid flowing along the fluid flow path passes through the particulate collecting member and through the filter portion before exiting through the fluid outlet.
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This application is a continuation of and claims priority to, and any benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/092,509, filed on Apr. 22, 2011, entitled EXFILTRATION APPARATUS, which is a continuation-in-part application of and claims priority to, and any benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/952,560, filed on Dec. 7, 2007, entitled IMPROVED EXFILTRATION APPARATUS, which claims priority to, and any benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/869,308, filed on Dec. 8, 2006, entitled IMPROVED EXFILTRATION APPARATUS, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/949,089, filed on Jul. 11, 2007, entitled IMPROVED EXFILTRATION APPARATUS. The entire disclosures of each of the above references are fully incorporated herein by reference.
SUMMARYAccording to an embodiment of the present application, an exfiltration apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid includes a housing, a filter portion positioned within the housing, and a particulate collecting member. The housing defines a fluid flow path extending from a fluid inlet disposed on a first side of the housing to a fluid outlet disposed on a second side of the housing. The particulate collecting member is disposed within the housing between the fluid inlet and the filter layer. The particulate collecting member includes a recessed particulate collecting portion proximate the filter layer and a raised apertured portion proximate the fluid inlet. Fluid flowing along the fluid flow path passes through the particulate collecting member and through the filter portion before exiting through the fluid outlet.
According to another embodiment of the present application, an exfiltration apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid includes a housing, a filter portion positioned within the housing, and an insert disposed within the housing between a fluid inlet and the filter layer. The housing defines a fluid flow path extending from the fluid inlet disposed on a first side of the housing to a fluid outlet disposed on a second side of the housing. The insert includes a plurality of fluid permeable apertures, and defines at least one fluid retaining chamber providing an open volume in which backed up fluid is permitted to accumulate.
In the accompanying drawing, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, embodiments of the invention are illustrated, which, together with the detailed description given below, serve to exemplify embodiments of the invention.
The present application discloses an improved exfiltration apparatus for removing contaminants from surface runoff water, such as for example, stormwater or snowmelt that does not soak into the ground. In one embodiment, the apparatus is realized as an exfiltration trench, installable in the ground, that includes at least one filter/sorptive layer (i.e. a layer that provides a filtering and/or sorptive function). While the embodiments illustrated and described herein are presented in the context of a rectangular, two-piece exfiltration trench having a first filter/sorptive layer made of porous concrete and a second filter/sorptive layer for highway drainage applications, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention may be used and configured in other ways. For example, the exfiltration apparatus may be used in applications other than highway drainage, including, but not limited to, filtering run-off water from parking lots, railway tracks/right-of-way and railway yards, golf courses, or any application in which cleaning water or some other fluid is desired. In addition, the apparatus is not required to be two-pieces or any particular shape or size. An apparatus having more than two pieces, for example, may be used. Furthermore, the apparatus can have more or less than two filter/sorptive layers. Any number of layers may be used for a particular application. Still further, the materials used for the layers need not necessarily be porous concrete or a particular filter or sorptive material. The materials used to filter out suspended and/or dissolved material may be selected from a broad range of suitable materials for a specific application of the apparatus. For example, in a particular application, a certain metal or organic material may be more prevalent in the surface water runoff. The number of material layers, the order in which the fluid contacts each layer, and the type of material used in the layers may be customized for the particular application to remove the certain metal or organic material.
While various aspects and concepts of the invention are described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects and concepts may be realized in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects and features of the invention, such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices, and so on may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or identified herein as conventional or standard or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the aspects, concepts or features of the invention into additional embodiments within the scope of the present invention even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the invention may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present invention however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated.
It should be noted that for the purposes of this application, the terms attach (attached), connect (connected), and link (linked) are not limited to direct attachment, connection, or linking but also include indirect attachment, connection, or linking with intermediate parts, components, or assemblies being located between the two parts being attached, connected, or linked to one another. In addition, the terms attach (attached), connect (connected), and link (linked) may include two parts integrally formed or unitarily constructed.
