FI128764B - Surface runoff filter and system for filtering surface runoff - Google Patents

Abstract

There is shown and described a surface runoff filter (10) and system (60) including the same for continuous high volume separation of solid contaminants (25) from surface runoff (24).

Description

SURFACE RUNOFF FILTER AND SYSTEM FOR FILTERING SURFACE RUNOFF

FIELD

The present invention relates to filtration and, in particular, to a removable filter for treating incoming surface runoff entering a storm drain, and a system comprising a storm drain and the removable filter.

BACKGROUND

Pollution in storm water runoff is increasingly being noticed as a source of — significant environmental problems. Urban environments offer limited opportunities for storm water to run off naturally. In the absence of natural run off, storm water runoff accumulates debris, sediment, chemicals and other contaminants as it flows over soil and impervious surfaces on its way to storm drains, which are typically located on a surface level of roadways or the like. By way of example, storm water runoff transports varying quantities of contaminants such as sand, sediments, oil/grease, phosphorous, nitrogen, bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides, nutrients and other inorganic and organic constituents with the potential to impair surficial water bodies, infiltrate groundwater, and impact aquifier systems downstream. Many of these contaminants are in solid form. Other contaminants have an affinity to adsorb/absorb or otherwise collect onto solid particles, — such as sand, sediment, or other non-aqueous matter entrained in the surface runoff. To collect these solid contaminants, there is a need for filters and systems capable of efficiently removing solid contaminants from storm water. While there are known filters for such use, these filters quickly become clogged with solid particulates and are unable to

S handle a large volume of storm water runoff without quickly becoming overwhelmed.

N 25 US 20170284077 discloses a removable catch basin filter insert includes a filter - container is fitted into a catch basin in the ground at the location where the stormwater - exits the gutter and enters the stormwater sewer system. The removable catch basin filter

E provides pollution capture from stormwater while being easily cleaned. A hinged cover is 2 included at the top of the filter insert to allow the captured pollutants to be evacuated

LO 30 through the use of a vehicle or being tipped nearly upside down by a mechanical arm. A > hinged trap door is included at the bottom of the filter insert to allow captured pollutants to be evacuated through the bottom of the device and into a container. By capturing the pollutants with the removable catch basin filter insert before the pollutants enter the mainline storm drain system, clean storm drain systems are provided allowing for cleaner waterways.

KR 20140002387 relates to a sidewalk or road, or a road-type non-point source reduction device installed between the sidewalk and the road. Non-point source reduction apparatus according to the present invention is a road, sidewalk or embedded in the interface between the road and sidewalk, the housing is open at the top and the drain is formed in the lower, A generally cylindrical cylinder screen having a top open and detachably installed vertically inside the housing; Rainfall inlet is formed in the rainwater inlet is formed, the lid cover (lead cover) to be detachably installed on the upper portion of — the cylinder screen to cause a turning force to the rainwater flowing in; And a grating manhole having a lattice-shaped air gap detachably installed on an upper portion of the lead cover. According to the present invention, since the non-point source is separated step by step not only by volume but also by specific gravity, there is a rapid advantage in responding to the initial excellent non-point source, and each component is removable so — that maintenance is very easy. Do. In addition, there is an advantage that the possibility of damaging the screen network is very rare due to the large amount of initial excellentness caused by the turning force.

CN 101538892 discloses a device for intercepting and deodorizing waste at a gully; a solid waste intercepting device is arranged at a gully wall chamber, a deodorizing device is arranged at the lower part of the solid waste intercepting device, the solid waste intercepting device is a grating type framework with an opening at the upper end thereof, the grating type framework hangs at a fixed stainless steel hanger of the inner wall of the gully wall chamber by two handles at the two sides thereof, filtering areas with uniform 5 density are respectively arranged at the middle and lower part of the lateral side of the

O 25 — grating type framework, a flooded zone is arranged at the upper part of the lateral side = thereof, a drainage area is arranged at the upper part of the flooded zone, a tremie-type = priming frame or a tremie-type priming frame is connected on the grating type framework; z the deodorizing device is a water-holding bent deodorizing water seal or a self

N equilibrating turnover plate water seal. Considering the defect of complex structure of the

O 30 existing solid waste treatment device, the invention provides a solid waste intercepting and 2 deodorizing device featuring simple structure and low cost. As the device is simple in

N structure, convenient in both installation and use, thus being beneficial for promotion and popularization.

