Abstract:
An application for a flow control system includes a tapered plunger situated within an conduit. The conduit is open to a downstream drainage system. The tapered plunger is buoyant, assisted by one or more floats attached such that, when the water level around the flow control system increases to a predetermined level above a top rim of the conduit, the tapered plunger lifts due to the buoyancy. In such, the flow rate is maintained substantially constant. At the emergency level, alternate drain systems provide increased drainage to reduce the potential of flooding.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This is related to U.S. patent titled “FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A DETENTION POND,” attorney docket 2664.4, inventor Jonathan D. Moody, filed even date here within. This is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No 12/463,614, filed May 11, 2009, attorney docket 2664.3 and inventor Jonathan D. Moody; the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The disclosure relates to the field of flow control devices and more particularly to a flow control device for a detention pond or surge tank. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Detention ponds and surge tanks are deployed to temporarily store a fluid and limit the rate of fluid discharge to a downstream system when the inflow rate of the fluid is variable at times exceeds the functional capacity of the downstream system. In the case of a storm water detention pond, the pond receives increased rates of storm water runoff generated by the development of upstream lands, temporarily stores the runoff and limits the rate of discharge of the runoff to a receiving system of water conveyance such as a river, stream or storm sewer such that the capacity of the receiving system is not exceeded thereby causing flooding, harmful erosion or other environmental damage. Similarly, a surge tank temporarily stores a process fluid of varying inflow rate and limits the rate of discharge of the fluid to that which will not exceed the capacity of a downstream process. In the field of wastewater treatment, a surge tank may be deployed to receive wastewater flows during peak periods of water use, temporarily store the wastewater and limit the release of the wastewater flow to the treatment plant to a rate not exceeding the design capacity of the plant. 
         [0004]    The temporary storage volume required for a detention pond or surge tank is dependent on the rate and duration of fluid inflow and the allowable rate and duration of fluid outflow. The larger the difference between the peak rate of inflow and the allowable rate outflow, the greater the volume is required for temporary storage. Whereas providing large storage volumes can be costly such as the expense incurred for land acquisition and excavation required to construct a large detention pond or the expense of fabrication and installation of a very large tank it is therefore advantageous to minimize the amount of temporary storage volume required for safe operation of the system. Minimization of the temporary storage volume required can be accomplished by minimizing the difference between the duration and rate of inflow and the duration and rate of outflow. Since the rate inflow is variable and cannot be controlled, minimization of the required temporary storage volume is achieved when the maximum allowable rate of discharge is sustained for the longest possible duration of time. 
         [0005]    The prior art is generally concerned with limiting the maximum outflow rates, at which damage can occur, by employing discharge control mechanisms such as fixed weirs, orifices, nozzles and riser structures whereby the maximum discharge rates of such mechanisms are determined by the geometric configuration of the mechanisms and the height of the fluid or static head acting on the mechanisms. In each case, the maximum flow rate is achieved only at the single point in time at which the static head acting on the mechanism is at its maximum level. Therefore, all discharges occurring when fluid levels are not at their maximums are less than optimum. 
         [0006]    One solution to this problem is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,125,200 to Fulton, which is hereby incorporated by reference. This patent describes a flow control device that consists of a buoyant flow control module housing an orifice within an interior chamber that is maintained at a predetermined depth below the water surface. This flow control device neglects the use of other traditional flow control mechanisms such as weirs, risers and nozzles, has limited adjustability, and utilizes flexible moving parts subject to collapse by excess hydrostatic pressure or failure resulting from material fatigue caused by repeated cyclical motion. 
