Patent Description:
Water runoff management (e.g., water generated by a rainfall) may be a challenging issue for landowners or municipalities. Not only does the flow of water have to be managed in order to reduce the risk of flooding, but particulates in the water should also be reduced, because such particulates reach rivers, ponds, lakes, or the ocean. Therefore, improved techniques of reducing particulates in water runoff are desired. <CIT> discloses a separator tank for separating and trapping contaminants in rainwater and runoff. <CIT> discloses a system to separate solids from liquids.

According to certain techniques according to the disclosure, a system for removing particulates from liquid as described in the appended claims ia disclosed.

The first drag-inducing portion and second drag-inducing portion of each the first supporting portion and third supporting portion respectively may have a different orientation than the first drag-inducing portion and second drag-inducing portion of each the second supporting portion and fourth supporting portion. Additionally, the first drag- inducing portion, second drag-inducing portion, and third drag-inducing portion of each the first supporting portion and third supporting portion may be angled upwardly. Similarly, the first drag-inducing portion, second drag-inducing portion, and third drag-inducing portion of each the second supporting portion and fourth supporting portion may be angled downwardly.

The first drag-inducing portion and third drag-inducing portion of each the first supporting portion and third supporting portion may be angled <NUM> degrees from a horizontal plane. The second drag-inducing portion of each the first supporting portion and third supporting portion may be angled <NUM> degrees from a horizontal plane. The first drag- inducing portion and third drag-inducing portion of each the second supporting portion and fourth supporting portion may be angled -<NUM> degrees from a horizontal plane. The second drag-inducing portion of each the second supporting portion and fourth supporting portion may be angled -<NUM> degrees from a horizontal plane.

The second drag-inducing portion of each the first supporting portion and third supporting portion may be located at the same vertical position along a primary axial dimension as the first drag-inducing portion of each the second supporting portion and fourth supporting portion. Similarly, the third drag-inducing portion of each the first supporting portion and third supporting portion may be located at the same vertical position along a primary axial dimension as the second drag-inducing portion of each the second supporting portion and fourth supporting portion.

The at least one drag-inducing portion may include a substantially triangular shape. Moreover, the supporting portion may be integrated with the partitioning portion.

According to certain inventive techniques, a system for removing particulates from liquid and inducing drag in a liquid flow, wherein the system is configured for insertion into a manhole thereby creating a sump region below the system. The system includes a partitioning portion positionable above the sump region. The partitioning portion includes: a first region, which may include a funnel and a sump inlet aperture; and a second region, which includes a sump outlet aperture. The system also includes at least one drag-inducing portion positioned proximate a sidewall of the manhole in the sump region. The at least one drag-inducing portion projects inwardly towards a central axis in the sump region. The system also includes a weir extending upwardly from the partitioning portion and positioned between the first region from the second region.

The at least one drag-inducing portion is attached to a supporting portion, which is positioned proximate to the sidewall of the manhole in the sump region. The system also includes: a first supporting portion; a second supporting portion; a third supporting portion; and a fourth supporting portion. Each of the first supporting portion, second supporting portion, third supporting portion and fourth supporting portion is positionable proximate to the sidewall of the manhole in the sump region and include: a first drag-inducing portion; a second drag-inducing portion located below the first drag-inducing portion; and a third drag-inducing portion located below the second drag-inducing portion.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain techniques of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, certain techniques are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the claims are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. Furthermore, the appearance shown in the drawings is one of many ornamental appearances that can be employed to achieve the stated functions of the system.

A liquid quality system may be used to reduce particulates in liquid runoff (e.g., storm-water runoff). Some liquid quality system may induce a vortex in the liquid, causing suspended particulates to settle on the outside of the vortex, thereby separating the liquid from the particulates. However, if the velocity of the vortex is too great, the liquid flow may be very turbulent. Moreover, if the velocity of liquid flow is too great in the vortex, the settled particulates may be mixed back up into the liquid (resuspension). The combination of turbulence and resuspension may thus reduce the effectiveness of the liquid quality device.