CN109356276 discloses a kind of filtering basket and rainwater filtration equipment, filtering basket is for being arranged inside catch-basin, including the bottom screen being set in catch-basin internal cross section and the switch being set in bottom screen ; Bottom screen is provided with the first opening, and bottom screen is extended with overflow ducts from the position of the first opening to the well head direction of catch-basin, and overflow ducts are being equipped with overflow port close to well head side; Switch is set at overflow port; Wherein, switch can be moved relative to overflow port, and open overflow ducts when switch is far from overflow port; And while covering overflow port close in switch, closes overflow ducts .By the above method, the present invention can avoid causing waterlogging because draining not in time while bulky grain dirt and sundries enter catch-basin in reducing rainwater.

CN206554228 discloses a kind of suspension type catch-basin filter, it includes filter frame, including filter frame body, extends the hanger flange formed, the baffle plate formed by the extension of hanger flange by filter frame body ; Filter assemblies, including located at filter frame body upper open end upper filter screen, located at filter frame body lower open end lower filter screen, the filtrate between lower filter screen and upper filter screen, the filter cloth for being coated on filtrate outer surface ; Overflow pipe, it is coaxially disposed with filter frame body and runs through filter assemblies, and thereon distal process for upper filter screen. The utility model is placed on the fixed mount — on catch-basin inwall by the hanger flange of annular, it is conducive to improving the stability hung, gap of the rainwater between hanger flange and catch-basin inwall is avoided to flow away, which raises rainwater scavenging effect, cause to block using setting baffle plate to avoid the granule foreign collected from entering the gap between

N hanger flange and catch-basin inwall simultaneously, it advantageously reduces follow-up = 25 — cleaning difficulty. - SUMMARY i The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific & embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. 3 30 In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there are disclosed filters and accompanying systems for filtering solid contaminants from surface runoff which efficiently remove contaminants from surface runoff. The filter has been experimentally shown to filter high volumes of surface runoff with solid contaminants therein without clogging of the filter. Accordingly, in one aspect, the filter and accompanying system described herein are capable for use in locations that experience heavy rainfall or otherwise have an expectation of heavy surface runoff.

In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a surface runoff filter comprising at least one feature from the following bulleted list: o a body having a base and an outer wall extending from the base, the body defining a cavity having a volume and the outer wall comprising a plurality of apertures of a predetermined aperture size extending there through; e wherein the volume and aperture size are sized such that upon flow of surface runoff comprising solid contaminants into an upper portion of the filter, the filter continuously separates at least a portion of the solid contaminants from the surface runoff and retains the separated solid contaminants within the cavity while allowing flow of liguid filtrate through the apertures; and e wherein the filter is dimensioned and configured for removable attachment below a storm drain cover to enable flow of the surface runoff through the storm drain cover into the filter.

In accordance with yet another aspect, there is provided a system for filtering surface runoff comprising at least one feature from the following bulleted list: e a storm drain cover comprising a plurality of openings therein to allow surface runoff comprising solid contaminants to flow from an environmental surface through the storm drain cover, wherein the storm drain cover is housed within a recess of the environmental surface: e a stormwater filter removably attached below the storm drain cover within the o recess, wherein the stormwater filter comprises at least one feature from the

O 25 following bulleted list: = o a body having a base and an outer wall extending from the base, the body = defining a cavity having a volume and the outer wall comprising a plurality of

E apertures of a predetermined aperture size extending there through; © o wherein the volume and aperture size are sized such that upon flow of surface & 30 runoff comprising solid contaminants into an upper portion of the filter, the 2 filter continuously separates at least a portion of the solid contaminants from the surface runoff and retains the separated solid contaminants within the cavity while allowing flow of liquid filtrate through the apertures; and o wherein the filter is dimensioned and configured for removable attachment below a storm drain cover to enable flow of the surface runoff through the storm drain cover into the filter. 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of particular embodiments of the present invention and their advantages, reference is now made to the following descriptions, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a surface runoff filter in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates flow of surface runoff into the filter of FIG. 1 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a surface runoff filter installed with a typical storm drain in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a surface runoff filter further comprising an embodiment of an overflow pipe in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a surface runoff filter further comprising another embodiment of an overflow pipe in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a surface runoff filter further comprising a guide plate in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a surface runoff filter further comprising reinforcement members about an exterior of the basket in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