         [0007]    What is needed is a flow control device that provides for deployment of a variety of discharge control mechanisms in singular or in combination, is readily adjustable to accommodate for deviations incurred during installation, settlement, or by variability in the weights and densities of the materials of which it is comprised and does not rely on parts subject to failure by excess hydrostatic force or repeated cyclical motion while maintaining a nearly constant rate of discharge at varying fluid levels. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    A flow control system of the present invention includes a tapered plunger situated within a conduit, thereby creating a gap between the conduit and the tapered plunger through which water or other fluids flow and eventually reach a downstream drainage system. The tapered plunger lifts due to buoyancy, thereby reducing the area of the gap between the tapered plunger and the bottom edge of the conduit. The cross sectional area of the tapered plunger increases as the water level increases and is a function of the orifice equation such that the cross sectional area of the tapered plunger A p =A i −[Q/C(2gH) 2 ]where: 
         [0009]    Q=constant flow rate 
         [0010]    H=Effective head on the orifice/gap 
         [0011]    C=Orifice coefficient of discharge 
         [0012]    A i =Cross Sectional Area of inside of conduit 
         [0013]    A p =Cross Sectional Area of the tapered plunger 
         [0014]    Bouyancy of the tapered plunger is assisted by one or more floats attached such that, when the water level around the flow control system increases to a pre-determined level above a top rim of the conduit, the tapered plunger lifts due to the buoyancy. In such, the flow rate is maintained substantially constant until the water level reaches a predetermined emergency level. At the emergency level, alternate drain systems provide increased drainage to reduce the potential of flooding. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment, a flow control system for integration into a detention pond or surge tank is disclosed including a stationary riser having a core that has an axis that is substantially vertical. A top end of the stationary riser has a rim and the opposing end of the stationary riser is open and empties to a drainage system. A tapered plunger fits in place within the hollow core defining a gap area between an outer surface of the tapered plunger and an inner surface of the stationary riser hollow core and liquid from the detention pond flows over the rim, through the gap area, through the hollow core and into the drainage system. There is at least one float interfaced to the tapered plunger, providing buoyancy to the tapered plunger. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, a flow control system for integration into a detention pond or surge tank is disclosed including a holding box installed in a bed of the detention pond. The holding box has an interior cavity and at least one opening in fluid communication with a liquid contained in the detention pond. A stationary riser that has a hollow core, an axis of which being substantially vertical, has a top end held within an aperture in a lid covering the holding box. Liquid flowing through the stationary riser hollow core exits the holding box through a drainage system. A tapered plunger fits within the hollow core to form a gap area between an inner surface of the stationary riser hollow core and an outer surface of the tapered plunger. There is at least one float interfaced to the tapered plunger, providing buoyancy to the tapered plunger. Liquid from the detention pond flows over the rim, through the gap area, through the stationary riser hollow core and into the drainage system. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment, a flow control system for integration into a detention pond or surge tank is disclosed including a holding box installed in a bed of the detention pond. The holding box has an interior cavity, a shelf, and at least one opening that is in fluid communication with a liquid contained in the detention pond and is located above the shelf. A stationary riser has a hollow core, an axis of which being substantially vertical. A top end of the stationary riser has a rim and is held within an aperture in the shelf so that liquid flowing through the stationary riser hollow core exits the holding box through a drainage system. A tapered plunger fits within the stationary riser hollow core to form a gap area between an inner surface of the hollow core and an outer surface of the tapered plunger and at least one float is interfaced to the tapered plunger, providing buoyancy to the tapered plunger. Liquid from the detention pond flows over the rim, through the gap area, through the stationary riser hollow core and out through the drainage system. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates a sectional view of a system of the system of a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  illustrates a detail sectional view of the system of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  illustrates sectional view of a system of a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a system of a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a system of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  illustrates a sectional view of a system of the system of a third embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  illustrates a sectional view of a system of the system of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. Throughout the following description, the term detention pond and surge tank represent any such structure and are equivalent structure for detaining liquids. Throughout this description and claims, the terms detention pond and/or surge tank are interchangeable and represent any body of liquid. 
         [0027]    The flow control system described provides for an initial discharge rate starting as soon as the detention pond or surge tank reaches a pre-determined liquid level, then, as the liquid level increases, the discharge rate and the down-stream water pressure remain relatively constant until a high-water level is reached, at which level the flow control system provides for an increased discharge rate to reduce the possibility of exceeding the volumetric capacity of the detention pond or surge tank. Throughout this description, the detention pond is referred to as holding a liquid. Such liquid is often referred to as water, but is not limited to water and often contains other materials, other liquids and other solids such as salts, oils, leaves, silt and other debris. 
         [0028]    Prior to more advanced flow control systems, limiting the maximum outflow rates at which damage can occur was accomplished by deploying discharge control mechanisms such as fixed weirs, orifices, nozzles and riser structures whereby the maximum discharge rates of such mechanisms are determined by the geometric configuration of the mechanisms and the height of the fluid or static head acting on the mechanisms. In each case, the maximum flow rate is achieved only at the single point in time at which the static head acting on the mechanism is at its maximum level. Therefore, all discharges occurring when fluid levels are not at their maximums are less than optimal and require provision of greater temporary storage capacities. The present invention solves these and other problems as is evident in the following description. 