According to the techniques disclosed herein, an inventive liquid quality system may be better adapted to remove particulates by reducing the speed of the vortex and creating a long laminar liquid flow path. By forcing smooth direction changes in the flow path and directing the liquid flow away from the outlet, the overall length of the flow path may increase. Additionally, by subjecting the vortex to drag, the velocities within the vortex may decrease. These techniques may improve the effectiveness of the liquid quality device, and will be described in greater detail below.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a liquid quality device <NUM>, according to certain inventive techniques. The liquid quality device <NUM> includes a partitioning portion <NUM> and a weir <NUM>. The partitioning portion <NUM> has a first region <NUM> and a second region <NUM>, which may be separated by the weir <NUM>. The partitioning portion <NUM> may be one integrated piece, or formed from separate pieces (e.g., the first region <NUM>, the second region <NUM>, the funnel (e.g., vortex-inducing region), etc.) The partitioning portion <NUM> and/or the weir <NUM> may include a material such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The partitioning portion <NUM> and weir <NUM> may be one integrated piece or may be separate pieces.

The weir <NUM> may completely (or partially) separate the first region <NUM> from the second region <NUM>. As can be seen, the weir <NUM> may have a curvature along a horizontal dimension, and this curvature may be concave when viewed from the first region <NUM>. The curvature may be constant, or may have a curve with a varying radius as shown. For example, the depicted curvature has shorter radiuses at the edges and one or more longer radiuses in the center. Such a varying-radius design may facilitate the creation of a relatively smooth transition between the weir <NUM> and the sidewall of a tubular portion (e.g., a manhole) in which the liquid quality device <NUM> is inserted (the "tubular portion" is discussed below). Tubular means to have a cross-sectional profile that can be round, oval, square, hexagonal, octagonal, or other some other shape. Such a varying curvature may assist in reducing turbulence (which may negatively impact the efficiency of the liquid quality device <NUM> to remove particulates). Alternatively, there may be no curvature, or there may be convex curvature in the weir <NUM>, as viewed from the first region <NUM>.

The first region <NUM> includes a funnel (vortex-inducing region) and a sump inlet aperture <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. The funnel may be designed to increase the length of time that the flow remains in the funnel and thus in a vortex. That in conjunction with the decreasing radius helps to maximize particulate separation. The second region <NUM> includes a sump outlet aperture <NUM>. The second region <NUM> may have a generally flat profile in the horizontal dimension.

The size of the apertures <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be determined by using the following equation: <MAT>.

<FIG> illustrates an elevational view, partially cross-sectioned, of the liquid quality device <NUM> in a manhole <NUM>, according to certain inventive techniques. The manhole <NUM> may include a base <NUM>, an inlet <NUM>, and an outlet <NUM>. Any one of the base <NUM>, the inlet <NUM>, and/or the outlet <NUM> may be integrated into the body of the manhole <NUM>, or they may be separate pieces that work or connect together to achieve the functions described herein.

The area between the liquid quality device <NUM> and the base <NUM> may be a sump region <NUM>. As will be described in further detail with respect to <FIG>, liquid may flow into the manhole <NUM> through the inlet <NUM> and then into the sump region <NUM>, thereby passing through the liquid quality device <NUM>. The liquid may exit the sump region <NUM> through the liquid quality device <NUM> and then exit the manhole <NUM> through the outlet <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a top view of the liquid quality device <NUM> in the manhole <NUM> with an inline arrangement of the inlet <NUM> and outlet <NUM>, according to certain inventive techniques. In this arrangement, liquid enters the manhole <NUM> on one side through the inlet <NUM> and exits on the other side through the outlet <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an offline arrangement, where liquid enters and exits on the same side of the manhole <NUM>. Other arrangements are possible, such as liquid entering and exiting the manhole <NUM> at right angles or oblique angles.

<FIG> illustrates a sequence showing how liquid flows through the liquid quality device <NUM> in the manhole <NUM>, according to certain inventive techniques. At step A, liquid (which has suspended particulates) may enter the manhole <NUM> through the inlet <NUM>. The liquid enters the manhole <NUM> at a location above the liquid quality device <NUM>, and more particularly above the first region <NUM>. During lower liquid volume flow (e.g., the first flush), the liquid is inhibited from flowing into the second region <NUM> by the weir <NUM>.

At step B, the funnel of the liquid quality device <NUM> together with the weir <NUM> induces the liquid into a vortex. At step C, the liquid passes through the liquid quality device <NUM> via sump inlet aperture <NUM> and into the sump region <NUM> (e.g., the area in the manhole <NUM> between the liquid quality device <NUM> and the base <NUM>). At step D, the liquid propagates into the sump region <NUM> in the general direction shown by the arrows. Once the liquid passes into the sump region <NUM>, the vortex action may be reduced through detention time and energy losses. This may allow smaller pollutants that were not removed through the cyclonic action of the vortex in the funnel to settle out of the liquid.

