ES2228210B2 - MODULAR DEVICE AND PROCEDURE FOR THE COLLECTION AND STORAGE OF ESCORRENTIA. - Google Patents

Abstract

Modular device and procedure for the collection and storage of runoff, consisting of a system for collecting runoff and a storage system, applicable in hydrological studies and / or related to conservation strategies of edaphic and water resources. The collection system consists of versatile collection units or reception channel (a), conduction accessories and accumulation tanks (b) of liquids that run superficially and subsurfacely, and of the solids that they carry. It allows the calculation and analysis of runoff in multiple situations, with different configurations and the possibility of changes in the assembly. It can work in several modalities, easily modifying different parts of the device according to the needs and always reversibly. It is also possible to complement the device and the procedure with additional accessories, such as electronic runoff counters and automatic samplers.

Description

Modular device and procedure for runoff collection and storage.

Modular device and procedure for runoff collection and storage. The technical sector affected is water technology, in relation to the conservation of Water and soil

Runoff is defined as the fraction of the precipitation that nourishes the surface waterways of a Basin, watershed, catchment area, socket, bowl, hollow. The surface runoff is the one that mostly does not infiltrate the ground and reaches the drainage network moving across the surface of the land under the action of the gravity. Subsurface runoff is the fraction of the precipitation that penetrates the ground and moves laterally through the upper horizons.

When you want to undertake a study scientist / technician on runoff running on a hillside, qualitatively and quantitatively, it should be address the problem of collecting and storing it. For such purposes there are currently various devices and mounts described in scientific publications (Hudson N., 1982. Soil conservation. Editorial Reverté. Barcelona; Agassi M., 1996. Soil erosion, conservation and rehabilitation. Marcel Dekker New York; Morgan R.P.C., 1997. Erosion and conservation of ground. Mundi-Press. Madrid). Between devices most common we find, for example, the so-called gutters Gerlach, or systems of the type proposed by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) in its publications (USDA, 1963. Runoff plot design and installation for soil erosion studies. Agricultural Research Service Washington) complemented with a whole series of additional accessories and with tasks of frequently non-automated sampling and analysis. But nevertheless, the devices described there, in many cases it is not adapt adequately to the requirements of specific studies about runoffs that arise in different areas.

The problem we intend to solve has to see with the low versatility of standard instruments intended for the collection and storage of runoff. This sometimes it is necessary to adapt the study to the rigidity of means to be used to undertake it; and in other cases you can't carry out such a study in the area of interest due to the lack of suitability of conventional instruments and assemblies.

The present invention consists of a device modular and the corresponding procedure for the collection and runoff storage, conducive to its qualitative study and quantitative, and about its implication in soil erosion. The modular and versatile nature of the assembly gives it the possibility of use in several modalities.

The device that is presented presents certain advantages to solve existing problems. It manages to adapt to a large number of situations attending to specific purpose of the study, to the topographic characteristics of the area, or the dimensions of the area to be controlled. its versatility allows it to work in several modalities, for For example, it is possible to divide the catchment front of the runoff from a study slope in singular areas and collect independently individualized samples, or pick up a unit sample for the entire runoff front. Any of The operating options is reversible on this device, being able to change according to the needs of each moment.

In some cases it may be convenient laterally isolate, on the surface, the slope to study, operation which can be carried out by placing along its contour galvanized iron sheets or some synthetic polymer resistant - half buried to the depth considered convenient- forming a barrier that prevents the entry of water from runoff in the area defined for the study, both coming from the top as from the sides. Of this mode runoff study can refer to a surface concrete

The proposed system is also likely to be Used in conjunction with other elements. Within these complementary accessories we find flow dividers (which are placed before runoff storage deposits, allowing the storage of an aliquot portion instead of the total runoff, thus saving space), counters of rocker runoff, buoy systems for the registration of stored volumes, etc. Some of these devices can be connected to an electronic data collector.

The assembly will have a runoff storage system (all of it or aliquots), which can be measured basically based on the expected rainfall, the time between sampling and the extension of the study area, from which quantitative determinations can be made and qualitative. In this way, the possible repercussions of the processes involved on water quality, and the possible dragging of solid particles linked to erosion and soil degradation processes, can be known. The alternatives in this respect are varied: from manual sampling and subsequent analytical routines in the laboratory to automatic sampling systems that can be put into operation by level probes located in the mass storage drums, and can be complemented with probes equipped with measurement sensors automatic and " in situ " of certain physicochemical parameters, also available in the global storage drums.

Figures 1 to 6 show different variants or modalities of the collection device and runoff storage.

