STORMWATER HANDLING SYSTEM WITH ADJUSTABLE WEIR ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application relates generally to stormwater runoff handling systems, such as stormwater filtration and retention systems and, more particularly, to such systems incorporating upstanding pipe structures or other upstanding tubular stormwater handling components.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Stormwater handling and treatment systems of a variety of types are known. Bio-Filtration and Bioretention systems are used to manage water quality, peak flows, and the volume of stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces such as rooftops, parking lots and streets.

[0003] Bioretention is a process by which runoff is ponded on the surface of a vegetated depression and allowed to infiltrate into the ground or evapotranspirate into the atmosphere. Bio-Filtration is a similar process but rather than infiltrating into the ground, it is collected into a subsurface underdrain and discharged to a stormwater pipe network or surface waters. There are many design variants and combinations for these stormwater control measures (SCMs) or best management practices (BMPs).

[0004] In some such systems, upstanding pipes are utilized. In some arrangements, stormwater may feed in at the bottom of such pipes and then flows upward through the upstanding pipes to spill over onto a treatment bed for passage down through the treatment bed. In other arrangements, stormwater may feed onto the top of a treatment bed and, if the stormwater rises high enough, spills over into the upstanding pipes to bypass passage through the treatment bed. In either arrangement, it can prove difficult to properly size and position the upstanding pipes to achieve the overall desired flow conditions.

[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved flow control assembly that is mountable atop the upstanding pipes.

SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, a stormwater handling system includes an upstanding tubular component having an upper end and an adjustable weir assembly mounted on the upstanding tubular component. The adjustable weir assembly includes a first tubular member secured to the upper end of the upstanding tubular component and a second tubular member rotatably mounted to the first tubular member. Rotation of the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member modifies a weir flow characteristic of the adjustable weir assembly.

[0007] In another aspect, a stormwater handling system includes an upstanding tubular component having an upper end with a top edge. An adjustable weir assembly is mounted atop the tubular component. The adjustable weir assembly includes a first tubular member secured to the upper end of the upstanding tubular component and having an upper portion that extends above the top edge and defines one or more first weir openings, and a second tubular member mounted to the first tubular member. The second tubular member defines one or more second weir openings. The second tubular member is rotatably mounted to the first tubular member such that overlap between the one or more second weir openings and the one or more first weir openings can be varied.

[0008] In a further aspect, an adjustable weir assembly is mountable atop an upstanding tubular component. The adjustable weir assembly includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member, wherein the second tubular member is rotatably mounted to the first tubular member. Rotation of the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member modifies a weir flow characteristic of the adjustable weir assembly.

[0009] In another aspect, an adjustable weir assembly includes a first tubular member that defines one or more first weir openings, and a second tubular member mounted to the first tubular member. The second tubular member defines one or more second weir openings. The second tubular member is rotatably mounted to the first tubular member such that overlap between the one or more second weir openings and the one or more first weir openings can be varied.

[0010] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 shows an elevation view of a stormwater handling system;

[0012]FIGS. 2A-2E show perspective views of the stormwater handling system with weir assembly in varying positions;

[0013]FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of portions of the stormwater handling system;

[0014]FIGS. 4-6 show cross-section views of portions of the stormwater handling system;

[0015]FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a stormwater handling system with a weir mounted guard;

[0016]FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a stormwater treatment system with multiple upstanding pipes;

[0017]FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of another stormwater treatment system with multiple upstanding pipes;

[0018]FIGS. 10A-10B, 11A-11B, 12A-12B and 13A-13B show variations of weir opening shapes of a weir assembly;

[0019]FIG. 14 shows an alternative embodiment of a releasable fixing mechanism;

[0020]FIG. 15 shows an alternative configuration of the tubular member that engages the upper end of the pipe; and

[0021]FIG. 16 shows an elevation view of a stormwater handling system with an alternative embodiment of a weir assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a stormwater handling system 10 includes an upstanding tubular component 12, here in the form of an upstanding pipe 12 (e.g., concrete pipe or other pipe) having an upper end 12a with a top edge 12b. An adjustable weir assembly 14 is mounted atop the pipe 12. The adjustable weir assembly 14 includes a tubular member 16 and a tubular member 20 (e.g., both of stainless steel or aluminum for corrosion resistance). The tubular member 16 is secured to the upper end 12a of the upstanding pipe 12 and includes an upper portion 16a that extends above the top edge 12b of the pipe and defines one or more weir openings 18. The tubular member 20 is mounted to the tubular member 16 and defines one or more weir openings 22. Here, both tubular members 16 and 20 are round in shape (in end view along a through axis of the tubular members), and the tubular member 20 is rotatably mounted to the tubular member 16 such that overlap or alignment between the one or more weir openings 22 and the one or more weir openings 18 can be varied, thereby varying a weir flow characteristic of the weir assembly (i.e., the volume of water that will pass from one side of the weir assembly to the other for a given water level height along the weir assembly will be varied). This variance in overlap enables variance of a total flow area available for stormwater to flow through the weir openings 22 and 18.

