AU728958B2

AU728958B2 - Apparatus for use as a disposal field

Info

Publication number: AU728958B2
Application number: AU97123/98A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Simon James Wallis
Original assignee: NEW CLEAR WATER Pty Ltd
Current assignee: NEW CLEAR WATER Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1997-12-15
Filing date: 1998-12-15
Publication date: 2001-01-25
Anticipated expiration: 2018-12-15
Also published as: AU728958C; AU9712398A

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT 0 a 0 0* ,0 :6 00 a Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor Address for service is: New Clear Water Pty Ltd Simon James Wallis WRAY ASSOCIATES 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth, WA 6000 *5

S

*5 0e55 S S 5* 5 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "Apparatus for Use as a Disposal Field" Details of Associated Provisional Application No(s): PP0943 and PP6078 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- -2-

TITLE

"APPARATUS FOR USE AS A DISPOSAL FIELD" FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for use as a disposal field. More particularly, the disposal field apparatus of the present invention is intended for use in the efficient dispersal of water into soil surrounding the disposal field apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART Apparatus used as disposal fields are similar in function to storm water and leach drains. Each is utilised when it is necessary to disperse water or a water containing fluid into a surrounding soil area. At present, disposal fields typically comprise a length of closed concrete structure with a number of apertures along its length. The water to be dispersed is fed into the cylinder and contacts the surrounding soil through the apertures. The water subsequently infiltrates the surrounding soil in this manner. Known concrete disposal fields typically have an aperture surface area of only about 11% compared to the entire surface area of the disposal field.

When confronted by the requirement of dispersing a larger than "normal" volume of water it is presently the practice to simply increase the length of the disposal field structure and thereby increase the soil surface area available for infiltration.

S•However, this increases costs associated with construction of the disposal field and its positioning. In addition, concrete products are typically difficult to manufacture and also generally difficult to handle, due to at least in part to their weight.

L Moulded plastics products have also been used in the construction of disposal fields, and offer improvements in ease of construction and handling. These 3/1 Products are typically more expensive than concrete products on a cost per metre basis.

Presently utilised disposal fields are typically square or rectangular in crosssection. When placed in an excavated channel such disposal fields present a low level of their available surface area to the surrounding soil. For example, a typical excavation is made deep enough to expose the base and side walls only of the disposal field to the surrounding soil.

The apparatus for use as a disposal field of the present invention has as one object thereof to overcome substantially the above mentioned problems associated with the prior art.

*:The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in 15 Australia as at the priority date of the application.

oo: Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word oooo :o "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

20 Disclosure of the Invention In accordance with the present invention there is provided a disposal field apparatus comprising a plurality of interconnectable panels and at lease one layer of geotextile cloth material, the panels when interconnected defining thereby a substantially enclosed space into which a liquid to be dispensed may be fed, each of said panels in turn comprising a framework of ribs defining in said panels a plurality of apertures, wherein the apertures comprise greater than S of the surface area of said panels, the geotextile cloth being arranged with 3/2 respect to the panels such that water may pass therethrough but the passage of soil therethrough is prevented.

s* 60606 .0 -4- Preferably, each disposal field apparatus comprises two end panels and an intermediate panel. The end panels are preferably provided in triangular form.

Further, the intermediate panel is preferably provided as a sheet bent about a mid-line thereof at a substantially right angle to form a tented structure having two side walls and an uppermost substantially right angle apex. As a result the form of the disposal field apparatus is triangular in cross-section.

The end panels and the intermediate panel are preferably formed in a manner allowing then to be interlocked to form the disposal field apparatus. Preferably, the ends of the intermediate panel are provided with integrally formed connecting tabs able to be bent over the end panels at each end thereof. In this manner weight borne by the intermediate panel is supported by the end panels and in effect strengthens the interconnection therebetween.

•Each of the end panels preferably has a broad base member provided on one I •side thereof.

a* 15 Still preferably, one or more reinforcing members may be provided to space apart the side walls of the intermediate panel.

The panels are preferably formed from metal mesh, the mesh comprising a 0 plurality of ribs which in turn define the framework of ribs and the plurality of apertures.

