Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS FOR MAINTENANCE OF STORM WATER
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of International
Application No.
PCT/US2019/059283, filed October 31, 2019, and a Continuation-in-Part of U.S.
Application No. 16/670,628, filed October 31, 2019, both of which claim the
benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/753,050, filed October 30, 2018, all of
which are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] This disclosure relates generally to systems, apparatus, and methods
for
fluid run-off management systems. In particular, this disclosure relates to
enhancing
efficiency and efficacy of fluid run-off system maintenance.
BACKGROUND
[003] Fluid run-off systems include systems designed to process rainwater
or
other fluid run-off and particularly stormwater. Related stormwater management
systems known in the art include chamber systems including those available
from
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. under the STORMTECHO brand. Such systems are
designed primarily for use under parking lots, roadways, and heavy earth
loads.
[004] STORMTECHO chambers are thermoplastic, injection molded, and
formed of polypropylene, polyethylene, or a combination thereof. Such a
chamber has
an arched cross-section, and is formed to have a long, narrow configuration
with an
advantageously compact footprint that optimizes use of space. The arch-shaped
chamber defines an open bottom. The chamber is installed and placed on crushed
stone or other porous medium, which constitutes a floor of the chamber
underlying the
arch. The chamber may be formed to include corrugations, which may be
advantageously shaped and configured to accommodate efficient stormwater or
fluid
run-off management and debris collection. One or more chambers include an
inlet
configured to connect to a stormwater collection system, which may include one
or
more drain basins that receive fluid run-off from a parking lot, roof, or
street. The one or
more chambers are designed to distribute collected stormwater into the ground.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
[005] During a storm, stormwater or rainwater run-off enters the chamber
from
the one or more drain basins, and in some system configurations, may exit the
chamber
by flowing through a conduit connecting the chamber to another system
component,
such as a basin or another chamber. By way of example, a chamber-type
stormwater
management system may include an array of chambers buried in crushed stone.
The
chambers may be connected in parallel or in series.
[006] Stormwater carries debris and solid contaminants that can pass into
and
through basins, traps, and filters of conventional stormwater management
systems.
Stormwater may include suspended solids, including dirt, sand, organic debris
such as
leaves, paper, and plastic. Stormwater management system chambers such as the
STORMTECHO chambers are configured to receive stormwater and allow debris to
settle to a bottom of the chamber before the stormwater is released into the
ground.
[007] Related stormwater management systems known in the art have been
developed that prevent some debris and solid contaminants from reaching the
chambers. For example, some chamber-type stormwater management systems are
configured to divert surface stormwater to a solids retention system, and then
into the
array of chambers so that an amount of debris and solid contaminants that
enter the
one or chambers connected to the system is minimized. Solids suspended or
entrained
in the stormwater are retained by the solids retention system using a
combination of
settling and filtering actions. When stormwater inflow exceeds a capacity of
the solids
retention system, the water rises in the diverter to an overflow point at
which water flows
through a bypass line to the chamber array. Such systems are disclosed in U.S.
Patent
No. 6,991,734 to Smith et al., titled Solids retention in stormwater system,
the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[008] In another example, related stormwater management systems known in
the art may include a subsystem by which stormwater first flows to a primary
row of
chambers dedicated to capturing a large amount of debris. The primary chamber
is
called an isolator row in a stormwater management system provided by Advanced
Drainage Systems, Inc. The isolator row chamber is encased in a geotextile
mesh or
filter fabric forming a fine mesh made of any suitable now known or later
developed
material. Other chambers in the system may also be encased in a geotextile
mesh or
2
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
filter fabric forming a fine mesh made of any suitable material. The filter
fabric encases
the chamber, interposing the chamber and the crushed stone floor. Debris and
solid
contaminants have been found to locally mask and block exit points in the
filter fabric,
impeding outflow of fluid or water from the chamber into the ground.
[009] Accordingly, maintenance is required to ensure optimal
functionality of
chambers, whether they are isolator row chambers, other chambers in an
isolator row
system, chambers in a system without an isolator row, or chambers in systems
with or
without other means of debris and solid contaminant collection. Debris is
typically
manually removed from an interior of a chamber using a device configured to
jet water
into and through an interior of the chamber to force debris and fluid out of
the chamber
for collection by vacuum. In particular, jetvac systems use a high pressure
water nozzle
to propel water through a length of a chamber to suspend and remove sediment.
The
high pressure spray from the nozzle causes the sediment to exit the chamber
into, for
example, a connected basin wherein the collected sediment is collected by
vacuuming.
The jetvac system and similar cleaning devices can snag, tear, or otherwise
disrupt the
filter fabric material, damaging an efficacy and functionality of the chamber.
Accordingly, systems have been designed to protect a floor of the chamber. For
example, some systems include a multi-layer mat as an additional component
used to
protect the filter fabric material during a cleaning and maintenance process.
[0010] Related chambers known in the art and used in chamber-type
stormwater
management systems such as those available from Advanced Drainage Systems,
Inc.,
under the STORMTECHO brand, include end caps that attach to, and form a closed
end
of, the chambers. The ends of the chambers are capped to prevent entry of
gravel,
earth, or other particulates that would disrupt the filter and drainage
functionality of the
chamber. The chamber end cap may be formed to include a conduit or pipe stub
extending therethrough and defining a channel connecting an interior of the
chamber to
an exterior thereof. An example end cap and chamber configuration is disclosed
by
U.S. Patent 7,237,981 to Vitarelli, titled End cap having integral pipe stub
for use with
storm water chamber, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
herein by
reference.
3
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
[0011] Vitarelli discloses a detachable end cap for a molded plastic
stormwater
chamber with an integrally welded pipe stub. The stub cantilevers outwardly
from an
exterior surface of the end cap for connection to a line that carries fluid to
or from the
chamber. The end cap may be formed of polyethylene, for example, for use with
a
polypropylene chamber.
[0012] Vitarelli discloses an end cap having a convex exterior or dome
shaped,
which is preferred over planar or flat end caps. Vitarelli discloses ensuring
proper fit of
the dome shaped end cap to a chamber using flared or flange portions mating
with an
end of the chamber to close off the chamber and prevent entry of undesired
matter.
SUMMARY
[0013] A need has been recognized for further enhancing ease of chamber
maintenance in chamber-type stormwater management systems. A need has been
recognized for a method and configuration that enhances chamber cleaning
efficacy to
ensure that an interior of chambers is clear of debris that blocks outflow and
downward
dispersion of fluid from the chamber. It has been found that debris becomes
lodged and
packed on the back or interior side of the dome shaped, flared end cap. The
debris is
not easily removed using conventional maintenance techniques including jetting
and
vacuuming. Additionally, nozzles and other components of jetting and cleaning
devices
have been found to become lodged and caught on an interior side of the end cap
when
being extracted from the chamber through a chamber outlet or pipe stub
attached to the
end cap. Solutions are disclosed including systems, apparatus, and methods
that allow
the debris to be removed from the chamber during jetting, and prevent debris
from
collecting on an interior surface side of an end cap of the chamber.