In operation, fluid enters the fluid inlet 112, flows through first filter/sorptive layer 106 in the first portion 104, and exits the fluid outlet 114. Upon exiting the fluid outlet 114, the fluid then enters the fluid inlet 116 of the second portion 108, flows through the second filter/sorptive layer 110, and exits the fluid outlet 118. The first filter/sorptive layer 106 and the second filter/sorptive layer 110 remove suspended and dissolved contaminants from the fluid. A wide variety of filter/sorptive materials may be used in the layers, such as filtration media, adsorption media, coated media (such as amphoteric oxide coated media), or microorganism-containing media (such as a media containing bacteria that can decompose or biodegrade organic material or petrochemicals). Any suitable material capable of removing undesired contaminants or constituents from a fluid may be used. Each filter/sorptive layer may be selected to remove one or more types of contaminants, such as, but not limited to, used motor oil and greases, heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and zinc, brake dust, pesticides, salt, deicing chemicals, sediment, phosphorus, and other constituents including tire rubber, nutrients, and organic chemicals and compounds.
Furthermore, each filter/sorptive layer may contain one or more filter/sorptive materials. In the depicted embodiment, the housing 102 contains two filter/sorptive layers. The apparatus 100, however, may contain more or less than two layers. Still further, the amount of filter/sorptive material in each layer may be modified for a given application. Thus, the amount of and type of filtering can be customized for a given application.
The first portion 104 is removable from the second portion 108, thus allowing access to the second filter/sorptive layer 110 via the fluid inlet 116 of the second portion 108 for cleaning and/or replacement. The first portion 104 may include one or more lifting aids 120 attached to the first portion 104 or recessed in a surface of the first portion. A lifting device may connect to the lifting aids 120 to remove the first portion 104 from the second portion 108. For example, the one or more lifting aids 120, may include, but not be limited to, hooks, eyelets, loops, handles, or other suitable structure fixably attached to or recessed in the first portion.
Referring to
Referring to
The first end 232 includes a first end face 250 and a recessed border 252 surrounding the fluid inlet 234. The recessed border 252 is configured to receive the second end 216 of the first portion 204. The second end 236 includes a second end face 254 through which the plurality of openings extend.
One or more lifting aids 260 (
The housing 202 may be made from any suitable material(s) that will provide sufficient structural support for the apparatus when used for a particular application. In the depicted embodiment, the housing 202 is made of class C concrete and may be suitable for installation in the ground next to a roadway. Any suitable method or process to make the apparatus may be used. For example, in one embodiment, forms or moulds of portions of the apparatus may be created and a concrete mixture may be placed in the forms and allowed to solidify and harden.
Referring to
The second filter/sorptive layer 210 is positioned within the through passage 242 of the second portion 208. The second filter/sorptive layer may be configured in a variety of ways. Any material or combination of materials that removes finer suspended particles or dissolved particles and pollutants from a fluid flowing through the layer, while also not significantly resisting the fluid flow such that fluid back-up readily occurs, may be used. Furthermore the type of and amount of filter/sorptive material or materials used may be selected from a wide variety of suitable materials for a specific application of the apparatus and the specific kind and amount of pollutants and particle desired to be removed. Any suitable material, such as filtration media, adsorption media, and/or coated media (such as amphoteric oxide coated media), capable of removing undesired contaminants or constituents from a fluid may be used. For example, in a particular application, it may be expected that specific pollutants will be present in the fluid being cleaned. The apparatus 200 may include a specific filter/sorptive material capable of removing that specific pollutant. For example, manganese green sand may be used as a filter/sortpive material to remove a dissolved metal from the fluid stream. Furthermore, the amount of the specific filter/sorptive material may be selected based on the desired cleanliness of the fluid exiting the apparatus 200 and the amount of the pollutant expected. In this way, the apparatus 200 is customizable to a particular application. Examples of suitable filter/sorptive materials may include, but are not limited to, sand, coal such as anthracite, garnet, small granular plastics, rubber such as recycled tires, activated carbon, an amphoteric coated media, manganese green sand, a microorganism-containing media, or other suitable materials.