S DESCRIPTION

O 25 Now referring to the figures, there is shown in FIG. 1 a surface runoff filter 10 = comprising a (first) basket 11 having a body 12. The body 12 comprises a base 14, an = upper portion 15, and an outer wall 16 extending from the base 14 defining an outer z circumference of the basket 11. In this way, the basket 11 defines a cavity 20 having a a © volume therein. In addition, the outer wall 16 of the basket 11 comprises a plurality of

O 30 apertures 22 having a predetermined aperture size and shape extending there through. 2 Referring to FIG. 2, surface runoff 24 will flow into the cavity 20, and the volume of the

N cavity 20 and the aperture size of apertures 22 are sized/selected such that upon flow of surface runoff 24 comprising solid contaminants 25 into the upper portion 15 of the filter 10, the filter 10 separates at least a portion of the solid contaminants 25 from the surface runoff 24. In this way, the filter 10 continuously retains at least a portion of the solid contaminants 25 within the cavity 20 of the basket 11 while enabling flow of liquid filtrate 26 through the apertures 22 to an exterior 28 of the basket 11 and filter 10, and typically down to a drainage pipe when installed beneath a storm drain cover (as will be described below) In an embodiment, the upper portion 15 comprises a depth from a top surface plane 18 of the body 12, which (depth) is up to 25% of a total height of the body 12.

The body 12 may be formed from any suitable inert, rigid, and weatherproof material. In an embodiment, the body 12 comprises stainless steel. In another embodiment, the body 12 comprises an iron- or nickel-based alloy material. In still other embodiments, the body 12 may comprise a rigid polymeric material, such as a polyolefin or the like. With these materials, the filter 10 is suitable for long term or rugged use, such as in environments with heavy rainfall and/or with high debris or solid contaminant filter requirements. In addition, the filter 10 may be easily emptied and cleaned of the solid contaminants, such as by pressure washing or the like. The body 12 may comprise any — suitable shape. In an embodiment, the body 12 comprises a cylindrical shape, although it is understood that the present invention is not so limited. A cylindrical shape advantageously offers a relatively large storage capacity in addition to a large filter surface area. In other embodiments, the body 12 may comprise a conical, hourglass, or other size shape. In addition, the body 12 may comprise a single integral structure or may be modular — having severable connectable sections, which in some cases, may facilitate cleaning and installation of the filter. The connectable sections may be in any suitable form, such as cross-sections of a cylinder or 180 degree sections of the body 12.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 for example, the filter 10 may 5 comprise a lifting means, e.g., handles 29, or the like for manoeuvring the filter, such as

O 25 — the manual or machine-operated lifting or setting down of the filter 10 as necessary. The = lifting means may comprise any suitable structure, and may be located on any portion of = the body 12 or component associated therewith. In certain embodiments, the lifting means, z e.g., handles 29, are sized and configured for grasped by a lifting machine, such as a a © forklift. To facilitate this, in certain embodiments and as shown in FIG. 2, the body 12 may

O 30 further include one or more counterweight members 56 attached to the body 12 for 2 stabilization of the filter 10, e.g, to prevent falling or tipping of the filter 10, upon lifting

N the filter 10 at only one end thereof (single point lifting). The counterweight member 56 may comprise a plate, bar, or the like associated with the body 12.

The cavity 20 of the basket 11 may comprise any suitable volume corresponding to the expected volume of surface runoff 24 to enter the cavity 20, the type and amount of solid contaminants to be removed, the rate at which the surface runoff 24 is filtered by the filter 10, and/or any other suitable parameter. Similarly, the apertures 22 may have any suitable size and shape to enable capture of a desired portion, amount, and/or size of solid contaminants 25 within the cavity 20. In an embodiment, the apertures 22 have a maximum diameter that is equal to or less than an average largest diameter of the solid contaminants 25 desired to be removed. In particular embodiments, the apertures comprise a mesh size of 8 (2.83 mm opening size) or greater. In certain embodiments, the filter 10 comprises a — mixture of different apertures sizes throughout a height of the body. For example, in certain embodiments, the aperture size (diameter) is greater towards a top surface 18 of the body 12 than towards the base 14 due to the tendency of finer solid contaminants 25 to settle towards the base 14. This effect may also increase the filtration efficiency of the filter 12.