[0014] In an embodiment, a ramp apparatus may be provided that is
attachable
to an interior surface of an end cap of a chamber of a stormwater management
system.
In this configuration, fluid and solid materials may exit an interior of the
chamber by
traversing the ramp and passing through an exit defined by the end cap of the
chamber.
In an embodiment, the ramp may be attached to the end cap interior surface and
left in
place during chamber operation. The ramp may be configured to have a shape,
form,
and profile that is non-obtrusive and does not significantly impede or
diminish chamber
function. Rather, the ramp may be configured to improve chamber function over
time by
4
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
enhancing outflow of solid debris that would otherwise collect at an end of
the chamber
and block fluid outflow and inflow during operation, and prevent outflow of
fluid and
solids during maintenance. In an alternative embodiment, the ramp may be
configured
for retrofitting on an interior of, for example, removable end caps. Time
savings and
costs savings are achieved by preventing clogs in inlets of chambers and
achieving
substantially complete removal of debris contained therein.
[0015] An embodiment may include a ramp useful for chamber-type stormwater
management systems, and the ramp may include an inclined surface including a
first
end and a second end. The ramp may be configured to connect to a chamber end
cap
having a stub pipe centrally disposed therethrough. The ramp may be connected
to the
stub pipe at the second end of the ramp, a ramp surface inclined to form a
slope rising
from the first end to the second end. In an embodiment, the apparatus may
include
support feet. The support feet may be directly connected to the first end of
the ramp to
provide support to the first end while the second end may be supported by the
stub pipe
to which the ramp is attached or fitted. In an embodiment, a width of the
support feet
may extend equal to or beyond a width of a bottom of a chamber to which the
chamber
end cap is fixed.
[0016] In an embodiment, a ramp and end cap system may include a ramp
having an inclined surface. The ramp may include a first end and a second end
configured to connect to a chamber end cap. The chamber end cap may be
configured
for use in a chamber-type stormwater management system. The chamber end cap
has
an interior surface to which the ramp may be connected, either directly, or by
way of a
stub pipe passing through the end cap. An interior surface of the end cap
faces an
interior of a chamber enclosure formed by the end cap when connected to a
chamber.
In an embodiment of a ramp and end cap system, the ramp may include support
feet
disposed a first end thereof. A ramp surface inclines from the first end to a
second end,
which may be connected to the end cap, for example, at a stub pipe attached
thereto.
In an embodiment, a stub pipe may be formed to have a cylindrical shape. The
stub
pipe has a first end and a second end. The second end may be configured to
extend
within a chamber enclosure formed by a chamber connected to the end cap. In an
embodiment, the ramp may be configured to conform to a shape of the stub pipe.
In an
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
embodiment, the ramp may be fitted directly to the stub pipe, and may be
configured to
form-fit to a portion of the periphery of the stub pipe. In an embodiment, the
ramp may
be configured to conform to a periphery at the first end of the stub pipe. In
an
embodiment, the ramp may include a width that is less than a width of a bottom
of a
chamber to which an end cap connected to the ramp is attached. In an
embodiment,
the ramp may be formed of polypropylene. In another embodiment, the ramp may
be
formed of high density polyethylene. In another embodiment, the ramp may be
formed
of a material selected from the group including steel, stainless steel,
aluminum, and
fiberglass.
[0017] In an embodiment, a process useful for forming a ramp and chamber
end
cap system includes providing a ramp having a first end and a second end, and
a ramp
surface configured to incline from the first end to the second end, the ramp
surface
formed to enhance flowability of fluid and passage of debris, the ramp
configured to
connect to a chamber end cap of a chamber-type stormwater management system.
In
an embodiment, methods include providing a chamber end cap including a stub
pipe;
and attaching or fitting the ramp to a chamber end cap. In an embodiment,
methods
may include providing a chamber useful for stormwater management systems; and
attaching the ramp and end cap system to the chamber. In an embodiment,
methods
include providing a support member attached to or extending from the ramp, the
support
member configured to support the ramp in operation.
[0018] In another embodiment, a stormwater management system for
containing
and filtering runoff may be provided. The stormwater management system may
include
at least one stormwater chamber configured for placement underground. The
stormwater chamber may be configured to store runoff and may extend between a
first
end cap with at least one opening and a second end cap. The stormwater chamber
may include at least one of an open-bottom chamber having a side wall with an
arch-
shaped, round, elliptical, or polygonal cross-section, or a cylindrical,
corrugated pipe.
The stormwater management system may also include a flared end ramp configured
to
receive runoff through the at least one opening in the first end cap to guide
the runoff
into the stormwater chamber. An outlet end of the flared end ramp may be
configured
to distribute sediment across a width of the stormwater chamber. The
stormwater
6
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
management system may also include a filtration fabric configured to be
situated
beneath at least a portion of the open bottom of the stormwater chamber. The
filtration
fabric may be configured to capture sediment from the runoff in the stormwater
chamber
while the runoff flows out of the stormwater chamber.
[0019]
In a further embodiment, a stormwater management system for containing
and filtering runoff may be provided. The stormwater management system may
include
an inlet apparatus configured to receive runoff from a surface-level drain.
The inlet
apparatus may include at least one of an elevated bypass manifold or an
overflow weir.
The stormwater management system may also include a first stormwater chamber
configured for placement underground to store runoff, the first stormwater
chamber
extending between a first end cap with at least one opening and a second end
cap. The
first stormwater chamber may include at least one of an open-bottom chamber
having a
side wall with an arch-shaped, round, elliptical, or polygonal cross-section,
or a
cylindrical, corrugated pipe. The stormwater management system may also
include a
flared end ramp configured to receive the runoff through the at least one
opening in the
first end cap of the first stormwater chamber to guide the runoff into the
first stormwater
chamber. An outlet end of the flared end ramp may be configured to distribute
sediment
across a width of the first stormwater chamber. The stormwater management
system
may also include an inlet pipe configured to extend between, and to fluidly
connect, the
inlet apparatus with an inlet end of the flared end ramp. The stormwater
management
system may also include a filtration fabric configured to be situated beneath
at least a
portion of the open bottom of the first stormwater chamber. The filtration
fabric may be
configured to capture sediment from the runoff in the first stormwater chamber
while the
runoff flows out of the first stormwater chamber. The stormwater management
system
may also include a non-woven geotextile fabric configured to cover the first
end cap and
at least a portion of an exterior surface of the first stormwater chamber. The
stormwater
management system may also include at least one additional stormwater chamber
arranged side-by-side with the first stormwater chamber to form an array of
stormwater
chambers. The array of stormwater chambers may be fluidly connected via the
inlet
apparatus and may be configured to receive the runoff from the inlet apparatus
and to
7
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
disperse filtered runoff into at least one of the earth or an underground
drainage
structure.