The apparatus 200 also includes one or more layers of geotextile material. The geotextile material may be configured as and selected from a wide range of materials. Any permeable material capable of separating and containing the filter/sorptive layers while permitting the fluid being filtered to readily pass through the material, may be used. In the depicted embodiment, the geotextile material is a fabric. A first geotextile layer 264 is positioned between the first filter/sorptive layer 206 and the second filter/sorptive layer 210 and a second geotextile layer 266 is positioned between the second filter/sorptive layer 210 and the endwall 240.
The apparatus 200 also includes a protective cover 268 for protecting the first filter/sorptive layer 206 from damage. In the depicted embodiment, the cover is realized as a grate. Any structure, however, capable of protecting the first filter/sorptive layer 206 from damage and allowing fluid to readily pass through the structure may be used. The grate 268 may be made of steel or other suitable sturdy material and is configured to be received in the recessed border 222 surrounding the fluid inlet 214 such that grate substantially covers the inlet. The grate 268 may be anchored to the first portion 204 such that it may serve as a lifting aid for the first portion, similar to lifting aides 230, while still being removably attached in a manner that allows easy removal of the grate should maintenance be required to the apparatus 200.
In the assembled condition, the second end 216 of the first portion 204 is received within the recessed border 252 of the second portion 208 such that the second end face 224 and the outer shoulder 226 of the first portion 204 engage or are adjacent the recessed border 252 and the first end face 250 of the second portion 208, respectively. One or more sealing members or materials 270 may be placed between the second end face 224 and the recessed border 252 and/or between the outer shoulder 226 and the first end face 250. In the depicted embodiment, sealing members 270 are positioned between the outer shoulder 226 and the first end face 250 to prevent fluid from exiting the apparatus 200 between the first portion 204 and the second portion 208. In addition, the sealing members 270 may also protect the first portion 204 and second portion 208 from damage during assembly. For example, the one or more sealing members may be made of rubber that not only provides a fluid tight seal between the first portion 204 and second portion 208 when assembled, but also provides a cushioning effect between the portions when the first portion is received by the second portion.
In the assembled condition, therefore, the outlet 218 of the first portion 204 is positioned adjacent the inlet 234 of the second portion 208. Thus, in use, fluid flowing through the apparatus 200 flows through the grate 268, down through the first filter/sorptive layer 206 and out of the outlet 218 of the first portion 204, through the first geotextile material 264, into the inlet 234 of the second portion 208, through the second filter/sorptive layer 210, through the second geotextile material 266, and out of the outlet 238 of the second portion 208. During this process, the filter/sorptive layers remove suspended and/or dissolved particles from the fluid.
The apparatus 200 may be incorporated with, integrated with, or connected to other or additional drainage or treatment systems. For example, the apparatus 200 may be positioned in series with one or more other or additional drainage or treatment devices, such that treated fluid flows from the apparatus into the other device(s) or from the other device(s) into the apparatus. The apparatus 200 may also be positioned in parallel with other or additional drainage or treatment devices.
The apparatus 200 may also include material or structure attached to the side of the apparatus to separate it from the berm, edge of the roadway, or other contiguous materials in order to easily insert the apparatus into position and remove the top portion for maintenance.
In use, the filter/sorptive layers may clog, lose their effectiveness, or otherwise require cleaning and/or replacement. Since the first portion 204 and first filter/sorptive layer 206 are removable as a unit, the filter/sorptive layers are easy to access and replace, if needed. For example, the first portion 204 may be removed and replaced with a new first portion, thus eliminating downtime. The removed first portion 204 may then be cleaned, such as for example by power washing, at a convenient location. Alternatively, the first portion 204 may be cleaned on-site and placed back onto the second portion 208 or the first filter/sorptive layer 206 may be removed from the first portion 204 and replaced with a new layer of material. Since the first portion 204 is removable, the power washing spray can be directed at the outlet 218 of the first portion. Power washing in the reverse direction of fluid flow is more effective because it pushes debris out the way the debris entered rather than driving the debris deeper into the first filter/sorptive layer 206.