[0023]FIGS. 2A-2E show varying amounts of overlap between the weir openings 22 and 18, with FIG. 2A showing a relative position for maximum overlap and with FIG. 2E showing a relative position for much less overlap. In embodiments, the tubular member 20 is rotatable between a position of maximum overlap between the one or more weir openings 22 and the one or more weir openings 18 (per FIG. 2A) and a position of minimal or no overlap between the one or more weir openings 22 and the one or more weir openings 18.

[0024]The adjustable weir assembly 14 includes one or more mechanisms 30 for releasably fixing a position of the tubular member 20 on the tubular member 16. Here, an annular top plate 32 is fixed to the top of the tubular member 20 (e.g., by welding) and each mechanism 30 includes a threaded fastener 30a with a lower portion that is fixed (e.g., welded) to an inwardly facing surface of the tubular member 16 and an upper portion that extends upward through an arcuate slot 32a in the top plate 32. Nut 30b and washer 30c arrangements are provided such that, when tightened, a frictional force of the nut 30b and washer assembly 30c against the top surface of the annular plate 32 inhibits rotation of the annular plate 32 and thus also the tubular member 20. When the nut and washer assemblies are loosened, the frictional force is reduced or eliminated, allowing rotation of the tubular member 20 relative to the tubular member 16. Other arrangements to provide the releasable fixing of the position of the tubular member 20 could be provided, such as use of wingnuts. Moreover, a quick release lever mechanism could be implemented, per FIG. 14 where, by lifting the lever 80, tension is released on the fastener 30a allowing rotation of the top plate 32 and tubular member 20, and lowering the lever 80 increases tension and tightens the washer assembly 30c to top plate 32 to inhibit rotation.

[0025] The tubular member 16 includes a lower portion 16b engaged with the upper end 12a of the upstanding pipe, with a sealing gasket 40 between the lower portion 16b and the upper end 12a. Here, the lower portion 16b is disposed around the outwardly facing external surface 12c of the upper end 12a of the upstanding pipe 12 and the sealing gasket 40 is between the external surface 12c of the upper end of the upstanding pipe and an internal surface 16c of the tubular member 16.

[0026]In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular member 16 is formed by at least two components, here four components 16-1, 16-2, 16-3 and 16-4, that clamp onto the upper end 12a of the upstanding pipe to collectively form the tubular member 16. The clamping is achieved using outwardly extending bracket parts 42 at the circumferential ends of each component, where the bracket parts 42 have openings through which fastener assemblies 44 are passed to enable tightening of the components onto the upper end 12a of the pipe. This tightening also ensures a desirable sealing against the gasket 40. The gasket can help make up for uneven surfaces of the upstanding pipe. However, other variations of securing the tubular member 16 to the upper end 12a of the pipe are possible, such as use of a single component or multiple component tubular member 16’, per FIG. 15, with a mounting flange 82 in a horizontal arrangement that allows bolting down onto the horizontal top surface 12b at the top of the pipe. The mounting flange 82 can also have an inner sleeve 84 oriented down vertically into the top opening of the pipe to allow fastening to the inner wall of the upper end 12a of the . Sealant and/or other gasket material would be used to eliminate gaps between the inner sleeve and the pipe 12.

[0027] Per FIG. 7, in some implementations, a cage or guard member 45 may also be secured to the weir assembly 14 (e.g., by direct or indirect attachment to the bracket parts 42). Such a cage or guard member (aka beehive grate, scruffydome or trash guard) advantageously limits the size of objects that can traverse into or out of the upper end of the pipe 12.

[0028]FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a stormwater treatment system 50 in which multiple upstanding pipes 12 extend upward through a treatment bed 52 having a top surface 52a. The upper end of each pipe 12 includes a respective weir assembly 14 engaged thereon (here with associated guard members). An upstream stormwater collection device 54 is connected via a piping arrangement 56 to deliver stormwater to the bottom ends of each pipe 12, such that the stormwater will feed upward through the pipes 12, spill over onto the top of the treatment bed 52 and then filter down through the treatment bed to reach an outflow pipe 58. In this arrangement, the weir assembly 14 of each upstanding pipe 12 can be adjusted to achieve a more even upward flow of water through the pipes 12. In particular, as stormwater enters the treatment bed from the upstream system 54 and 56, it is desirable to distribute flow evenly across the surface 52a of the treatment bed 52. For ease of construction, it is typical that the lateral pipe under the treatment bed 56 is the same size throughout. However, this can create a situation where more flow enters the treatment bed through the pipe 12 closest to the inlet 54, due to the fact that upward flow out of each pipe is governed by the head pressure available, and the size of the pipe. As some flow exits the first riser pipe 12 and onto the treatment bed, the remaining flow in the lateral pipe leading to the subsequent riser pipes is reduced and since there is a lower flow and a consistent pipe size, the pressure head is also reduced. Rather than performing complicated calculations and adjusting the pipe sizing between each riser pipe, it is easier to control via head pressure at each riser pipe. The weir assemblies can be adjusted at the first riser pipe to a smaller opening to build more head, while the farthest riser can be adjusted to be fully open at a lower head pressure. Between multiple riser pipes, the flow can be adjusted in situ to more evenly distribute flow across the treatment bed.