At step E, the liquid exits the sump region <NUM> through the sump outlet aperture <NUM>. The liquid is now above the second region <NUM>, and the weir <NUM> inhibits the liquid from flowing back into the first region <NUM>. At step F, the liquid exits the manhole <NUM> through outlet <NUM>.

As the liquid level above the first region <NUM> rises, it will begin to, at step G, overtop the weir <NUM> and flow into an area above the second region <NUM>. This liquid then exits the manhole <NUM> through the outlet <NUM>, thereby bypassing the vortex-inducing steps. The overflowing liquid does not pass through the sump region <NUM>, and therefore treatment is bypassed. By allowing a portion of the increased liquid flow to avoid the treatment area in the sump region <NUM>, liquid flow velocities in the sump region <NUM> will be reduced. Consequently, there will be less of a problem with settled particulates being mixed back up with the liquid.

After the event, the settled particulates can be cleaned out through either the sump inlet aperture <NUM>, the sump outlet aperture <NUM>, or an additional aperture (not shown) in the liquid quality device <NUM>. For example, a tube can be inserted through one or more of these apertures, and a vacuum can be applied through the tube.

<FIG> illustrates a sequence showing how particulates are separated from a liquid by use of the liquid quality device <NUM> (depicted without the weir <NUM> for clarity in the illustration) in the manhole <NUM>, according to certain inventive techniques. As depicted, a vortex formed in the funnel region of the liquid quality device <NUM> pushes some of the relatively heavier particulates to the edges of the vortex (near the sides of the funnel) via a centrifugal force. These particles will then drop through the sump inlet aperture <NUM> into the sump region <NUM>, landing on the base <NUM>.

Relatively lighter particulates will enter the sump region <NUM> and be carried upwards by the liquid flow. As these particulates are carried upward in the sump region <NUM>, the liquid flow loses velocity. This allows these relatively lighter particulates to fall out of the liquid flow and onto the bottom of the sump region <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate additional detail of optional details and/or features for the liquid quality device <NUM>, according to certain inventive techniques. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the liquid quality device <NUM>. <FIG> depicts an exploded view of the device <NUM>. <FIG> shows a top view of the device. <FIG> illustrates an elevational view of the device <NUM>.

With reference particularly to <FIG>, it can be seen that the partitioning portion <NUM> may have a groove sized and shaped to receive the weir <NUM>. The groove may allow for proper and consistent placement of the weir <NUM> and may facilitate the weir <NUM> to be attached to the partitioning portion <NUM> through welding or fastening. The outer rim of the partitioning portion <NUM> may have a staircase profile with two or more levels, whereby the lower level(s) have larger radiuses than the higher level(s). This design may allow for convenient modifications for treatment flow rates by providing guides for different aperture sizes. Each of the sump inlet aperture <NUM> and/or sump outlet aperture <NUM> may also have a staircase profile with two or more levels, whereby a lower level of a given aperture may be narrower than an upper level. This allows for simple modifications for treatment flow rates by providing guides for different aperture sizes. The sump inlet aperture <NUM> also may have a flute (see <FIG> for a fuller profile of the flute) that extends downwardly from the funnel of the partitioning portion <NUM>.

Exemplary dimensions of the liquid quality device <NUM> are as follows. The partitioning portion <NUM> may have an outer diameter of approximately <NUM>. The weir <NUM> may have a height of approximately <NUM>. The widest diameter of the funnel along the longest horizontal axis may be approximately <NUM>. The height of the funnel may be approximately <NUM>. The groove may be approximately <NUM> deep.

The smallest level of the staircase profile in the sump inlet aperture <NUM> may be approximately <NUM> in diameter. The widest aperture of the sump inlet aperture <NUM> may be approximately <NUM> in diameter. Similarly, the smallest level of the staircase profile in the sump outlet aperture <NUM> may be approximately <NUM> in diameter, while the widest may be approximately <NUM> in diameter. It may be possible to choose which size apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are to be used on site or in a factory or facility. For example, narrow apertures (e.g., <NUM> apertures) may be used for relatively lower flow applications (e.g., <NUM> cubic metres per second). Optionally, the narrower levels (e.g., <NUM> apertures) the may be removed, thereby leaving a wider levels (e.g., <NUM> apertures). The wider apertures may be used for relatively higher flow applications (e.g., <NUM> cubic metres per second). The narrower level(s) may be removed with a knife or saw, thereby leaving the wider level(s).