         [0029]    By initiating a maximum flow rate through the described system once the water level reaches a pre-determined level and continuing that flow rate until the water level reaches a level that is of, for example, flood stage, the detention pond will empty faster than one using a system in which the maximum flow rate is achieved only just before the water level reaches the flood stage (e.g. the water level is below maximum when the water level reaches the pre-determined level). In such, using the system of the present invention reduces the overall capacity requirements for the detention pond, thereby reducing the land area needed to support the detention pond, etc. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a schematic view of a system of the present invention will be described. The detention pond or surge tank flow control system  20  has two primary components, a holding box  26  and the actual flow control device  40 . The holding box is shown in  FIG. 1  with an optional lid  28  and optional debris shield  30 . 
         [0031]    The holding box  26  and optional lid  28  is typically made of concrete or metal. The debris shield  30  partially covers an opening  32  in the side of the holding box  26  to reduce influx of leaves, oil and other debris from the liquid  10  in the detention pond as the liquid  10  flows into the holding box  26 . The holding box  26  is positioned part way into the bed  12  of the detention pond  10 . As the liquid level  9  in the detention pond  10  rises, it is skimmed by the debris shield  30 , holding back some or all of any floating debris, oil, etc, and the liquid (e.g. water) from the detention pond or surge tank spills over into the holding box  26  through the opening  32 . 
         [0032]    The flow control device  40  consists of a stationary riser or conduit  42  and a movable plunger  46  (see  FIG. 2 ). Details of the movable plunger  46  are shown in  FIG. 2 . Once the liquid level  9  within the holding box  26  rises above the top rim  48  of the stationary riser  42 , liquid flows over the top rim  48  at a constant rate independent of the liquid level of the detention pond or surge tank  10  because the bottom of the movable plunger  46  is held at approximately the same depth beneath the liquid surface  9  within the holding box  26 . The liquid flows through the stationary riser  42  and out the drain pipe  24  to the drainage system, streams, rivers, etc. in the case of a storm water detention pond or downstream process in the case of, for example, a surge tank. 
         [0033]    Although the flow control system  40  is capable of supporting itself within the holding box  26 , it is anticipated that one or more optional struts  44  are provided to secure the flow control system  40  to the holding box  26 . In addition, also anticipated is a bypass drain  22 , which begins bypassing water when the liquid level  9  in the detention pond or surge tank  10  reaches a certain height such as a flood height. 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, a lock (not shown) is provided to lock the cover  28  on top of the holding box  26 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a detail sectional view of the system  40  of the first embodiment of the present invention including the plunger  46  will be described. The floats  50 / 52  are shown affixed to float shafts  54 / 56  which are affixed to cross members  60 / 62 . The cross members  60 / 62  are affixed to a plunger shaft  55  and the plunger shaft  55  is affixed to the movable plunger  46 . 
         [0036]    The movable plunger  46  is positioned within a hollow core of a stationary riser or conduit  42  and the stationary riser or conduit  42  is in fluid communications with a drain conduit  24  that interfaces to the drainage system. Although not required, it is preferred that the cross-sectional shape of the movable plunger  46  be similar to the cross-sectional shape of the conduit  42 . For example, the cross sectional shape of a movable plunger  42  is circular having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the conduit  42 . In this way, the liquid  10  (e.g. rain water) flowing over the lip  48  of the conduit  42  will flow past the movable plunger  46  and out through the drain conduit  24 . 
         [0037]    The flow control mechanism  40  provides an approximately constant discharge rate through the drain conduit  24  by maintaining a constant depth, d, between the surface level  9  of the liquid  10  and the bottom  47  of the movable plunger  46 . The discharge rate is proportional to the distance d between the surface  9  of the liquid  10  and the bottom  47  of the movable plunger; and a gap area which is the space between the outer surface  45  of the movable plunger  46  and the inner wall  41  of the stationary riser or conduit  42 . If the movable plunger  46  did not rise as the liquid  10  surface level  9  rises, the depth, d, would increase and therefore the water pressure around the movable plunger  46  would increase, thereby increasing the flow rate through the system. To implement a relatively constant flow rate, the floats  50 / 52  of the flow control system  40  lift the movable plunger  46  as the liquid  10  surface level  9  raises, thereby maintaining a relatively constant depth, d. 