It is appreciated that the body 12 of the basket 11 may be of sufficient thickness so as to be self-supporting and capable of withstanding long-term filtration and use without replacement. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the basket 11 may further include any additional number of reinforcement members 54 or the like which extend in any desired direction (e.g., vertically or circumferentially) about an interior or exterior surface — of the body 12 to provide additional structural support for the body 12 and/or to facilitate cleaning or changing of the basket 11. For example, The reinforcement members 54 may aid in supporting the weight of the body 12, particularly when the cavity 20 is filled with solid contaminants 25. The reinforcement members 54 may comprise any suitable form, 5 such as a cage, ribs, or the like. In certain embodiments, the additional reinforcement

O 25 — members 54 are detachable from the body 12. = The solid contaminants 25 may comprise any material which is carried by the = surface runoff 24. Without limitation, the solid contaminants 25 may comprise sand, z sediments, oil/grease, phosphorous, nitrogen, bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides, nutrients

N and other inorganic and organic constituents. In certain embodiments, the solid

O 30 contaminants 25 may agglomerate together. In other embodiments, the solid contaminants 2 25 may comprise materials that absorbed, adsorbed, or otherwise collected on other solid

N materials so as to themselves be considered “solid contaminants.” In still other embodiments, semi-solid or even liguid (e.g., oils) contaminants, which are non-miscible with water, may also be recovered within the filter 10 without being carried by other solid contaminants 25.

In accordance with at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the filter 10 is removably attachable below a storm drain cover (as is known in the art) to enable flow of surface runoff 24 through the storm drain cover into the filter 10 for filtration of the surface runoff 24. To illustrate, in FIG. 3, there is shown a system 60 comprising a storm drain cover 32 and a filter 10 as described herein. The storm drain cover 32 is installed (and shown removed for purposes of illustration) within an opening 34 formed an environment surface 30, e.g., a roadway surface. Typically, the storm drain cover 32 is installed within a recess 36 of the roadway surface 30 that encircles the opening 34. Typically also, the opening 34 leads to drainage piping which leads the surface runoff 24 to a desired location such as a treatment facility, storage location, or separate environmental location (rivers, streams, etc.). The storm drain cover 32 also includes a plurality of openings 38 therein to allow surface runoff 24 comprising the solid contaminants 25 to flow from the roadway — surface 30 through the storm drain cover 32 and into the filter 10 when installed. In certain embodiments, the storm drain cover 32 comprises a grated inlet comprising a plurality of the openings 38.

In an embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure, to facilitate the installation of the filter 10 below the storm drain cover 32, the body 10 further comprises a rim 40 extending about at least a portion of a circumference 42 of the exterior 28 of the body 12 (FIGS. 1-4). In an embodiment, the rim 40 is configured for receipt within the same recess 36 dimensioned to receive the storm drain cover 32. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the rim 40 has a thickness which enables the rim 40 to be received within 5 the same recess 36 as the storm drain cover 32. In this way, the removable attachment of

O 25 — the filter 10 below the storm drain cover 32 is enabled. In an embodiment, the rim 40 is = also formed from a relatively strong, rigid material as is the remainder of the body 12. As = such, the rim 40 is able to support the weight of the body 12 of the filter 10 as the cavity z fills with the solid contaminants 25. It is further contemplated that the rim 40 may be cut to

N desired dimensions in order to fit different sized storm drain diameters.

O 30 In operation and referring again to FIGS. 2-3, surface runoff 24 including solid 2 contaminants 25 flows from the environmental surface 30 down through the openings 38

N of the storm drain cover 32 and into the filter 10 which is now installed below the storm drain cover 32. As the surface runoff 24 flows into the filter 10, the solid contaminants 25 are continuously separated from the surface runoff 24 and are maintained within the cavity

20 while filtrate 26 exits the filter 10 and flows out and down to a drainage pipe or the like.