The liquid quality device <NUM> may not have different levels. It may be manufactured to have different dimensions (e.g., different aperture <NUM>, <NUM> sizes) in accordance with the principles discussed above.

<FIG> illustrates a liquid quality device <NUM> with an alternative design and/or optional features, according to certain inventive techniques. Similar to the one described above, the liquid quality device includes a partitioning portion <NUM> and a weir <NUM>. The partitioning portion <NUM> may have a first region <NUM> and a second region <NUM>, which may be separated by the weir <NUM>. The weir <NUM> may completely (or partially) separate the first region <NUM> from the second region <NUM>. The first region <NUM> includes a funnel and a sump inlet aperture <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. The second region <NUM> includes a sump outlet aperture <NUM>. The second region <NUM> may have a generally flat profile in the horizontal dimension.

The liquid quality device <NUM> may also include a clean-out riser <NUM> that extends upwardly from an additional aperture (not visible in the figure because it is underneath the riser <NUM>, but may be termed a sump access aperture) in the second region <NUM>. A vacuum may be applied to the clean-out riser <NUM> to remove settled particulates from the sump region <NUM>.

The weir <NUM> may also have an aperture <NUM> (e.g., having a rectangular shape). The aperture size and location may be selected to allow an increased flow rate that falls between the design treatment rate and ultimate flow rate (approximately <NUM> x the treatment flow rate) to pass through the aperture <NUM> without overtopping the entire weir <NUM>. The design treatment rate may be the flow rate of liquid that is intended to pass through the unit and receive treatment for the removal of particulates. The ultimate flow rate may be the total flow rate of the liquid that can pass through the unit (rate that receives treatment and rate that overtops the weir combined) without overflowing from the tubular structure. By not overtopping the weir <NUM>, this may assist in containment of large debris and force it into the sump region <NUM>.

As the flow rates in the liquid quality device <NUM> approach the ultimate flow rate (again, approximately <NUM> x the treatment flow rate) the additional liquid volume will overtop the weir <NUM> and exit the device <NUM>. As this point the influent is typically considered to have substantially reduced levels of particulates, and therefore in no need for treatment. By allowing the flows to overtop the weir <NUM>, this also helps reduce velocities in the sump region <NUM> which in turn helps to reduce the resuspension of the previously collected particulates.

<FIG> illustrate a liquid quality system <NUM> with an alternative design and/or optional features, according to certain inventive techniques. The liquid quality system <NUM> may include a liquid quality device <NUM>, similar to the ones described above. The liquid quality device <NUM> may generally comprise, as described above, a partitioning portion <NUM> and a weir <NUM>. The partitioning portion <NUM> has a first region <NUM> and a second region <NUM>, which may be separated by the weir <NUM>. The liquid quality system may include manhole <NUM>, which may include a base <NUM>, an inlet <NUM>, and an outlet <NUM>. Any one of the base <NUM>, the inlet <NUM>, and/or the outlet <NUM> may be integrated into the body of the manhole <NUM>, or they may be separate pieces that work or connect together to achieve the functions described herein. The liquid quality device <NUM> may be positioned in a manhole <NUM>.

The liquid quality system <NUM> may have a vertical central vertical axis (not shown), that runs the primary (longer) length of the system, including through the sump region <NUM>, where a primary axial dimension runs parallel to, or along the central axis. The liquid quality system <NUM> may also include at least one drag-inducing portion(s) <NUM> and at least one supporting portion(s) <NUM>.

As discussed above, inducing a vortex in the liquid within a liquid quality system <NUM>, may assist in removing particulates from the liquid. However, if the liquid flow velocity and/or turbulence in the vortex in the sump region <NUM> are too great, the settled particulates may be mixed back up into the liquid, thus reducing the effectiveness of the liquid quality system. The introduction of drag-inducing portion(s) <NUM> may assist in reducing the liquid flow velocity and/or turbulence in vortex in the sump region <NUM>.

The drag-inducing portion(s) <NUM> may require a certain flow-rate to begin affecting the flow of the liquid in the sump region <NUM>. At lower flow rates the funnel may create a vortex in first region <NUM>, causing liquid to flow through the sump inlet orifice <NUM> and shoot straight down into the sump region <NUM>. As the flow rate increases, so does the rotational energy of the liquid. Thus, at higher flow rates, the vortex induced by the funnel in the first region <NUM> may have enough rotational energy to create a vortex in the sump region <NUM> after the water passes through the sump inlet orifice <NUM>. Such a vortex in the sump region <NUM> may have strong turbulence. The liquid flow velocity and/or the turbulence of the vortex in the sump region <NUM> may increase as the flow rate increases.