         [0038]    In order to prevent the movable plunger  46  from exiting the conduit  42 , a mechanism that limits its travel is provided, for example the float shafts  54 / 56  extend downward through bushings  72  or holes in limit arm(s)  70  and are terminated with stops  73 . In some embodiments, the stops  73  are adjustable, for example, nuts on a threaded end of the float shafts  54 / 56 . The present invention works equally well without a mechanism that limits its travel and, when a limit is used, any mechanism for limiting travel is anticipated. 
         [0039]    In the embodiment shown, the floats  50 / 52  are adjustable by bending of the float shafts  54 / 56  and/or the cross member  60 / 62  or by adjusting the vertical position of the floats  50 / 52  on the float shafts  54 / 56  using threaded float shafts  54 / 56  and fasteners (e.g. nuts)  51 . Any number and/or shape of floats  50 / 52  are anticipated. Although shown throughout this description as spherical, other shapes of floats  50 / 52  are anticipated including square or rectangular boxes, etc. It is anticipated that, in some embodiments, there is but a single cross member  60 . Other structural arrangements are also anticipated that connect one or more floats  50 / 52  to the movable plunger  46 . Any structural arrangement, whether adjustable (as shown) or fixed that includes a movable plunger  46  of any shape or size held within a conduit  42  and interfaced to a float arrangement  50 / 52  is anticipated, including one that is a fixed unit without any adjustable components wherein the floats are permanently affixed to a member that is interfaced to the movable plunger  46 . 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, a secondary skimmer  80  is integrated into the flow control system  40 . In this, a secondary skimmer  80 , such as a section of conduit having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the conduit  42 , is interfaced to the cross members  60 / 62  such that, as the flow control system  40  raises and lowers, so does the secondary skimmer  80 . The intent is to reduce the outflow of floating debris as the liquid  10  exits the flow control system  40 . Since the secondary skimmer  80  extends below the surface  9 , liquid  10  from beneath the surface  9  flows between the secondary skimmer  80  and the conduit  42 , reducing the amount of floating debris passing through the flow control system  40 . The secondary skimmer  80  is optional. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , sectional view of a system of a second embodiment of a flow control system  100  will be described. In this embodiment, the movable plunger  146  is integrated with a skimmer  180  and placed over the holding box  26 . The skimmer  180  has two functions: to reduce floating debris, oil, etc. from exiting the drain conduit  24  and to keep the movable plunger  146  in place on the holding box. One or more float device  150 / 151  are attached to the flow control system  100 . Any number and shape of float devices  150 / 151  are anticipated including one continuous float device encircling the outer area of the flow control system  100 . The flow control system  100  of this design is adaptable to existing holding boxes  26  with little or no modification to the existing holding boxes  26 . 
         [0042]    In some embodiments (not shown), mechanisms are added to the basic design to limit the height of travel during high levels of liquid (e.g. water)  10 . For example, a chain is attached at one end to the bottom end of the plunger  146  and at an opposite end to the holding box  26 . Additionally, in some embodiments, positioning mechanisms (not shown) are added to keep the movable plunger  146  roughly centered in the holding box  26 . Although shown installed on a holding box  26 , it is anticipated that the flow control system  100  be used on any similar structure. 