20 In accordance with the present invention there is further provided a method of dispersing water, said method comprising the method step of: preparing an excavation in a surface; assembling a disposal field apparatus as described above; placing a geotextile cloth over the panels of the disposal field apparatus; placing the disposal field apparatus within the excavation with a base thereof resting on a bottom surface of the excavation; arranging piping to divert water to be disposed to the disposal field apparatus; refilling the excavation; and directing water to be dispersed to the disposal field apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The disposal field apparatus of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to one embodiment thereof and the accompanying representations, in which:- Figure 1 shows an upper perspective view of an intermediate panel forming part S: of the disposal field apparatus of the present invention, the intermediate panel *ooo° defining two side walls and an apex; Figure 2 is a plan view of an end panel of the disposal field apparatus of the present invention; Figure 3 is an exploded upper perspective view of the disposal field apparatus of the present invention; a a Figure 4 is an upper perspective view of the disposal field apparatus of the present invention, showing a number of reinforcing members provided therein and a length of storm water piping to direct water to the disposal field apparatus; -6- Figure 5 is an upper perspective view of the disposal field apparatus of the present invention, showing the arrangement of geotextile cloth over each of the panels of the disposal field apparatus; and Figure 6 is an end view of the disposal field apparatus of the present invention in position in an excavation.

BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In Figure 4 there is shown a disposal field apparatus 10 of substantially triangular cross-section, the disposal field apparatus 10 comprising an elongate intermediate panel 12 and transverse end panels 14.

The disposal field apparatus 10 further comprises a plurality of reinforcing members 16 provided within the disposal field apparatus 10 and spaced along its length. A length of storm water pipe 18 is shown received through one end panel 14.

The intermediate panel 12 is best seen in Figure 1 and is typically formed of a single sheet of steel mesh bent along a mid-line to form a 900 apex 20 and a side wall 22 each side thereof and forming a tented structure. The sheet of steel mesh in turn is comprised of a plurality of steel ribs defining therebetween a plurality of apertures 23. The longitudinal ends 24 of each side wall 22 have provided thereon at least two integrally formed connecting tabs 26. The tabs 26 are formed through an extension of a longitudinal ribs of the mesh beyond the ends 24. Each side wall 22 further defines a lower most edge 28 thereof.

In Figure 2 there is shown a single transverse end panel 14 of generally right triangular configuration, having a base member 30 provided along an edge thereof. The remaining two sides 32 converge at an apex 34 provided in a substantially right-triangular configuration. The base 30 may have provided thereon upstanding flanges 36 at each transverse end thereof.

-7- In Figure 3 there is shown the disposal field apparatus 10 prior to assembly and with the transverse end panels 14 being positioned at each longitudinal end of the intermediate panel 12. The substantially right angle described by the apex 20 of the intermediate panel 12 matches as closely as possible the substantially right angle defined by the apex 34 of each transverse end member 14. In this manner the intermediate panel 12 and the transverse end panels 14 may fit together without need for adjustment in the angle provided by the intermediate panel 12.

However, it is to be understood that the angle of the apex 20 of the intermediate panel 12 may be adjusted on site if necessary as a user (not shown) may choose to transport the intermediate panel 12 in a form other than that shown, for example folded flat or as a single flat sheet.

In Figure 4 the disposal field apparatus 10 is shown fully assembled with the connecting tabs 26 of the intermediate panel being folded over and around at least in part the sides 32 of the transverse end panels 14. In this manner any weight bearing upon the side walls 22 of the intermediate panel 12 will be transferred onto or will be borne by the transverse end panels 14 and will accentuate the interlocking thereof, rather than causing the panels 12 and 14 to 'pull apart.

In addition, the reinforcing members 16, comprising an elongate portion 38 and two terminal locating portions 40 are shown supporting the side walls 22 of the intermediate panel 12. Each terminal locating portion 40 is formed of a short bifurcation of the elongate portion 38. The reinforcing members 16 act to ensure that the side walls 22 do not collapse inwardly when installed.

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Each panel 12 and 14 is formed of a preferably galvanised metal mesh. The mesh is formed of metal rods of 5 to 6mm diameter and the mesh forms apertures of 100mm square. However, it is to be understood that such will not limit the scope of the present invention.

-8- In Figure 5 there is shown the disposal field apparatus 10 with a layer of geotextile sheet material 42 placed over intermediate panel 12 and the transverse end panels 14. The intermediate panel 12 preferably has a length of the geotextile sheet material tucked under one lowermost edge 28 and passed over the top of the intermediate panel 12 to the other lowermost edge 28 and is tucked thereunder by the user. Each end panel 14 is somewhat similarly wrapped with the geotextile sheet material. The geotextile sheet material 42 is a porous material that allows traverse of water therethrough but does not allow the passage of soil and larger particles.

In Figure 6 there is shown the disposal field apparatus 10 positioned within an excavation 44 in a ground surface 46. The base 30 of each transverse end panel 14 and the lowermost sides 28 of the intermediate panel 12 each rest on a lowermost surface 48 of the excavation. As shown, the excavation is preferably of a generally U-shaped configuration in cross-section. The excavation need be dug only as deep as required by government department regulations for such apparatus and no deeper. Importantly the depth of excavation required with the disposal field apparatus 10 of the present invention is envisaged to be shallower than those of prior art disposal field apparatus whilst achieving a more efficient water disposal therethrough.