By controlling the liquid flow velocities and/or vortex in the sump region <NUM>, the filtering of particulates may be positively affected. As a result of a relatively high flow rate, the turbulent vortex may pick up already settled particulates from the floor of the sump region <NUM>. Thus, one aspect of the present disclosure is to reduce such resuspension, also called "scour effect," of settled particulates in the sump region <NUM> by transforming the turbulent flow of the vortex into a controlled and increasingly laminar flow.

Aside from a relatively high liquid flow velocity, liquid turbulence within the vortex may affect the behavior of the liquid flow and may also influence the settling characteristics of particulates in the flow. Generally, the greater the liquid turbulence and liquid flow velocity in the sump region <NUM>, the more difficult it may be for particulates to settle, and the easier it may be for resuspension of particles to occur. Therefore, it may be desirable to create a longer, more laminar flow path to increase the amount of time which liquid remains in the sump region <NUM>, thereby providing sufficient time for particulates to settle at the base <NUM> of the sump region <NUM>. Thus, a second aspect of the present disclosure is to ensure optimal settling of particulates by creating a longer, more laminar flow path in the sump region <NUM>. One way to create a longer, more laminar flow path may be to force the liquid to make smooth direction changes as it moves around the sump region <NUM> in the vortex. Another technique may guide the liquid away from the sump outlet aperture <NUM> to increase the amount of time that liquid remains in the sump region <NUM>.

For example, once a vortex is formed in the sump region <NUM>, one way to force smooth direction changes and guide the liquid flow away from the sump outlet aperture <NUM> is to position at least one drag-inducing portion(s) <NUM>, which projects inwardly towards the central axis, proximate a sidewall of manhole <NUM> in the sump region <NUM>. Proximate a sidewall means proximate to or on the side wall of the tubular portion of the manhole <NUM> in the sump region <NUM>. Projecting inwardly towards the central axis means projecting, at least partially, towards the central axis. The drag-inducing portion(s) <NUM> may have several effects on liquid that passes over it including: creating drag to slow the liquid flow velocities in the vortex; extending the flow path by forcing a smooth direction change; and/or guiding liquid away from the sump outlet aperture <NUM>. The orientation and angle of the drag- inducing portion(s) <NUM>, as will be discussed in more detail below, may be chosen to achieve an enhanced settling efficiency. The impact of the drag-inducing portion(s) <NUM> may increase as the flow rate increases.

The drag-inducing portion(s) <NUM> may have a solid or hollow body, and may displace some volume of the liquid in the sump region <NUM>. Thus, when liquid flow passes by the body of the drag-inducing portion(s) <NUM>, the liquid in the flow is "split" and displaced by body of the drag inducing portion(s) <NUM>. As a result, a boundary layer may form along the surface(s) of the drag-inducing portion(s) <NUM>. The boundary layer may result in the liquid changing in viscosity and becoming more dense (i.e., viscous diffusion). Liquid with such a change in viscosity and density may be convected downstream until the flow separates. Such a splitting of the flow path may additionally aid in the settling of particulates. The combination of splitting the flow and forcing direction changes may result in particulates being knocked or falling out of the vortex flow.

To effectively reduce the liquid flow velocity in the vortex and alter the flow path of liquid in the sump region <NUM>, a plurality of drag-inducing portions <NUM>, which project inwardly toward the central axis, are positioned proximate the sidewall of manhole <NUM> in the sump region <NUM>. The drag-inducing portions <NUM> are attached to at least one supporting portion(s) <NUM>, which may in turn be attached to the sidewall of the sump region <NUM>. The word attached may mean directly or indirectly attached, such as directly attached to the sidewall of the sump region <NUM>, or attached to the supporting portion <NUM>, which are in turn attached to the sidewall of the sump region <NUM>. Attached also may mean attached by an adhesive or by means of a screw or bolt configuration (not shown). Lastly, attached may mean attached as a single formed and integrated piece. Alternatively, the plurality of drag-inducing portions <NUM> may be directly attached the sidewall of the sump region <NUM>.