[0020] In yet another embodiment, a flared end ramp for managing flow of
material into a stormwater chamber may be provided. The flared end ramp may
include
an inlet end configured for connection with a pipe, a side wall of the flared
end ramp
having a rounded profile at the inlet end. The flared end ramp may also
include an
outlet end configured for placement within the stormwater chamber. The flared
end
ramp may also include an inclined surface extending between the inlet end and
the
outlet end of the flared end ramp and configured to deliver material from the
pipe into
the stormwater chamber. The outlet end of the flared end ramp may have a
larger width
than the inlet end of the flared end ramp such that the inclined surface is
angled laterally
outward from the inlet end toward the outlet end. The stormwater chamber may
be an
open-bottom chamber or a cylindrical pipe.
[0021] In a further embodiment, a flared end ramp and end cap apparatus
for a
stormwater chamber may be provided. The apparatus may include a flared end
ramp
having an inlet end configured for connection with a pipe, an outlet end
configured for
placement within the stormwater chamber, and an inclined surface extending
between
the inlet end of the flared end ramp and the outlet end of the flared end
ramp. The
inclined surface may be configured to deliver material from the pipe into the
stormwater
chamber. The apparatus may also include a stormwater chamber end cap having an
interior surface configured to delimit a chamber enclosure formed by the
stormwater
chamber and the end cap. The stormwater chamber may be an open-bottom chamber
or a cylindrical pipe.
[0022] Additional features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments
will be
set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious
from the
description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The
features
and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attained by
the
elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
[0023] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description
and the
following detailed description are examples and explanatory only and are not
restrictive
of the disclosed embodiments as claimed.
8
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
[0024] The accompanying drawings constitute a part of this specification.
The
drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure and,
together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments as
set forth in
the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic of an exemplary stormwater management
system, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 2 depicts inlet ends of a stormwater chamber array of the
stormwater
management system of FIG. 1, consistent with various embodiments of the
present
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 3A depicts a side plan view of a stormwater chamber of the
stormwater management system of FIG. 1, consistent with various embodiments of
the
present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 3B depicts an enlarged view of an inlet end of the stormwater
chamber of FIG. 3A, consistent with various embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary underdrain for a stormwater
management
system, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIGS. 4B and 4C depict cross-sectional views of the exemplary
underdrain as indicated in FIG. 4A, consistent with various embodiments of the
present
disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 5A depicts a plan view of an outlet end of an exemplary
stormwater
chamber configured with a flared end ramp, consistent with various embodiments
of the
present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 5B depicts a perspective overhead view of an exemplary inlet
end
cap of the stormwater chamber of FIG. 5A, consistent with various embodiments
of the
present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 5C depicts a perspective overhead view of the flared end ramp
and
inlet end cap of the stormwater chamber of FIG. 5A, consistent with various
embodiments of the present disclosure.
9
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
[0034] FIG. 5D depicts a perspective overhead view of the stormwater
chamber
of FIG. 5A, including the flared end ramp and inlet end cap of FIG. 5C,
consistent with
various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 5E depicts a perspective overhead view of another exemplary
flared
end ramp and inlet end cap of the stormwater chamber of FIG. 5A, consistent
with
various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 5F depicts a perspective bottom view of the stormwater
chamber of
FIG. 5A, including the flared end ramp and inlet end cap of FIG. 5E,
consistent with
various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary process for forming
a flared
end ramp and stormwater chamber inlet end cap system, consistent with various
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIGS. 7A-7E depict another exemplary flared end ramp, consistent
with
various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 8A depicts another exemplary stormwater management system
with
the flared end ramp of FIGS. 7A-7E, consistent with various embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 8B depicts an interior view of the stormwater management
system of
FIG. 8A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the
accompanying drawings. In the figures, which are not necessarily drawn to
scale, the
left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the
reference
number first appears. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used
throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and
features
of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and
other
implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of
the
disclosed embodiments. Also, the words "comprising," "having," "containing,"
and
"including," and other similar forms are intended to be equivalent in meaning
and be
open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not
meant to be
an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only
the listed item
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
or items. It should also be noted that as used in the present disclosure and
in the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural
references unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0042] A solution may be provided by embodiments disclosed herein to the
recognized need for further enhancing ease of chamber maintenance in chamber-
type
stormwater management systems, for methods that enhance chamber cleaning
efficacy. In particular, apparatuses and methods in accordance with
embodiments of
the present disclosure may enable effective cleaning of chamber-type
stormwater
management systems for removing cleaning equipment and sediment and debris.
Solutions are disclosed that may include systems, apparatus, and methods that,
inter
alia, prevent debris from collecting on an interior surface side of an end cap
of the
chamber.
[0043] In various embodiments, a ramp apparatus may be provided that is
constructed and arranged to attach to, or be placed within, a chamber useful
for a
chamber-type stormwater management system. In particular, the ramp may be
constructed and arranged to attach to, or be placed within, an interior
surface of an end
cap of a chamber of a stormwater management system. In this configuration,
fluid and
solid materials may exit an interior of the chamber by traversing the ramp and
passing
through an exit defined by the end cap of the chamber. For example, the ramp
may be
left in place during use of the stormwater system may be available for
periodic cleaning.
[0044] The ramp apparatus may be configured to improve chamber function over
time, and may have a shape, form, and profile that is non-obtrusive and does
not
frustrate chamber function. For example, the ramp apparatus may provide an
inclined
surface from a ground on which the chamber is positioned to an exit passage at
an end
of the chamber. The ramp apparatus may be shaped to guide fluid and debris
through
the exit and away from the portions of the chamber interior at which debris
and
sediment that otherwise collects in related art systems, such as at the end
cap interior
around the exit of the chamber.
[0045] In various embodiments, the ramp may be configured for
retrofitting on an
interior of, for example, removable end caps to form a ramp and chamber end
cap
system. Stormwater management systems having a ramp apparatus in accordance
11
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
with various embodiments may prevent clogs in inlets of chambers and enhance
cleaning effectiveness and efficiency.
[0046] FIG. 1 depicts a top plan view of an exemplary stormwater
management
system 100. System 100 may include an array 102 of stormwater chambers 110
arranged side-by-side in a row. FIG. 2 depicts a view of the stormwater
chamber array
102 showing the inlet ends of the stormwater chambers. In the embodiment
depicted in
FIG. 1, array 102 may include a first stormwater chamber 110 and additional
stormwater
chambers 110a-110i, all of which may have similar shapes and dimensions.