[0029]FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a stormwater treatment system 60 in which multiple upstanding pipes 12 extend upward through a treatment bed 62 having a top surface 62a. The upper end of each pipe 12 includes a respective weir assembly 14 engaged thereon (here with associated guard members). An upstream stormwater collection device 64 is connected via a piping arrangement 66 to deliver stormwater to the top of the treatment bed 62 such that that stormwater will filter down through the treatment bed to reach an outflow pipe 68. In the case of excess flows into the top of the treatment bed, the stormwater level will rise and flow into the pipes 12 for bypass purposes. In this arrangement, the weir assembly 14 of each upstanding pipe 12 can be adjusted to prevent short circuiting and premature bypass closer to the inlet. In particular, on larger systems, it is frequently ideal to have multiple means for bypass throughout the treatment system in order to prevent scour of the treatment bed 52. A single overflow in one location to handle all bypass flows concentrates all flow to one area of the treatment system and can scour the treatment media below as well as resuspend collected debris. By spacing multiple overflow pipes, the bypass flows can be managed in several locations, reducing the scour and resuspension impact at any given location. However, incoming flows through piping 66 can create a turbulent flow condition nearer the inlet to the treatment bed, even during treatment storm events that should not bypass. For constructability, it makes sense to set bypass elevations at the operating head elevation for the system. However, in practice, having the ability to adjust the bypass elevation and/or flow at a given head at the various pipe locations throughout the treatment bay allows for fine tuning to prevent a situation where turbulent inflows during the treatment storm would otherwise prematurely bypass at an overflow pipe closer to the inlet. It is much easier to adjust the weir openings in the field than to extend the riser pipe height post-construction.

[0030] In the above-depicted embodiment, the weir openings 18 and the weir openings 22 are of like shape and size, per FIGS. 10A-10B, and are substantially rectangular. However, variations in which the shape and/or size of the openings do not match are possible. For example, FIGS. 11A-11B show an embodiment in which the weir openings of one tubular part are rectangular and the weir openings of the other tubular part are trapezoidal. FIGS. 12A-12B show an embodiment in which the weir openings of one tubular part are rectangular and the weir openings of the other tubular part are triangular. FIGS. 13A-13B show an embodiment in which the weir openings of one tubular part are rectangular and the weir openings of the other tubular part are circular. Still other variations are possible.

[0031]FIG. 16 shows a schematic of another embodiment of a weir assembly 114 in which the tubular member 116 is attached to the pipe upper end 112a and includes weir openings 118, and the tubular member 120 is engaged with the tubular member 116 and includes weir openings 122. The shapes of the weir openings 118 and 122 could vary. The tubular member 120 is rotatably engaged on the tubular member 116 and the tubular members include respective contacting portions 125 and 127 (e.g., ramp surfaces, threads or any configuration of cam features) that interact during rotation of the tubular member 120 such that the height of the tubular member 120 will vary. This moves the location of overlap between weir openings 122 and 118 higher or lower (depending upon the direction of rotation), thereby varying the weir flow height and thus a weir flow characteristic of the weir assembly. In a modified version of this embodiment, the weir openings 118 and 122 could be eliminated entirely, such that the weir flow characteristic is varied by variance of the height of the upper edge of the tubular member 120, with weir flow passing over such upper edge.

[0032] In implementations, the use of the weir assemblies ensures balanced water distribution across multiple inlets. This mechanism enhances water management capabilities compared to traditional fixed weirs, allowing for adjustable flow control based on site-specific conditions.

[0033] In some embodiments, the adjustable weir assembly could be mounted atop other stormwater handling tubular components, such as manholes or catchbasin risers. As used herein, the term “tubular component” encompasses pipes, manholes, risers and other tubular members that are round or of other shapes (e.g., oval, elliptical, square or non-square rectangular shapes). Where the upstanding tubular component is non-round, an adapter flange (e.g., square to round) may be provided as part of the weir assembly.

[0034] It is to be clearly understood that the above description is intended by way of illustration and example only, is not intended to be taken by way of limitation, and that other changes and modifications are possible. The scope of protection of each following claim shall only be limited by features expressly set forth in such claim.