Having the first portion 204 removable also allows easy access to the second filter/sorptive layer 210 for cleaning or replacement without damaging the apparatus 200 or the installation site or requiring replacement of the apparatus. Once the second filter/sorptive layer 210 has been cleaned or replaced, the first portion 204 may be replaced on the second portion 208.
The apparatus 200 may also include one or more sensor assemblies 272 (see
The transmitter may remotely transmit a signal indicative of the dielectric constant. An end user may receive the signal via a receiver. Thus, a user with a receiver could walk-by or drive-by the apparatus 200 and readily determine if maintenance is needed.
If the installation site is subject to occasional flooding, a vertical pipe (not shown) can be added to shunt overflow liquid directly to a drainage pipe.
Referring to
Referring to
The first end 532 includes a first end face 550 and a recessed border 552 surrounding the fluid inlet 534. The recessed border 552 is configured to receive the second end 516 of the first portion 504. The second end 536 includes a second end face 554 through which the plurality of openings extend.
One or more lifting aids 560 (see
The housing 502 may be made from any suitable material(s) that will provide sufficient structural support for the apparatus when used for a particular application. In the depicted embodiment, the housing 502 is made of class C concrete and may be suitable for installation in the ground next to a roadway.
Referring to
The second filter/sorptive layer 510 is positioned within the through passage 542 of the second portion 508 and the third filter/sorptive layer 513 is disposed within the container 511. The second and third filter/sorptive layers may be configured in a variety of ways. Any material or combination of materials that filters finer suspended particles or dissolved particles and pollutants from a fluid flowing through the layers, while also not significantly resisting the fluid flow such that fluid back-up readily occurs, may be used. Furthermore the type of and amount of filter/sorptive material or materials used may be selected from a wide variety of suitable materials for a specific type of application of the apparatus and the specific kind and amount of pollutants and particle desired to be removed. For example, in a particular application, it may be expected that specific pollutant will be present in the fluid being cleaned. The apparatus 500 may include a specific filter/sorptive material capable of removing that specific pollutant. Furthermore, the amount of the specific filter/sorptive material may be selected based on the desired cleanliness of the fluid exiting the apparatus 500 and the amount of the pollutant expected. In this way, the apparatus 500 is customizable to a particular application. Examples of suitable filter/sorptive materials may include, but are not limited to, sand, coal such as anthracite, garnet, small granular plastics, rubber such as recycled tires, activated carbon, an amphoteric coated media, manganese green sand, microorganism-containing media, or other suitable materials.
The container 511 is positioned within the second filter/sorptive layer 510, though other locations of the container may also be possible, such as for example, between the first filter/sorptive layer 506 and the second filter/sorptive layer 510.
Referring to
The top wall 572 includes a plurality of openings 580 and the bottom wall 574 includes a plurality of openings 582 (see
The container 511 is made from a lightweight, thermoplastic material, such as for example polyethylene. A recycled thermoplastic may be used, but that is not required. The surface of the container 511 may also be coated or bonded with an amphoteric material to give the surface of the container a filter/sorptive function. For example, the polyethylene may be coated with a manganese oxide, such as manganese dioxide, for example, which has the capacity to attract heavy metals. Thus, the container 511 itself may act to remove pollutants from fluid that comes into contact with it.
The apparatus 500 also includes one or more layers of geotextile material. The geotextile material may be configured as and selected from a wide range of materials. Any permeable material capable of separating and containing the filter/sorptive layers while permitting the fluid being filtered to readily pass through the material, may be used.
In the depicted embodiment, the geotextile material is a fabric. A first geotextile layer 564 is positioned between the first filter/sorptive layer 506 and the second filter/sorptive layer 510, a second geotextile layer 566 is positioned between the second filter/sorptive layer 510 and the end wall 540, a third geotextile layer 584 is positioned between the second filter/sorptive layer 510 and the top wall 572 of the container 511, and a fourth geotextile layer 586 is positioned between the second filter/sorptive layer 510 and the bottom wall 574 of the container 511. As shown in
The apparatus 500 also includes a protective cover 568 for protecting the first filter/sorptive layer 506 from damage. In the depicted embodiment, the cover is realized as a grate. Any structure, however, capable of protecting the first filter/sorptive layer 506 from damage and allowing fluid to readily pass through the structure may be used. The grate 568 may be made of steel or other suitable sturdy material and is configured to be received in the recessed border 522 surrounding the fluid inlet 514 such that grate substantially covers the inlet. The grate 568 may be anchored to the first portion 504 such that it may serve as a lifting aid for the first portion, similar to lifting aides 530, while still be removably attached in a manner that allows easy removal of the grate should maintenance be required to the apparatus 500.