However,
any suitable number of stormwater chambers may be utilized with system 100.
Each
stormwater chamber of array 102 may be an open-bottom chamber with a side wall
having a round or polygonal cross-section; in various embodiments, the side
wall of one
or more stormwater chambers of array 102 may be perforated. The stormwater
chambers of array 102 may be corrugated in various embodiments and may be
constructed of plastic (e.g., polypropylene, HDPE, LDPE, PVC), metal, and/or
any other
suitable material. The stormwater chambers of array 102 may each include an
inlet end
cap 112 and an outlet end cap 114 at its two respective ends.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the chamber array 102 (including the first
stormwater
chamber 110) may be configured for placement beneath the surface 280 of the
earth
(e.g., under an automobile parking lot) within a layer of water permeable
media 284,
which may include crushed stone, gravel, round stone, and/or slag. Fill
material 282
may fill the space between the surface 280 and the top of the water permeable
media
284. In some embodiments, no spacing is required between two adjacent chambers
when the chamber array 102 is installed underground. Alternatively, a gap 204b
may
be provided between two adjacent chambers.
[0048] The stormwater chambers of array 102 may be configured to receive and
temporarily store rainwater and other fluids (referred to herein as "runoff")
from one or
more surface level drains. Over time, the chambers may disperse the runoff
stored
therein by percolation into the surrounding water permeable media 284 through
the
open bottoms of the chambers. In some embodiments, one or more stormwater
chambers in array 102 may be configured to provide between 10 ft3 and 150 ft3
of
chamber storage space for receiving the runoff, although persons of ordinary
skill will
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
understand that stormwater chambers having a storage volume greater than 150
ft3 or
less than 10 ft3 may additionally or alternatively be used with system 100.
[0049] Returning to FIG. 1, stormwater management system 100 may include
a
subterranean inlet apparatus 140 configured to receive the runoff from one or
more
surface drains, such as a combination of spaced-part catch basins
interconnected by
buried pipes. In some embodiments, runoff from the surface drains may flow
through
one or more settling devices before entering inlet apparatus 140, in order to
settle out
solids and floating matter. Inlet apparatus 140 may optionally include a
diverter 141
configured to direct the received runoff into the first stormwater chamber 110
in the
chamber array 102. As discussed below, a single layer filtration fabric 130
may be
placed beneath the open-bottom of the stormwater chamber 110 in order to
capture and
filter out sediment and other media from the runoff as the runoff flows out of
the
chamber. In various embodiments, filtration fabric 130 may be formed from a
single
layer of a woven geotextile fabric, such as a woven polypropylene material.
Advantageously, providing filtration fabric 130 to capture sediment may
protect the
water permeable media 284 surrounding the stormwater chamber from sediment
accumulation, which can slow or altogether halt the percolation of the
filtered runoff into
the earth. Additionally, filtration fabric 130 may provide scour protection
for the
underlying ground, including water permeable media 284. In some embodiments,
fabric
130 may cover the entire open-bottom of stormwater chamber 110; alternatively,
fabric
130 may cover a portion of the open-bottom of stormwater chamber 110, such as
a
section adjacent to the inlet end cap 112. In some embodiments, a single
continuous
piece of filtration fabric 130 may extend beneath the entire stormwater
chamber array
102. Alternatively, one or more chambers 110 in the array 102 may have
separate
pieces of filtration fabric 130.
[0050] In some embodiments, when the first stormwater chamber 110 is
full, or
otherwise unable to receive additional runoff, diverter 141 may direct runoff
to an inlet
manifold 142 for delivery into one or more additional stormwater chambers 110a-
110i of
the chamber array 102. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, diverter 141 may include an
elevated
bypass manifold 344 and/or an overflow weir 347 that may create a differential
between
the first stormwater chamber 110 and the rest of the chamber array 102, thus
allowing
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
chamber 110 and filtration fabric 130 to settle and filter the received
runoff. Returning to
FIG. 1, at least one of the additional chambers 110a-110i may include a single
layer
filtration fabric 132 that is similarly configured as filtration fabric 130.
In alternative
embodiments, the additional chambers 110a-110i may not have a filtration
fabric.
Optionally, one or more stormwater chambers in array 102 may include an
outflow pipe
150 configured to discharge runoff from the chambers at a predetermined rate
via an
outlet control structure 152 (which may include, e.g., a fluid valve). The
outlet may
discharge runoff to a municipal storm sewer, pond, watercourse, or other
receiving point
via an underground drainage structure.
[0051] In alternative embodiments, one or more cylindrical pipes may be
implemented within stormwater management system 100 instead of open-bottom
chamber 110. For example, array 102 may include one or more corrugated pipes
configured for placement underground for drainage and transportation of
runoff.
Optionally, the corrugated pipes of array 102 may include perforations along
some or all
of their respective longitudinal lengths, which may allow the gradual
percolation of runoff
into the surrounding water permeable media 284. Pipes of stormwater management
system 100 may be constructed of plastic (e.g., polypropylene, HDPE, LDPE,
PVC),
metal, and/or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, filtration
fabric 130
may be placed beneath a corrugated pipe of array 102 to filter the runoff
released from
the pipe. Additionally, or alternatively, filtration fabric 130 may line some
or all of the
interior or exterior surface of a corrugated pipe of array 102, so as to
filter the runoff
within the pipe before the runoff is released from the pipe. However, in some
embodiments, a corrugated pipe may be provided in array 102 without a
corresponding
filtration fabric.
[0052] FIG. 3A depicts a side plan view of the first stormwater chamber
110 of
stormwater management system 100. FIG. 3B depicts an enlarged view of a
portion of
the stormwater chamber 110 near the inlet end cap 112. As shown in FIG. 3A, a
non-
woven geotextile fabric 316 may cover the outer surface 313 of the stormwater
chamber
110 to protect the chamber and extend its service life. For example, fabric
316 may
cover the entire outer surface 313 of the chamber, including inlet end cap 112
and/or
outlet end cap 114. In some embodiments, stormwater management system 100 may
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
include an inspection port 346 allowing for inspection and maintenance of the
subterraneous components of system 100.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, an inlet pipe 345 (e.g., a stub pipe)
may be
provided to fluidly connect the inlet apparatus 140 to the stormwater chamber
110. An
interior end 345b of the inlet pipe may connect to a flared end ramp 320 that
is
positioned, at least partially, within the stormwater chamber 110 and that is
angled
downwards from the inlet pipe to convey the runoff away from the inlet end cap
112 and
further into the chamber 110. In some embodiments, the inlet pipe 345 may
extend
through an opening in the inlet end cap and connect with an inlet end 321 of
the flared
end ramp. In these embodiments, flared end ramp 320 may be situated entirely
within
stormwater chamber 110. Alternatively, the inlet end 321 of the flared end
ramp may be
situated within the opening in the inlet end cap 112 or external to the
stormwater
chamber 110 (i.e., to the left of inlet end cap 112 in FIG. 3B). In such
embodiments, the
flared end ramp 320 may extend through an opening in the inlet end cap 112 and
into
the stormwater chamber 110. As discussed in detail below, the inlet end 321 of
the
flared end ramp may have a larger width than an outlet end 323 of the flared
end ramp.