The drag-inducing portion(s) <NUM> may comprise a substantially triangular shape. Substantially triangular may mean that the corners may be rounded, or that other small variations may exist. In one embodiment, the drag-inducing portion(s) <NUM> may comprise an isosceles right triangle shape. Other shapes are also possible-for example: rectangles; squares; ovals; circles; other triangles; or various other polygons. The exposed tip of each drag-inducing portion <NUM> pointing at least partially towards the central axis of the sump region <NUM> may be rounded.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the supporting portion(s) <NUM> may comprise vertical strips (e.g., generally rectangular in shape) that may be positioned between the partitioning portion <NUM> and the base <NUM> proximate the sidewall of manhole <NUM> in the sump region <NUM>. Moreover the plurality of supporting portion(s) <NUM> may be spaced equidistant around a perimeter of the sump region <NUM>. A perimeter means proximate or on the sidewall of manhole <NUM> in the sump region <NUM>. Alternatively, the plurality of supporting portion(s) <NUM> may be irregularly spaced around the perimeter of the sump region <NUM>. The supporting portion(s) <NUM> may also comprise a different shape. For example, the drag-inducing portion(s) <NUM> may be attached to a circumferential supporting portion(s) <NUM> (e.g., a toroid) (not shown). Alternatively, the supporting portion(s) <NUM> could be triangular, square, oval, parallelogram, etc. and may be positioned equidistant or irregularly around the perimeter of the sump region <NUM>. Moreover, the supporting portion(s) <NUM> may be attached to the sidewall of the sump region <NUM>. Additionally, the supporting portion(s) <NUM> may be integrated into the body of the manhole <NUM>, and/or partitioning portion <NUM>, and/or base <NUM>, or they may be separate pieces that work or connect together to achieve the functions described herein. A plurality of supporting portions <NUM> may be beneficial for efficient manufacture and installation.

One embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, includes a first drag-inducing portion 850a, a second drag-inducing portion 850b, and a third drag-inducing portion 850c (collectively drag-inducing portions), each of which projects inwardly toward the central axis and is positioned proximate the sidewall of manhole <NUM> in the sump region <NUM>. Four sets of the drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c are respectively attached to a first supporting portion 860a, a second supporting portion 860b, a third supporting portion 860c, and a fourth supporting portion 860d (collectively, supporting portions), each of which may be may be positioned and/or attached proximate the sidewall of manhole <NUM> in the sump region <NUM>. The supporting portions 860a, 860b, 860c, and 860d may be positioned equidistant around the perimeter of the sump region <NUM>. The vertical positioning of drag- inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c may be generally central on each of the supporting portions 860a, 860b, 860c, and 860d. For example, more drag-inducing portions <NUM> and/or supporting portions <NUM> may be useful for larger diameter and/or taller sump regions <NUM>. By contrast, fewer drag-inducing portions <NUM> and/or supporting portions <NUM> may be useful for smaller diameter and/or shorter sump regions <NUM>. Additionally, the group of drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c may be positioned more towards the top or bottom on each of the supporting portions 860a, 860b, 860c, and 860d.

In one embodiment supporting portions 860a and 860c, may have a different configuration of drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c, than supporting portions 860b and 860d. In such an embodiment, the supporting portions 860a and 860c may face each other and have a first configuration and orientation of drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c. By contrast, the supporting portions 860b and 860d may still face each other, but they may comprise a second, different configuration and/or orientation of drag-inducing portions 850a,850b,850c.

As shown in <FIG>, in the first configuration, drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c may be equidistantly vertically positioned along a primary axial dimension. The drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c may also be irregularly vertically positioned along a primary axial dimension. The drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c may each be oriented generally upwardly (e.g., having a positive slope). The first drag-inducing portion <NUM>(a) and the third drag-inducing portion <NUM>(c) may be oriented in the same direction. For example, the first drag-inducing portion <NUM>(a) and the third drag-inducing portion <NUM>(c) may each be angled <NUM> degrees from a horizontal plane. The second drag-inducing portion <NUM>(b) may have a mirrored orientation from the first drag-inducing portion <NUM>(a) and the third drag-inducing portion <NUM>(c). The second drag-inducing portion <NUM>(b) may be angled <NUM> degrees from a horizontal plane. Smaller or larger positive angles are also possible for the orientation of the drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c in the first configuration.