In the assembled condition, the second end 516 of the first portion 504 is received within the recessed border 552 of the second portion 508 such that the second end face 524 and the outer shoulder 526 of the first portion 504 engage or are adjacent the recessed border 552 and the first end face 550 of the second portion 508, respectively. One or more sealing members or materials may be placed between the second end face 524 and the recessed border 552 and/or between the outer shoulder 526 and the first end face 550. In the depicted embodiment, sealing members 570 as positioned between the outer shoulder 526 and the first end face 550 to prevent fluid from exiting the apparatus 500 between the first portion 504 and the second portion 508. In addition, the sealing members 570 may also protect the first portion 504 and second portion 508 from damage during assembly. For example, the one or more sealing members may be made of rubber that not only provides a fluid tight seal between the first portion 504 and second portion 508 when assembled, but also provides a cushioning effect between the portions when the first portion is received by the second portion.
In the assembled condition, therefore, the outlet 518 of the first portion 504 is positioned adjacent to the inlet 534 of the second portion 508. Thus, in use, fluid flowing through the apparatus 500 flows through the grate 568, down through the first filter/sorptive layer 506 and out of the outlet 518 of the first portion 504, through the first geotextile layer 564, into the inlet 534 of the second portion 508, through a portion of the second filter/sorptive layer 510, through the third geotextile material 584, into the container 511, through the third filter/sorptive layer 513, out of the container, through the fourth geotextile material 586, through a second portion of the second filter/sorptive layer 510, through the second geotextile layer 566, and out of the outlet 538 of the second portion 508. During this process, the filter/sorptive layers remove suspended and/or dissolved particles from the fluid.
In use, the filter/sorptive layers may clog, lose their effectiveness, or otherwise require cleaning and/or replacement. The removable first portion 504 (and first filter/sorptive layer 506) allows easy replacement of and access to the filter/sorptive layers. For example, the first portion 504 may be removed and replaced with a new first portion, thus eliminating downtime. The removed first portion 504 may then be cleaned, such as for example by power washing, at a convenient location. Alternatively, the first portion 504 may be cleaned on-site and placed back onto the second portion 508 or the first filter/sorptive layer 506 may be removed from the first portion and replaced by a new layer of material. Since the first portion 504 is removable, the power washing spray can be directed at the outlet 518 of the first portion. Power washing in the reverse direction of flow is more effective because it pushes debris out the way the debris entered rather than driving the debris deeper into the first filter/sorptive layer 506.
Having the first portion 504 removable also allows easy access to the second filter/sorptive layer 510 and the third filter/sorptive layer 513 within the container 511. Thus, the second filter/sorptive layer can be cleaned or replaced easily and the container 511 can be removed and replaced with a new or recharged container and filter/sorptive layer. Alternatively, new or recharged filter/sorptive material could be added to the container to replace the used material or the used material could be cleaned. Once the second filter/sorptive layer has been cleaned or replaced, the first portion 504 may be replaced on the second portion 508.
If the installation site is subject to occasional flooding, a vertical pipe (not shown) can be added to shunt overflow liquid directly to a drainage pipe.