As a result, the flared end ramp 320 may receive runoff from inlet pipe 345
(which may
have a much smaller cross-section than chamber 110) and distribute the runoff
across
the width of the chamber 110. For example, the outlet end 323 of the flared
end ramp
may extend across the entire width of stormwater chamber 110 and may abut the
chamber's inner surface 311 in some embodiments. Advantageously, this
configuration
may enable the flared end ramp 320 to prevent sediment in the runoff from
accumulating around the inlet end cap 112 by distributing the runoff (and the
sediment
contained therein) away from the chamber's inlet end and across the entire
width of the
chamber.
[0054] Flared end ramp 320 may include at least one support foot 324
attached
to a bottom portion of the ramp at or near the outlet end 322. The at least
one support
foot 324 may extend laterally from the flared end ramp 320 to form a wide
structure
configured to support the ramp. In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, filtration
fabric 130 may
pass beneath the flared end ramp 320 (including the at least one support foot
324), as
well as the inlet end cap 112 and the interior end 345b of the inlet pipe.
This placement
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
may ensure that any runoff that leaks or splashes while flowing between the
inlet pipe
and the flared end ramp is still filtered by the fabric. Alternatively, the
end of the
filtration fabric 130 (i.e., the left end of fabric 130 in FIG. 3B) may be
placed at any other
suitable location relative to the inlet end cap 112 and flared end ramp 320.
[0055] FIG. 4A depicts an underdrain 454 for an exemplary stormwater
management system 400. FIGS. 4B and 4C depict cross-sectional views of
different
portions of the underdrain 454, as indicated in FIG. 4A. In the example of
FIGS. 4A-4C,
the stormwater management system may include stormwater chambers 410a, 410b,
and 410c, each of which may have a filtration fabric 430a, 430b, and 430c,
respectively,
placed beneath it. However, persons of ordinary skill will understand that any
suitable
number of stormwater chambers and filtration fabrics may be employed
consistent with
the present disclosure. In the example shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the filtration
fabrics may
be larger in area than the open-bottoms of the stormwater chambers, such that
the
fabrics may extend outward beyond the edges of the chambers. For example,
filtration
fabric 430c in FIG. 4B extends to the right beyond the right-most edge of
chamber 410c.
Advantageously, the large area of the filtration fabric may ensure that the
entire open-
bottom of the stormwater chamber is covered by the filtration fabric in order
to maximize
filtration of the runoff received within the chamber.
[0056] In addition to an outflow pipe 450, filtered runoff from chambers
410a-
410c may be dispersed into water permeable media 284 through the open bottoms
of
the chambers and collected in underdrain 454 for removal to a receiving point.
As
shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, underdrain 454 may be located within the layer of
water
permeable media 284 and beneath (i.e., at a lower position than) the
stormwater
chambers and filtration fabrics.
[0057] FIG. 5A shows a plan view of an inlet end of a stormwater chamber
510
configured with a flared end ramp 520 in accordance with various embodiments.
In
particular, FIG. 5A shows a stormwater management system 500, including an
inlet end
cap 512 and flared end ramp 520 connected to a stormwater chamber 510
configured
for stormwater management. Stormwater chamber 510 may be connected to the
inlet
end cap 512, which may have an interior surface 512b facing an interior of the
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
stormwater chamber to form an enclosure when positioned on the ground and/or
when
installed underground.
[0058] FIG. 5A shows an interior surface 512b of the inlet end cap 512.
Flared
end ramp 520 may be connected to the end cap interior surface 512b by way of a
stub
pipe (not shown). The stub pipe may be constructed and arranged to provide a
passageway from an interior of the stormwater chamber 510 to an exterior
thereof. The
stormwater chamber 510 may be of any suitable size and form, and the flared
end ramp
520 may be sized and shaped to a particular chamber size or form, and a
particular stub
pipe size and form.
[0059] The flared end ramp 520 shown in FIG. 5A shows an advantageous
configuration wherein the ramp 520 inclines from a first bottom end (i.e., the
outlet end)
upwards toward a second top end (i.e., the inlet end), relative to a bottom of
the
connected stormwater chamber 510. The flared end ramp 520 may be formed to
surround a portion of the periphery of the "interior" end of the stub pipe at
the interior
surface 512b of the inlet end cap. A surface of the flared end ramp 520 may be
formed
to facilitate effective and rapid passage of fluid and materials through the
interior end of
the stub pipe to enter the stormwater chamber 510.
[0060] Flared end ramp 520 may take any suitable shape and form that
provides
an inclined surface extending from a bottom of a chamber enclosure interior to
a fluid
inlet thereof formed by a stub pipe of the inlet end cap. In an embodiment,
the flared
end ramp 520 may be formed of polypropylene or high density polyethylene. In
alternative embodiments, the ramp 520 may be formed of materials selected from
the
group of materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and
other like
now known or later developed materials.
[0061] Flared end ramp 520 may be fastened to the stub pipe at an end
thereof
that directly connects to the interior of the stormwater chamber enclosure.
The stub
pipe may be formed by any now known or later developed methods and materials
and
configured for fluid delivery. The stub pipe connected to the flared end ramp
520 shown
in FIG. 5A may have a cylindrical shape. The flared end ramp 520 may be
fastened to
the stub pipe by any now known or later developed suitable mechanisms,
materials, and
methods. In an alternative embodiment, the flared end ramp 520 may be attached
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
directly to the interior surface 512b of the inlet end cap, or may be attached
directly to
both the stub pipe and the interior surface 512b of the inlet end cap.
[0062] FIG. 5B shows a perspective overhead view of a stormwater chamber
inlet
end cap 512 including a stub pipe 545 extending through an opening defined in
the inlet
end cap. Inlet end cap 512 may be dome shaped and flared, and configured to
connect
to an open end of the stormwater chamber. A first end 545a of the stub pipe
545
extends away from an exterior side surface (not shown) of the inlet end cap,
while a
second end 545b of the stub pipe 545 extends away from the interior surface
512b of
the inlet end cap.