Figure 1 represents a collection system unique for the entire width of a hypothetical hillside to study, in the that runoff water is directed from the catchment channel (a) through a single hole and conducted by pipeline polyethylene towards a series of drums, built in polyethylene suitable for containing drinking water, for example, and interconnected (b), who are responsible for storing it. A constructed barrier from galvanized iron sheets (c) it is intended to insulate laterally the surface of the slope to study.

Figure 2 represents, as another modality of design and operation, the runoff receiver system divided into individual compartments (d) by means of plates Easy installation and removal. Each of these compartments captures runoff from an area of the studied surface, and said zones present -in this example- variable widths to which adapt the device compartments. Water is stored in individual drums (e) in the example. This installation is also liable to be used to capture runoff from all surface as a single sample, for which it is enough to remove the separator plates of the collection channel, plug with plugs rubber outlet holes - except the one located at the point of  minimum level of the reception channel- and have a system of adequate storage for the new situation, which can be enabled through the interconnection by the base of the already installed drums, using hose and fittings to join the two in two drums after practicing the corresponding perforations. He basal drum interconnection system can count on stopcocks that allow your communication or your individualization, also reversibly, simply with Open or close them.

Figure 3 represents a design designed for the runoff collection in an example characterized by presence of two existing streams on the ground. Said system presents two runoff reception channels adapted to the watering (f) in addition to an individual storage system (g).

Figure 4 represents an installation designed for areas with rough slopes or terraces, consisting of two catchment channels (h) and two storage systems independent (i). In the lower terrace they are also installed in the example a series of complementary elements commercially available: tensiometers (j), which provide information about the state of soil moisture and that could be replaced by other alternative sensors, and a automatic runoff counter (k). These devices are are connected to an electronic data collector (1), which stores the information they offer. In the installation from this example there is also a rain gauge (11) also connected to the electronic data collector.

Figure 5 represents an example of how the proposed collection system can be adapted to the topography of the terrain thanks to its modular structure. In it appears a single storage system for the entire collection front (m).

Figure 6 also shows two examples of proposed profiles for the catchment area. 6.1 mode It is designed to receive only surface runoff, while the modality 6.2 presents two fronts of capture: one in charge of collecting surface runoff and another located at  more depth in order to intercept subsurface runoff in an independent way. In all cases you can see the reception gutters (n), there are also some plates semi-buried baffles in the ground responsible for directing the runoff flow to reception channels (ñ), and over these are available roofs (or) -fiberglass, for example- that prevent the entry of precipitation, but without obstructing the runoff Connected to the gutter at the bottom of it the pipes in charge of directing the flow to the storage drums (p).

Embodiment

For the construction and installation in the field of one of these assemblies would have to keep in mind the objective of study to be carried out: on what area is intended act, type of runoff to be collected - surface or subsurface, or both, independently or jointly- or possible future modifications, for example, as well as characteristics of the terrain on which the device and the global assembly will be installed, such as topography, type of soil of the area, dimensions of the study area or vegetation. A Once these first steps are completed, we would proceed with the rethinking the land, taking measurements and marking the place where The device is going to be installed. The next step would consist of the design adapted to the area, the construction and assembly of the device according to the field measurements taken previously. For such assembly it would be necessary to have a Conveniently equipped workshop, or an industrial building if the volume of work as required.