As with the apparatus 200, the first portion 1404 and first filter/sorptive layer 1406 are assembled with the second portion 1408 and the second filter/sorptive layer 1410, such that fluid flows in an inlet 1414 defined by the first portion 1404, through the first filter/sorptive layer 1406, through the second filter/sorptive layer 1410, and out an exit 1438 defined by the second portion 1408. The filter/sorptive layers 1406, 1410 remove suspended and dissolved contaminants from the fluid. As with apparatus 200, a wide variety of filter/sorptive materials may be used in the layers, such as filtration media, adsorption media, coated media (such as amphoteric oxide coated media), or microorganism-containing media (such as a media containing bacteria that can decompose or biodegrade organic material or petrochemicals). Any suitable material capable of removing undesired contaminants or constituents from a fluid may be used. Each filter/sorptive layer may be selected to remove one or more types of contaminants, such as, but not limited to, used motor oil and greases, heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and zinc; brake dust, pesticides, salt, deicing chemicals, sediment, phosphorus, and other constituents including tire rubber, nutrients, and organic chemicals and compounds.
The apparatus 1400, however, includes a container 1411 defining a fluid retaining chamber 1478 generally between the first filter/sorptive layer 1406 and the second filter/sorptive layer 1410. The fluid retaining chamber 1478 is configured and positioned to serve as an open volume in which fluid may accumulate. The container 1411 may be configured in a variety of ways. Any structure capable of defining an open volume within or between filter/sorptive layers may be used. In the depicted embodiment, the container 1411 is substantially similar to the container 511 of
The apparatus 1400 also includes one or more layers of geotextile material. The geotextile material may be configured as and selected from a wide range of materials. Any permeable material capable of separating and containing the filter/sorptive layers while permitting the fluid being filtered to readily pass through the material, may be used.
In the depicted embodiment, the geotextile material is a fabric. A first geotextile layer 1484 is positioned between the first filter/sorptive layer 1406 and the top wall 1472 of the container 1411, and a second geotextile layer 1486 is positioned between the second filter/sorptive layer 1410 and the bottom wall 1474 of the container 1411, and a third geotextile layer 1466 is positioned between the second filter/sorptive layer 1410 and the exit 1438. As shown in
The apparatus 1400 also includes a protective cover 1468 for protecting the first filter/sorptive layer 1406 from damage. In the depicted embodiment, the cover is realized as a grate. Any structure, however, capable of protecting the first filter/sorptive layer 1406 from damage and allowing fluid to readily pass through the structure may be used. The grate 1468 may be made of steel or other suitable sturdy material and is configured to be received by the first portion 1404 such that grate substantially covers the fluid inlet 1414. The grate 1468 may be anchored to the first portion 1404 such that it may serve as a lifting aid for the first portion, while still be removably attached in a manner that allows easy removal of the grate should maintenance be required to the apparatus 1400.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first filter/sorptive layer 1406 is configured to remove larger suspended contaminants and pollutants while the second filter/sorptive layer 1410 is configured to remove smaller suspended or dissolved contaminants and pollutants. As a result of providing finer filtering, the flow resistance in the second filter/sorptive layer is generally greater than the flow resistance in the first filter/sorptive layer. Over time, fluid flow through both of the filter/sorptive layers becomes more restricted due to the presence of the contaminants and pollutants removed from the fluid stream (i.e. the layers gradually begin to clog or plug). When the amount of fluid flow entering the apparatus 1400 exceeds that amount of flow that the second filter/sorptive layer 1410 can pass through, fluid will “back-up.” Because the first filter/sorptive layer 1406 fills most of the first portion 1404, there is little excess volume within the first filter/sorptive layer to hold the fluid “back-up.” Once the fluid back-up has filled the first filter/sorptive layer 1406, no additional fluid can enter the apparatus 1400 to be cleaned. The fluid retaining chamber 1478, however, provides an open volume in which fluid can accumulate. As a result, for a given flow resistance of the second filter/sorptive layer 1410, the amount of fluid back-up that the apparatus 1400 may hold is greater with the presence of the fluid retaining chamber 1478 than without it.
According to another inventive aspect of the present application, an exfiltration apparatus may be provided with particulate collecting member configured to trap or collect larger particulate above or upstream of one or more filter layers (e.g., a filter element or media), while allowing fluid to pass through the insert to the filter layer. This collection of particulate above or upstream of the filter layer may prevent clogging or blockage of the filter layer by excessive particulate, thereby prolonging the useful life of the filter layer. In one embodiment, the particulate collecting member may be provided as an insert that can be periodically removed from the apparatus for cleaning or disposal of the collected particulate, which may be more easily or cost effectively accomplished than replacement or cleaning of the filter layer.