[0063] FIG. 5C shows a perspective overhead view of a flared end ramp and
stormwater chamber inlet end cap apparatus in accordance with various
embodiments.
In particular, FIG. 5C shows a ramp and end cap apparatus 501 including inlet
end cap
512 and a flared end ramp 520 connected thereto. The flared end ramp 520 may
be
configured and arranged to prevent debris and solid contaminants from
collecting and
becoming lodged at the interior surface 512b of the inlet end cap.
Accordingly, debris
and solid contaminants may be guided up the flared end ramp 520 and through
the
passageway defined by the stub pipe 545 during maintenance and cleaning.
Flared
end ramp 520 may prevent the debris and solid contaminants from collecting at
the end
cap interior surface 512b, and may guide the debris and solid contaminants
along with
fluid through an exit from the interior of the stormwater chamber provided by
the stub
pipe 545. Additionally, a nozzle or other component of a jetvac system or
another
chamber maintenance device will not become lodged and caught on an interior of
the
end cap.
[0064] FIG. 5D shows a perspective overhead view of stormwater management
system 500, in accordance with various embodiments. In particular, FIG. 5D
shows an
assembled flared end ramp, stormwater chamber, and inlet end cap system 500.
Stormwater management system 500 may include a stormwater chamber 510 with the
inlet end cap and flared end ramp apparatus 501 connected thereto.
[0065] FIG. 5D shows an exterior surface 512a of the inlet end cap, and a
stub
pipe 545. The stub pipe 545 may include a first end 545a extending from the
exterior
surface 512a of the inlet end cap. The stub pipe 545 may extend transversely
through
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
the inlet end cap, with a second, interior end 545b extending away from an
interior
surface (not shown) of the inlet end cap and communicating with a flared end
ramp 520
in an interior of the stormwater chamber 510. The stub pipe 545 may be welded,
for
example, at the interface of the stub pipe with the inlet end cap exterior
surface 512a.
[0066] FIG. 5E shows a perspective overhead view of a ramp and chamber end
cap in accordance with various embodiments. In particular, FIG. 5E shows an
alternative flared end ramp and inlet end cap apparatus 501a, which may be
similarly
configured as apparatus 501 shown in FIG. 5C. FIG. 5E shows a ramp and end cap
apparatus 501a including an inlet end cap 512 and a flared end ramp 520
connected
thereto. The flared end ramp 520 may be configured and arranged to prevent
debris
and solid contaminants from collecting and becoming lodged at the interior
surface 512b
of the inlet end cap. Accordingly, debris and solid contaminants are guided up
the ramp
and through the passageway defined by the stub pipe 545 during maintenance and
cleaning. The flared end ramp 520 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5E may
include
supports or feet 524.
[0067] The supports 524 may be configured as shown in FIG. 5F to extend
beyond a width of the stormwater chamber 510, and underneath bottom edges of
sides
of the stormwater chamber to which the ramp and end cap apparatus 501 is
connected.
FIG. 5F shows a stormwater management system 500 of an embodiment from a
bottom
perspective view.
[0068] In particular, FIG. 5F shows a ramp and end cap apparatus 501
including
an inlet end cap 512 and a flared end ramp 520 connected thereto by way of a
stub pipe
545. The flared end ramp 520 may be configured and arranged to prevent debris
and
solid contaminants from collecting and becoming lodged at the interior surface
512b of
the inlet end cap. Accordingly, debris and solid contaminants are guided up
the ramp
and through the passageway defined by the stub pipe 545 during maintenance and
cleaning. The flared end ramp 520 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5F includes
supports or feet 524.
[0069] FIG. 5F shows an interior surface 511 of the stormwater chamber
510.
The feet 524 of the flared end ramp 520 may be configured to extend under the
sides of
the stormwater chamber 510. Accordingly, the flared end ramp 520 may be
configured
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
to lift relative to the ground to an extent limited by the contact between the
feet 524 and
the stormwater chamber walls. Additionally, or alternatively, the feet 524 may
be
constructed and arranged to provide support against the ground or surface upon
which
the fluid management system 500 rests.
[0070] FIG. 6 shows a process of forming a stormwater chamber, flared end
ramp, and inlet end cap system in accordance with various embodiments. In
particular,
FIG. 6 shows a method 600 including a step S610 of providing a flared end ramp
having
a first end and a second end, and a ramp surface configured to incline from
the first end
to the second end. The ramp surface may be formed to enhance flowability of
fluid and
passage of debris. For example, the flared end ramp may include a curved
surface
meeting and conforming with a shape of an end of a cylindrical stub pipe
connected to
an inlet end cap.
[0071] FIG. 6 shows step S620 of forming feet attached to the flared end
ramp.
The feet may include a same material as the flared end ramp, or a different
material,
formed to provide a support structure configured to support the flared end
ramp in
operation. For example, a flared end ramp positioned in a stormwater
management
system may rest on a ground on which the stormwater chamber is installed. A
first,
lower end (i.e., an outlet end) of the inclined ramp may rest on the feet or
support
structure. In an embodiment, the feet may be configured to have a width equal
to or
larger than a width of a bottom of the stormwater chamber. The feet may be
configured
to be positioned beneath the stormwater chamber wall for additional support.
Thus,
structural distortion caused by movement of the flared end ramp connected to
the
stormwater chamber during operation may be minimized.
[0072] Methods including a step S630 of providing an inlet end cap useful
for
stormwater management systems. The inlet end cap may include a stub pipe
passing
through a central portion of the inlet end cap. Methods include a step S640 of
attaching
or fitting the flared end ramp to the inlet end cap. The flared end ramp has a
first end, a
second end, and a ramp surface inclined from the first end to the second
toward the
pipe stub when connected thereto.
[0073] The flared end ramp may be configured and arranged to prevent debris
and solid contaminants from collecting and becoming lodged at the interior
surface of
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
the inlet end cap. In an embodiment, the flared end ramp may be connected to
an
interior surface of the inlet end cap. In another embodiment, the flared end
ramp may
be connected to the inlet end cap by way of a third member, for example,
attached or
fitted to a stub pipe to which the inlet end cap is attached.
[0074] The chamber end cap may be configured to attach to the stormwater
chamber and form a chamber enclosure. In an embodiment, the end cap may be
welded to the stormwater chamber. FIG. 6 shows a step S650 of attaching the
flared
end ramp and end cap apparatus to the stormwater chamber. The flared end ramp
and
end cap apparatus is configured to connect to the stormwater chamber to form
an
enclosure containing the flared end ramp. A bottom of the flared end ramp is
in facing
relation to a ground on which the stormwater chamber is placed. A top surface
of the
ramp surface is in facing relation to an interior top surface of the
stormwater chamber.