         [0043]    The flow control system  100  operates under the same principles as the first embodiment. In that the flow rate is proportional to the area/space between the outer surface  145  of the movable plunger  146  and the inner surface  25  of the holding box  26  and the depth, d, between the surface  9  of the liquid  10  and the bottom surface of the movable plunger  146 . Since the movable plunger  146  raises with the surface  9  by function of the floats  150 / 151 , the depth, d, remains substantially constant and therefore the flow rate, too, remains substantially constant. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of a flow control system  100  of a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this, the flow control system  100  is installed over a holding box  26 . 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of a flow control system  100  of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The movable plunger  146  is of similar shape as the holding box  26 , but has a smaller cross sectional area, thereby providing a gap between the outer wall  145  of the movable plunger  146  and the inner wall  25  of the holding box  26 . It is anticipated that in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the movable plunger  146  is similar to the opening shape of the holding box  26  while in other embodiments, it is different. For example, one particular movable plunger  146  has a round cross-sectional shape and fits within a holding box  26  that has a square opening or visa-versa. 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, the height of the movable plunger  46 / 146  is determined based upon the height of the holding box  26  and the range of expected liquid  10  levels. For example, if the systems of the present invention need operate in a detention pond where a 3 foot range of liquid  10  levels is expected, then the movable plunger  46 / 146  is approximately 3 feet tall so that the bottom edge of the movable plunger  46 / 146  does not exit the holding box  26  when the liquid  10  reaches its highest level. Alternately, the flow control system requires stops to prevent the movable plunger  46 / 146  from disengaging with the holding box  26  and floating away such as the limit arms  70  and stops  71  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a sectional view of a system of the system  220  of a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the holding box  26  is closed except for an opening in the lid  28  that holds an end of a stationary riser (conduit)  242 . Within the conduit/stationary riser  242  is a tapered plunger  246  that is suspended by a shaft  255  from a support arm  260  that is interfaced to floats  250 / 252 . As the level  9  of the water  10  in the detention pond rises, so do the floats  250 / 252  and, through the support arm  260  and shaft  255 , so does the tapered plunger  246 . Since the tapered plunger  246  is tapered, when the level  9  of the water  10  is just above the lid  28 , a larger flow rate is permitted into the holding box  26  through the conduit  242  and as the tapered plunger  246  lifts proportional to the level  9  of the water  10  as it rises, the tapered plunger  246  provides less water flow between its wider circumference area and the inner circumference of the conduit  242 . 
         [0048]    The flow is controlled by the orifice equation: 
         [0000]        Q=C*A *(2 gH )**0.5 
         [0049]    Where: 
         [0050]    Q=flow rate 
         [0051]    A=cross sectional area of gap between the tapered plunger  246  and the conduit  242  (i.e. the gap area) 
         [0052]    H=effective headwater depth 
         [0053]    g=gravitational acceleration (32.2 ft/sec2) 
         [0054]    C=orifice coefficient 
         [0055]    Note: the effective headwater depth is the distance from the level  9  of water  10  to bottom  247  of the conduit  242  if the tailwater level (that in the holding box  26 ) is below the bottom  247  of the conduit  242 . If the tailwater level (that in the holding box  26 ) is at or above the bottom  247  of the conduit  242 , then the headwater depth is the distance from the level  9  of water  10  to the tailwater level. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a sectional view of a system of the system  222  of a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the holding box  26  is has a lid  28  and at least one opening  32  that enables the flow of water  10  into the holding box as the level  9  of the water  10  raises above the opening  32 . An internal shelf  29  supports a conduit  242  within the holding box  26 . Within the conduit  242  is a tapered plunger  246  that is suspended by a shaft  255  from a support arm  260  that is interfaced to floats  250 / 252  by float arms  257 . As the level  9  of the water  10  in the detention pond rises, so do the floats  250 / 252  and, through the float arms  257 , support arm  260  and shaft  255 , so does the tapered plunger  246 . Since the tapered plunger  246  is tapered, when the level  9  of the water  10  is just above the lid internal shelf  29 , a larger flow rate is permitted into the holding box  26  through the conduit  242  and as the tapered plunger  246  lifts proportional to the level  9  of the water  10  as it rises, the tapered plunger  246  provides less water flow between its wider circumference area and the inner circumference of the conduit  242 . 
         [0057]    The flow is controlled by the orifice equation: 
         [0000]        Q=C*A *(2 gH )**0.5 
         [0058]    Where: 
         [0059]    Q=flow rate 
         [0060]    A=cross sectional area of gap between the tapered plunger  246  and the conduit  242  (i.e. the gap area) 
         [0061]    H=effective headwater depth 
         [0062]    g=gravitational acceleration (32.2 ft/sec2) 
         [0063]    C=orifice coefficient 
         [0064]    Note: the effective headwater depth is the distance from the level  9  of water  10  to bottom  247  of the conduit  242  if the tailwater level (that in the holding box  26 ) is below the bottom  247  of the conduit  242 . If the tailwater level (that in the holding box  26 ) is at or above the bottom  247  of the conduit  242 , then the headwater depth is the distance from the level  9  of water  10  to the tailwater level. 
         [0065]    As in the prior embodiments, any number of floats, shape of conduit  242  and tapered plunger  246  are anticipated. 
         [0066]    Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
         [0067]    It is believed that the system and method of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.