While many different types of particulate collecting members may be utilized, in one embodiment, a particulate collecting member includes one or more particulate collecting recessed portions. When contaminated fluid enters the exfiltration apparatus, particulate or contaminants from the fluid are collected in the recessed portions of the particulate collecting member, with the at least partially decontaminated fluid passing through apertures or openings in the insert and into the filter layer of the exfiltration apparatus. The apertures in the insert may be located anywhere on the insert, including, for example, in the recessed particulate collecting portions, with the apertures sized to prevent passage of at least some particulate. In one embodiment, one or more apertures may be disposed in raised portions of the insert, with the recessed portions being solid or non-apertured, which may help prevent the apertures being clogged or blocked by particulate that collects in the recessed portions of the insert.
A particulate collecting member with particulate collecting recessed portions may be provided in many different configurations. As one example, as shown in
In one example, the raised portions 1594 of the insert may be defined as portions extending above a horizontal plane X intersecting the height h of the insert 1590 from a bottommost surface 1591 to a topmost surface 1593, and the recessed portions 1592 may be defined as portions extending below the horizontal plane X. For example, the horizontal plane X may be established at a distance d from the bottommost surface 1591 some fraction of the overall height h of the insert, for example, at least 0.5 h, at least 0.75 h, or at least 0.9h. The apertures 1595 of the raised portions 1594 may be positioned anywhere from the horizontal plane X to the topmost surfaces 1593 of the insert 1590. The apertures 1595 may also be sized and positioned to allow sufficient passage of a fluid to be filtered through to the filter layer 1506, while preventing passage of a substantial portion of the particulate or contaminants suspended in the fluid. In one example, the raised portions 1594 of the insert 1590 include apertures 1595 having a diameter of approximately 0.25 inches, to prevent passage of contaminants larger than 0.25 inches. Different sized apertures may additionally or alternatively be utilized, for example, to collect smaller particulate in the insert, or to allow still larger particulate to pass through to the filter layer. In addition to collecting particulate, the recessed portions of the insert may additionally function as fluid retaining chambers, providing open volumes for holding fluid “back-up” during periods of high fluid flow through the apparatus. Fluid collected in these recesses will also tend to have particulate that settles to the bottoms of the recess, further facilitating collection of the particulate. To remove the collected particulate, the grate 1568 may be detached or removed from the housing 1502, and the insert 1590 may be removed for cleaning or replacement.
The insert 1590 may be loosely placed onto the filter layer 1506 or detachably secured (directly or indirectly) to one or more of the filter layer 1506, the housing 1502, and the grate 1568. As one example, the insert 1590 may be configured for a press-fit or snap-fit engagement with the housing 1502. Further, a seal may be provided between the housing 1502 and an outer perimeter of the insert 1590, to prevent or minimize the passage of contaminants around the edges of the insert 1590.
Still other shapes or patterns of raised and recessed portions may be utilized, including, for example, an egg carton shaped arrangement, or an insert having a single central recess with apertured perimeter walls. The insert may provided in any suitable material, including, for example, polyethylene.
In another embodiment, as shown in
In the embodiments of
One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various embodiments of the disclosed apparatus may include one or more of the features disclosed in the illustrated embodiments, such as for example, a sensor assembly, a container housing a filter/sorptive material, and a container providing a fluid retention volume. The inventions have been described with reference to various embodiments. Modification and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification and drawings. The inventions are intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An exfiltration apparatus for removing contaminants from surface runoff water, the apparatus comprising:
- a housing defining a downward fluid flow path extending from a fluid inlet disposed on a top side of the housing to a fluid outlet disposed on a bottom side of the housing;
- a filter portion positioned within the housing;
- a particulate collecting plate disposed within the housing in a horizontal orientation between the fluid inlet and the filter portion, the particulate collecting plate including a recessed particulate collecting lower portion adjacent to the filter portion and a raised upper portion adjacent to the fluid inlet and defining a plurality of apertures, and
- wherein the housing comprises a first portion defining the fluid inlet and a second portion defining the fluid outlet, the first housing portion being removable from the second housing portion to access the filter portion; and
- wherein surface runoff water flowing along the downward fluid flow path passes through the particulate collecting plate and through the filter portion before exiting through the fluid outlet.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a second particulate collecting plate detached from and positioned below the first particulate collecting plate in a stacked relationship.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the second particulate collecting plate includes a plurality of apertures that are smaller in diameter than the plurality of apertures of the first particulate collecting plate.