The ramp surface may be curved or otherwise shaped and fitted to the stub pipe
to form
a smooth, inclined transition from a chamber interior into a stub pipe, the
bottom of
which is located above a bottom or lower portion of the stormwater chamber.
[0075] FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate another exemplary flared end ramp 720
configured
for use in a stormwater management system. For example, flared end ramp 720
may
be configured to manage flow of material, such as runoff, into a stormwater
chamber.
Flared end ramp 720 may include an inlet end 721 configured to receive runoff
from an
inlet pipe. In some embodiments, ramp side wall 723 may have a rounded profile
at the
inlet end 721 to form an inlet opening 727. For example, FIG. 7D illustrates
an
embodiment in which side wall 723 has an annular profile at inlet end 721 to
form the
inlet opening, and FIG. 7E illustrates an alternative embodiment in which side
wall 723
has a semi-circular profile at inlet end 721 to form the inlet opening. An end
of an inlet
pipe may be received within the inlet opening 727, which may conform to the
end of the
inlet pipe to form a fluid-tight connection. Additionally, or alternatively,
the inlet pipe and
flared end ramp 720 may be connected via one or more fixation means, such as
welding, adhesive, and/or a mechanical connector.
[0076] In some embodiments, the diameter of inlet opening 727 of the
flared end
ramp may be designed to receive an inlet pipe having a known outer diameter,
such
that the inlet pipe may fit securely within the inlet opening 727. In some
embodiments,
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
inlet opening 727 of the flared end ramp may have a diameter of between 6.0
inches
and 60.0 inches. For example, inlet opening 727 may have a diameter of
approximately
18 inches to receive an inlet pipe with an 18-inch diameter, or a diameter of
approximately 24 inches to receive an inlet pipe with a 24-inch diameter.
[0077] Flared end ramp 720 may also include an outlet end 722 at an
opposite
end of the ramp from the inlet end 721, and an inclined surface 725 extending
between
the inlet end 721 and outlet end 722. As shown in FIG. 7A, inclined surface
725 may
have a rounded profile near the inlet end 721, similar to the profile of the
inlet opening
727. The inclined surface 725 may have a different profile at the outlet end
722,
including a flattened bottom portion 725a and first and second upstanding side
portions
725b, 725c. In some embodiments, outlet end 722 may have a larger width than
inlet
end 721; specifically, inclined surface 725 may have a greater width at the
outlet end
722 and a smaller width at the inlet end 721. As a result, ramp side walls 723
may be
angled laterally outward (i.e., may extend away from the center of the
inclined surface
725) from the inlet end 721 toward the outlet end 722.
[0078] Flared end ramp 720 may include at least one support foot 724
configured
to support the flared end ramp on a support surface. As shown in FIG. 7B, the
at least
one support foot 724 may be connected to a bottom surface of the flared end
ramp at,
or in close proximity to, the outlet end 722 by known methods such as welding,
adhesive, and/or a mechanical connector. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS.
7A-
7E, the flared end ramp may include a single support foot 724 extending
laterally, and
continuously, between the side walls 723a and 723b at the outlet end of the
ramp. In
alternative embodiments, the flared end ramp may include at least two support
feet, a
first of which may extend laterally from first side wall 723a and a second of
which may
extend laterally from second side wall 723b. As shown in FIG. 7C, the at least
one
support foot 724 extends laterally from the side walls of the flared end ramp.
As a
result, a distance between support foot edges 724a and 724b may form the
widest
portion of the flared end ramp 720.
[0079] As shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, flared end ramp 720 may include one or
more drainage grooves formed in the inclined surface 725 to promote flow of
runoff from
the inlet end 721 towards the outlet end 722. For example, the ramp may
include a
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
drainage groove 726a extending along the center or midline of the inclined
surface 725.
Additionally, or alternatively, the ramp may include one or more drainage
grooves
originating near the center of the inclined surface at the inlet end 721, and
extending
laterally outward towards the outlet end 722. For example, the flared end ramp
may
include drainage grooves 726b and 726c extending from the center of the
inclined
surface 725 near the inlet end of the ramp towards the first side wall 723a
and the
second side wall 723b, respectively, at the outlet end of the ramp.
Advantageously,
drainage groove 726a may promote runoff flow along a midline of the ramp and
into the
center of the stormwater chamber, while drainage grooves 726b and 726c may
guide
runoff away from the center of the stormwater chamber and towards the chamber
side
walls.
[0080] FIG. 8A illustrates an exterior view of another exemplary
stormwater
management system 800, which may include the flared end ramp 720. FIG. 8B
illustrates an interior view of stormwater management system 800. Stormwater
management system 800 may have a similar configuration as systems 100, 400,
and
500 discussed herein, and may include a stormwater chamber 810 with an inlet
end cap
812, an inlet pipe 845 configured to convey runoff from an inlet apparatus
(not shown)
to flared end ramp 720, and a filtration fabric 830 covering the open-bottom
of
stormwater chamber 810 to filter runoff percolating from the chamber into the
earth. In
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, inlet pipe 845 may pass through the
inlet
end cap 812 and into the stormwater chamber 810, where the inlet pipe may
connect
with the inlet end 721 of the flared end ramp; accordingly, flared end ramp
720 may be
wholly contained within stormwater chamber 810. Alternatively, inlet end 721
of the
flared end ramp may be situated within the opening formed in the inlet end cap
812 or at
a location outside of the stormwater chamber. In such embodiments, the flared
end
ramp 720 may pass through the opening in the inlet end cap and into the
stormwater
chamber.
[0081] Flared end ramp 720 may be configured to convey runoff away from
the
inlet end cap 812 and further into the stormwater chamber 810. In some
embodiments,
the outlet end 722 of the flared end ramp may rest on the filtration fabric
830 and may
have a large width, relative to the inlet end 721, such that the flared end
ramp may
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
distribute sediment across the width of the stormwater chamber. In some
embodiments, flared end ramp 720 may include at least one support foot 724
having a
larger width than the stormwater chamber 810; this may cause the at least one
support
foot 724 to extend out of the stormwater chamber 810 through the open-bottom
of the
chamber, as shown in FIG. 8A. Advantageously, the contact between the at least
one
support foot 724 and the bottom edge of the stormwater chamber 810 may secure
the
flared end ramp and stormwater chamber together against relative movement.
[0082] In some embodiments, the at least one support foot 724 may have a
small
height (i.e., the vertical dimension in FIGS. 8A and 8B), such as a height of
less than
one inch. For example, the at least one support foot 724 may have a height of
approximately 0.25 inches. Advantageously, the small height of the support
foot 724
allows the outlet end of the inclined surface 725 to rest on the bottom of the
stormwater
chamber (i.e., on the filtration fabric 830), allowing smooth, non-turbulent
flow of runoff
from the flared end ramp 720 into the stormwater chamber 810 and allowing
sediment
in the runoff to settle more quickly for faster filtration.