In the second configuration, drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c may each be equidistantly vertically positioned along a primary axial dimension. The drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c may also be irregularly vertically positioned along a primary axial dimension. The drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c may each be oriented generally downwardly (e.g., having a negative slope as compared to those drag-inducing portions in the first configuration). The first drag-inducing portion <NUM>(a) and the third drag-inducing portion <NUM>(c) may be oriented in the same direction. For example, the first drag-inducing portion <NUM>(a) and the third drag-inducing portion <NUM>(c) may each be angled -<NUM> degrees from a horizontal plane. The second drag-inducing portion <NUM>(b) may have a mirrored orientation from the first drag-inducing portion <NUM>(a) and the third drag-inducing portion <NUM>(c). The second drag-inducing portion <NUM>(b) may be angled -<NUM> degrees from a horizontal plane. Smaller or larger negative angles are also possible for the orientation of the drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c in the second configuration.

The drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c in the first configuration may be respectively vertically offset from the drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c in the second configuration along a primary axial dimension as shown in <FIG>. In one embodiment the second drag-inducing portion 850b of each the first supporting portion 860a and third supporting portion 860c may be located at the same or substantially the same vertical position along a primary axial dimension as the first drag-inducing portion 850a of each the second supporting portion 860b and fourth supporting portion 860d. Likewise, the third drag-inducing portion 850c of each the first supporting portion 860a and third supporting portion 860c may be located at the same or substantially the same vertical position along a primary axial dimension as the second drag-inducing portion 850b of each the second supporting portion 860b and fourth supporting portion 860d.

Such an offset positioning of drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c between supporting portions 860a, 860b, 860c, and 860d may assisting in extending the length of the liquid flow path. For example, if the flow path is forced upward by the third drag-inducing portion 850c of the second supporting portion 860b or fourth supporting portion 860d, it may subsequently be forced downward by the third drag-inducing portion 850c of the first supporting portion 860a or fourth supporting portion 860c once the flow reaches there.

The angular position of the drag-inducing portions 850a, 850b, 850c may be based off the principles of Stoke's Law and "inclined plate settling" techniques. For example, in the embodiment in which the drag-inducing portions are positioned at a positive or negative <NUM> degree angle, the positioning of the drag-inducing portions <NUM> may help facilitate particulate settling. As previously discussed, particulate settling may be facilitated by increasing the length of the flow path, reducing the vortex velocities, and reducing the settling distance by directing relatively smooth, laminar flow towards the bottom of the sump region. An angular positioning of <NUM> degrees may also allow particulates to slide down the drag-inducing portion(s) <NUM> and fall to the bottom of the sump region. A higher degree angle may decrease the settling efficiency, while an angle less than <NUM> degrees may lead to particulate accumulation on the drag-inducing portions.

The size and orientation of the drag-inducing portions <NUM> may be chosen in assistance with the following equations: <MAT> <MAT>.

Claim 1:
A system for removing particulates from liquid and inducing drag in a liquid flow, wherein the system is configured for insertion into a manhole (<NUM>) thereby creating a sump region (<NUM>) below the system, wherein the system comprises:
a partitioning portion (<NUM>) positionable above the sump region (<NUM>), wherein the partitioning portion (<NUM>) includes:
a first region (<NUM>) comprising a funnel and a sump inlet aperture (<NUM>);
and a second region (<NUM>) comprising a sump outlet aperture (<NUM>);
a plurality of drag-inducing portions (850a-c) positionable proximate a sidewall of the manhole in the sump region (<NUM>), and wherein the drag-inducing portions (850a-c) project inwardly when installed toward a central axis of the sump region (<NUM>);
a first supporting portion (860a);
a second supporting portion (860b);
a third supporting portion (860c); and a fourth supporting portion (860d);
wherein each of the first supporting portion (860a), second supporting portion (860b), third supporting portion (860c) and fourth supporting portion (860d) are positionable proximate to the sidewall of the manhole (<NUM>) in the sump region (<NUM>) and comprise:
a first drag-inducing portion (850a);
a second drag-inducing portion (850b) located below the first drag-inducing portion (850a); and
a third drag-inducing portion (850c) located below the second drag-inducing portion (850b); wherein the first drag-inducing portions (850a), the second drag-inducing portions (850b) and the third drag-inducing portions (850c) are attached to each of said first to fourth supporting portions (860a-d); and
a weir (<NUM>) extending upwardly from the partitioning portion (<NUM>) and positioned between the first region (<NUM>) from the second region (<NUM>).