24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the housing further comprises a second filter portion separate from the first filter portion and disposed between the first filter portion and the fluid outlet.
25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the first portion of the housing comprises an outer grate received in and removable from a recessed border of the second housing portion for access to the particulate collecting plate.
26. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the filter portion is retained in the second housing portion.
27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the filter portion comprises a porous concrete layer affixed within the housing.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the porous concrete layer directly supports the particulate collecting plate.
29. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the plurality of apertures of the raised upper portion of the particulate collecting plate are disposed in a topmost surface facing the fluid inlet.
30. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the raised upper portion of the particulate collecting plate includes a plurality of convex portions defining a plurality of generally horizontal topmost surfaces, with the plurality of apertures being disposed in each of the plurality of generally horizontal topmost surfaces.
31. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the recessed lower portion of the particulate collecting plate includes a plurality of generally horizontal bottommost surfaces that are directly supported by the filter portion.
32. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the recesses lower portion of the particulate collecting plate is non-apertured.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the recessed non-apertured lower portion of the particulate collecting plate defines a lower half of the particulate collecting plate.
34. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the recessed non-apertured lower portion of the particulate collecting plate defines a lower 90% of the particulate collecting plate.
35. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the particulate collecting plate is egg carton shaped.
36. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of apertures directly faces each of the fluid inlet and the filter portion.
37. A method for removing contaminants from surface runoff water from an upper surface of a ground substrate, the method comprising:
- installing an exfiltration apparatus in the ground substrate, the exfiltration apparatus comprising: a housing defining a downward fluid flow path extending from an upper fluid inlet disposed in an upper portion of the housing to a lower fluid outlet disposed in a lower portion of the housing, the fluid inlet being exposed to receive surface runoff water from the upper surface of the ground substrate, the fluid outlet being connected with a drainage system; and a filter portion positioned within the housing;
- with the upper portion of the housing removed from the lower portion of the housing, inserting a particulate collecting plate within the housing in a horizontal orientation above the filter portion, such that a recessed particulate collecting lower portion of the particulate collecting plate is adjacent to the filter portion;
- assembling the upper portion of the housing with the lower portion of the housing, such that a raised upper portion of the particulate collecting plate defining a plurality of apertures is adjacent to the fluid inlet, and
- allowing surface runoff water entering the fluid inlet to flow along the downward fluid flow path, passing through the particulate collecting plate and through the filter portion before exiting through the fluid outlet, wherein contaminants carried by the surface runoff water are collected in the recessed particulate collecting lower portion of the particulate collecting plate.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the recessed particulate collecting lower portion of the particulate collecting plate is non-apertured, such that a portion of the surface runoff water entering the fluid inlet is retained in the recessed particulate collecting lower portion of the particulate collecting plate.
39. The method of claim 37, further comprising removing the upper portion of the housing from the lower portion of the housing, withdrawing the particulate collecting plate from the housing, and cleaning collected contaminants from the recessed particulate collecting lower portion of the particulate collecting plate.
40. The method of claim 37, wherein inserting the particulate collecting plate within the housing in a horizontal orientation above the filter portion comprises placing the particulate collecting plate directly on the filter portion.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 16, 2013
Publication Date: Jun 26, 2014
Applicant: Ohio University (Athens, OH)
Inventors: Shad M. Sargand (Athens, OH), Gayle F. Mitchell (Athens, OH)
Application Number: 14/106,943
International Classification: E03F 5/04 (20060101);