[0083] Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one support foot 724
may have a
width (i.e., the distance between support foot edges 724a and 724b) that is
equal to or
larger than the width of the stormwater chamber 810. This may allow the
support foot to
engage the bottom edge of the chamber to secure the ramp and chamber together.
In
some embodiments, the at least one support foot 724 may have a width of
between
25.0 inches and 125.0 inches, such as a width of approximately 50 inches, 78
inches, or
100 inches.
[0084] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, inlet pipe 845 may
pass
through an opening in inlet end cap 812 such that flared end ramp 720 is not
in contact
with the inlet end cap. For example, a distance of between 0.5 and 3.0 inches
(e.g., a
distance of between 1.0 and 2.0 inches) may be provided between inlet end cap
812
and flared end ramp 720. Inlet pipe 845 may be secured to inlet end cap 812,
such as
by welding. Additionally, or alternatively, inlet pipe 845 may be secured to
the flared
end ramp 720, such as by welding the inlet opening 727 of the ramp directly to
an outer
surface of the inlet pipe or by a mechanical connector (e.g., a threaded rod
and nut).
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
[0085] In various embodiments, filtration fabric 130, 430, 830 (referred
to
hereafter as filtration fabric 130) may be formed from a single layer of a
woven
geotextile fabric, such as a woven polypropylene material. Advantageously,
implementing filtration fabric 130 with stormwater management system 100 has
been
found to increase the filtration rate of runoff that is stored in the
stormwater chamber,
while also providing high rates of sedimental removal efficency. For example,
material
properties of an exemplary filtration fabric 130 and prior filtration fabric
SKAPS SW315
(referred to hereafter as "SW315," which is a woven geotextile having two
layers) were
tested by the Applicant to evaluate the suitability of each fabric for use
with the
exemplary stormwater management system 100. The properties of both fabrics are
provided below:
Filtration Fabric 130 SW315 Fabric
Property (MARV1) (MARV1)
Grab Tensile Strength 325 lbs. 315 lbs.
Grab Elongation 15% 15%
CBR Puncture Resistance 1124 lbs. 1000 lbs.
Weight 8 oz/yd2 6 oz/yd2
Trapezoidal Tear Strength 200 lbs. 120 lbs.
Apparent Opening Size (AOS) 0.425 mm 0.425 mm
Permittivity 0.15 sec-1 0.05 sec-1
Hydraulic loading rate 4.1 gpm/ft2 2.5 gpm/ft2
1 Minimum Average Roll Values (MARV) is calculated as the average minus two
standard
deviations. Statistically, it yields approximately 97.5% degree of confidence
that any samples
taken from quality assurance testing will meet or exceed the values described
above.
[0086] As shown above, filtration fabric 130 was found to have a greater
tear
strength and puncture resistance than the prior two-layer fabric, indicating
that filtration
fabric 130 is more resilient against tearing, compared to the prior fabric,
when used for
runoff filtration in a stormwater chamber. Additionally, filtration fabric 130
was also
found to have a greater permittivity, which is a measure of the rate at which
water flows
through a material. Specifically, filtration fabric 130 was found to have a
permittivity of
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
0.15 5ec-1, while the prior fabric was found to have a lower permittivity of
0.05 sec-1.
This finding indicates that filtration fabric 130 may filter runoff at a
greater rate than the
prior fabric, allowing runoff to be released from the stormwater chamber 110
more
quickly and minimizing the likelihood that the capacity of stormwater chamber
110 will
be exceeded by additional runoff. This conclusion was borne out by the
measurement
of each fabric's hydraulic loading rate, which is a measure of the volume of
water that
can pass through a given area of media during a set duration of time.
Filtration fabric
130 was found to have a hydraulic loading rate of 4.1 gpm/ft2, compared to the
prior
fabric's hydraulic loading rate of 2.5 gpm/ft2. This finding suggests that the
single-layer
filtration fabric 130 filters runoff at a greater rate than the prior, two-
layer fabric of the
same size.
[0087] As another example, the filtration efficacy of stormwater
management
system 100, including filtration fabric 130, was evaluated according to the
protocols of
the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology's (NJCAT's) Technology
Verification Program. Specifically, two stormwater chambers were installed
underground, each chamber having a similar configuration as stormwater chamber
110
depicted in FIG. 3A. A total of 16 sediment removal efficiency testing runs
were
completed in which runoff having a controlled flow rate and a controlled
influent
sediment concentration was supplied to the stormwater chambers.
[0088] The results from all 16 runs were used to calculate the overall
cumulative
removal efficiency of the stormwater management system 100. The results of
this test
indicated that stormwater management system 100 has a sediment removal rate of
81.2%. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) test
protocol
requires a sediment removal rate of at least 80% to verify the efficiency of a
stormwater
filtration system; a sediment filtration rate of 80% is also the industry
standard for
evaluating sediment filtration efficiency. See N.J. Admin. Code 7:8-5.5
(2016).
Accordingly, stormwater management system 100 not only filters runoff at a
faster rate
than prior technologies but also maintains highly efficient runoff filtration
that exceeds
the applicable legal and industry standards.
[0089] The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of
illustration.
It is not exhaustive and is not limited to precise forms or embodiments
disclosed.
26
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
Attorney Docket No. 07965.0217-02304
Modifications and adaptations of the embodiments will be apparent from
consideration
of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. For example,
while
certain components have been described as being coupled to one another, such
components may be integrated with one another or distributed in any suitable
fashion.
[0090] Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described
herein, the
scope includes any and all embodiments having equivalent elements,
modifications,
omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments),
adaptations
and/or alterations based on the present disclosure. The elements in the claims
are to
be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not
limited to
examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of
the
application, which examples are to be construed as nonexclusive. Further, the
steps of
the disclosed methods can be modified in any manner, including reordering
steps
and/or inserting or deleting steps.
[0091] The features and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from
the
detailed specification, and thus, it is intended that the appended claims
cover all
systems and methods falling within the true spirit and scope of the
disclosure. As used
herein, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" mean "one or more." Similarly,
the use of a
plural term does not necessarily denote a plurality unless it is unambiguous
in the given
context. Words such as "and" or "or" mean "and/or" unless specifically
directed
otherwise. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily
occur from
studying the present disclosure, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to
the exact
construction and operation illustrated and described, and, accordingly, all
suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of
the
disclosure.
[0092] Other embodiments will be apparent from consideration of the
specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. It is intended
that the
specification and examples be considered as example only, with a true scope
and spirit
of the disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims.
27
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-30