The assembly of the system identified in the drawings with the number 1, which is one of the modalities of design, it would start from a section -or several- of elements and materials suitable for this purpose, such as PVC commercial gutter (polyvinyl chloride) for example, which would act as collection base accessory and, if you need several sections, these would be assembled through gaskets also available in the market. The ends of the gutter would be sealed by stops also available for that purpose, along with silicone or other appropriate sealer. In case of not existing naturally on the land, it would be necessary to give the runoff collection front a lateral tilt, allowing water to circulate through the gutter to one end. In that same end a hole would be made in the bottom of the gutter to allow water to drain into drums, which in the figure 1 corresponds to the right end of the gutter. Said hole could be provided with a mesh of plastic material to prevent sealing by thick solid materials that could be dragged by runoff flows. In the gutter itself they could sample and account for such thick materials retained The next step would be the connection of said hole to a polyethylene pipe, such as those used commonly in irrigation systems, for example. They exist in the market gaskets, fittings, elbows, etc., suitable for completing said Connection. Subsequently the polyethylene pipe would be connected to the storage drum - or drums in this case - knowing that this It is usually more appropriate to do it in the field itself. In case, as in example 1, several drums are needed to receive runoff, these could be connected by a point near their base through polyethylene pipe, using the same technique described for the connection of the gutter outlet hole and the polyethylene pipe The runoff storage system must be sized to adapt to the particularities of the study area, depending on its surface, of the maximum predictable rainfall and autonomy time without overflows required for assembly. At the time It would be appropriate to transport the field to the material and conditioned. In order to facilitate this transport, it is possible move the device partially disassembled and finish the assembly already in the area destined to the runoff study. TO then the base gutter arrangement of Reception, adapted to the collection front in the field, digging,  dismantling and / or filling as appropriate, taking care to leave a minimum lateral inclination - of the order of so much by a thousand and only if it did not already exist naturally - that allows the transit of the runoff through the gutter to the exit hole. Be they would also place baffle plates, half buried in the soil, which would be responsible for directing the flow to the canal of collection. Subsequently, the system of Mass storage runoff in a downhill location. For this it would be necessary for the pipeline that carries the water from runoff towards said storage system always had downward slope, therefore, in areas with not too much tilt, it might be necessary to dig a hole where place the drum (s). Once this step was finished, we would proceed to the connection of the receiving base gutter, adapted to the front of collection, with the storage system, as described with anteriority. In case you need to pick up so individualized surface runoff from different areas, Figure 2, the receiving gutter would have been divided, prior to its installation, in as many compartments as areas of individualization interested, and with the dimensions that agreed to each zone, using, to achieve such divisions, of plates of separation of PVC or other appropriate material, installable and easily removable in said gutter - fixing them with silicone by example-, located just to the right side, in favor of the slope side of the gutter, of the corresponding holes that would direct individual runoff through hoses -joined by means of fittings and elbows to the gutter- to the drums of associated individual storage. If at any time you reach interested collectively collect runoff from two contiguous areas, previously individualized, just fill with a rubber stopper the hole corresponding to the area located at a lower depth than the lateral slope of the gutter, and also remove the separation plate located at its side, thus allowing the flow to continue towards the hole next, limited in its advance by the corresponding plate accompanying side. If you later become interested again individualize runoff from both contiguous areas, it would become to remove the rubber cap and again the plate would be installed separation, fixed with a sealer. Finally it would be to verify the correct functioning of the system for use to collection and calculation of runoff generated in the area and for study erosive or trawling processes in general, both particles such as solutes, or even microorganisms, susceptible of affecting the quality and conservation of aquatic resources and edaphic For this it is possible to quantify the runoff flow through commercial devices located at the exit of the collection gutters, or measure their total volume in the drums of mass storage - with portable or volumetric balance - and analyze the physicochemical characteristics of entrained liquids and solids, moving the samples for it to the laboratory or through automatic sensors commercial.

The design, construction and installation of devices are raised in principle as potentially jobs "a la carte", according to the needs of the applicants of the services. Industrial facilities or infrastructure specified would depend on the assignment and scale of work and would cover workshops or warehouses equipped with appropriate tools.

Claims (7)

1. Modular device and procedure for runoff collection and storage consisting of a runoff collection system and a system of storage, applicable in hydrological studies and / or related to conservation strategies of edaphic and water resources. 2. Modular device according to claim 1, characterized in that the collection system is a receiving element consisting of a gutter, of PVC, for example, of a piece or several assemblies with the aid of sealants, provided with reversibly sealed perforations with rubber plugs or other appropriate material, and connected by means of suitable parts, such as fittings, elbows and hoses of polyethylene to the storage system, and also characterized by presenting dimensions and final arrangement adaptable to the area where it is implanted and the purposes of the work in to be used 3. Modular device according to claim 2, characterized in that the gutter has compartments that can be modified in length by means of easily installed and removable plates, which can be placed, with the aid of a sealant such as silicone, next to each of the sealed perforations, to the right - according to the lateral slope of the gutter - of these perforations, which allows it to work in different and easily reversible modalities. 4. Modular device, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the collection system is complemented by the installation on the ground of galvanized iron sheets, or other suitable material, on the ground collection front, for directing the runoff to the reception gutters is correct, and also with fiberglass roofs, or other suitable translucent material, that prevent the entry of precipitation directly into the collection gutters. 5. Modular device according to claim 1, characterized in that the runoff and solids storage system carried by it is constituted by individual polyethylene drums, for example, or reversibly connected by its base by means of fittings, stopcocks and polyethylene hose or other suitable material. 6. Procedure for recruitment and runoff storage described in claim 1, supplemented with additional accessories available in the market, for purposes of flow calculation, and / or sampling and / or analysis automatic physical-chemical characteristics of runoff. 7. Use of devices and procedures described in the preceding claims for hydrological studies and related to process monitoring of soil and water degradation, and evaluation of conservation of edaphic and water resources, always after automatically or manually account for the flows of runoff and analyze properties physicochemical and / or microbiological of liquids and dragged solids.