The disposal field apparatus 10 may be assembled at any point but it is envisaged that it is most likely to be assembled on the surface 46 alongside the excavation 44 by attaching the transverse end panels 14 to the intermediate ••go panel 12 as described previously. It is envisaged that additional means of attachment may be provided if considered necessary, for example in the form of wire clips and the like.

The aperture for the length of pipe 18 functioning as a water inlet pipe is provided through one of the apertures 23 defined in the transverse end panels 14.

Preferably, the piping is provided through the aperture X adjacent the apex 34 of the transverse end panel 14, as shown in Figures 4 and -9- It is envisaged that inspection pipes may be provided along the length of the intermediate panel 12 if considered necessary.

Additional disposal field apparatus may be joined to the disposal field apparatus if a disposal field apparatus of greater length than that shown is required.

Such is expected to.depend largely upon the volume of water that is required to be dispersed through the disposal field apparatus The disposal field apparatus 10 is subsequently lowered into the excavation 44 such that its base members 30 and lowermost edges 28 rest upon the base 40 of the excavation 44. The apex of the disposal field apparatus 10 consequently is positioned uppermost within the excavation 44. The piping 18 is arranged in the manner required by the user so as to direct water to be dispersed into the disposal field apparatus 10. The remainder of the excavation is subsequently back-filled.

It is the nature of the metal mesh material forming the disposal field apparatus that it provides 80 to 90 percent of its surface area as apertures 23, thereby providing increased opportunity for exposure of the space defined within the disposal field apparatus 10 and the soil contacting an outer surface of the disposal field apparatus 10. This provides a larger area for transfer of water from the space within the disposal field apparatus 10 and the surrounding soil. The specific triangular design of the disposal field apparatus 10, in providing the apex of the triangular form nearer the surface of the excavation, ensures that no surface area thereof is wasted by lying substantially adjacent and parallel to that surface. Consequently, the size and weight of the disposal field apparatus 10 is minimised whilst providing an increased surface area for water disposal. It is the see* experience of the inventors that the disposal field apparatus 10 of the present invention allows use of a 10 metre disposal field apparatus to disperse a certain volume of water as compared to 18 to 20 metres of prior art disposal field apparatus for that same volume of water.

It is envisaged that the metal mesh of the present invention may be substituted with an expanded metal mesh or plastic materials and still achieve the object of the present invention.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

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Claims

1. A disposal field apparatus comprising a plurality of interconnectable panels and at least one layer of geotextile cloth material, the panels when interconnected defining thereby a substantially enclosed space into which a liquid to be dispersed may be fed, each of said panels in turn comprising a framework of ribs defining in said panels a plurality of apertures, wherein the apertures comprise greater than 80% of the surface area of said panels, the geotextile cloth being arranged with respect to the panels such that water may pass therethrough but the passage of soil therethrough is prevented.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disposal field apparatus further comprises two end panels and an intermediate panel.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the end panels are provided in triangular form.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the intermediate panel is provided as a sheet bent about a mid-line thereof to a substantially right angle to form a tented structure having two side walls and an uppermost substantially right angle apex.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the form of the disposal field apparatus is triangular in cross-section.

6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the end panels and the intermediate panel are formed in a manner allowing them to be interlocked to form the disposal field apparatus.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the ends of the intermediate panel are provided with integrally formed connecting tabs able to be bent over the end panels at each end thereof, whereby weight borne by the intermediate panel is supported by the end panels and acts to strengthen the Sinterconnection therebetween. -12-

8. An apparatus according to any one of the claims 2 to 7, wherein each end panel has a broad base member provided on one side thereof.

9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein one or more reinforcing members are provided to space apart the side walls of the intermediate panel.

An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panels are formed from metal mesh.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the mesh comprises a plurality of ribs which in turn define the framework of ribs and the plurality of apertures. O a. a

12. A method of dispersing water, said method comprising the method steps of: preparing an excavation in a surface; assembling a disposal field apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9; 15 placing a geotextile cloth over the panels of the disposal field apparatus; S. placing the disposal field apparatus within the excavation with a base thereof resting on a bottom surface of the excavation; arranging piping to divert water to be dispersed to the disposal field apparatus; refilling the excavation; and direction water to be dispersed to the disposal field apparatus. -13-

13. An apparatus for use as a disposal field, the apparatus being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14.A method of dispersing water substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this fifteenth day of November 2000. NEW CLEAR WATER PTY LTD Applicant Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant e *e*e o a