In accordance with an aspect, the volume of the cavity 20 and the aperture 22 size may be adjusted so as to allow for the accumulation of solid contaminants within the cavity 20 as surface runoff 24 continuously flows into the filter 10.

In certain embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure, the basket 11 comprises a predetermined free surface area. The “free surface area” is defined as the available surface area for the basket 11 through which a fluid, e.g., surface runoff 24, may flow at a given point in time. In certain instances, the free surface area of the filter 10 may meet regulatory requirements of the local jurisdiction following installation. By way of example only, in certain embodiments, the filter's free surface area may be at least twice a value which is 30% of a free surface area of the storm drain cover 32 (e.g., a grated inlet).

In this way, even if the filter 11 is half filled with solid contaminants 25, for example, the filter 10 still has the capacity to filter incoming flow of surface runoff 24 and allow liguid filtrate 26 to exit the basket 11 through the apertures 22. The free surface area of the filter 10 may be modified by changing mesh free surface area (e.g., increasing or decreasing a number and/or size of the apertures 22, or changing a shape of the apertures 22), increasing a height or volume of the basket 11, increasing a diameter of the basket 11, or the like.

In some instances, it may be desirable to divert at least a portion of the surface runoff 24 from having to be filtered through the apertures 22 so as to avoid any likelihood of backflow out of the filter 10 and onto the environmental surface 30 in the event of a reduction in the filter’s hydraulic capacity due to extreme weather, need for service, or the like. Accordingly, in an embodiment and as shown in FIG. 4, the body 12 may further comprise an overflow pipe 44 extending from the base 14 and into the cavity 20. The 5 overflow pipe 44 comprises an inlet 46 which is located at a predetermined height 45 of the

O 25 body 12 and an outlet 48 extending through the base 14 and down to a drainage pipe or the = like. In an embodiment, upon rising of the surface runoff 24 above the predetermined = height 45 within the cavity 20, surface runoff 24 may enter the inlet 46 of the overflow z pipe 44 and travels out the outlet 48. In the meantime, the surface runoff 24 below the a © overflow pipe 44 will continue to be filtered by the body 12 of the filter 10 and liquid

O 30 filtrate 28 will exit the apertures 22 while the solid contaminants 25 remain in the cavity 2 20. It is appreciated that some solid contaminants 25 may exit the filter 10 through the

N overflow pipe 44; however, this amount is expected to be small given only a portion of the surface runoff 24 will enter the overflow pipe 44. In certain embodiments, the overflow pipe 44 may itself include a filter (not shown) for removing bulk solid contaminants 25 from surface runoff 24 traveling therein.

It is appreciated that the inlet 46 of the overflow pipe 44 may be positioned at any suitable angle. As shown in FIG. 4, the inlet 46 may be disposed in a relatively horizontal — position such that when surface runoff 24 reaches a height of the inlet 46, the surface runoff 24 readily enters the inlet 46. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the overflow pipe 44 comprises an inverted J-shaped (or cane-shaped) member 47 or the like, wherein the inlet 46 faces directly toward the base 14 of the filter 10. In this way, when operative, the overflow pipe 44 will be disposed below a surface water level 62 of the fluid — (surface runoff 24) in the cavity 20. Due to the orientation of the inlet 46 in this position as well below the water surface level, the overflow pipe 44 will act as a “water lock” — meaning that even when excess surface runoff 24 flows into the inlet 46, the flow of solid contaminants 25 into the overflow pipe 44 will at least be reduced (relative to being horizontally positioned) since settled solid contaminants 25 toward the base 14 will substantially remain in their location while at least a portion of floating solid contaminants 25 will remain in a * locked” or “fixed” position toward the water surface level 62 and above a height of the inlet 46.

In further embodiments, the overflow pipe 44 may comprise a suitable structure which enables adjustment of the height of the pipe 44 within the cavity 20. In a particular embodiment, the overflow pipe 44 includes fasteners which allow for adjustment of the height of the overflow pipe 44. In this way, the height of the overflow pipe 44 can be selected based upon need an expected volume of surface runoff 24, expected volume of solid contaminants 25, or other need for the overflow pipe 44. In certain embodiments, the 5 overflow pipe 44 may be removable along with the basket 11. In certain embodiments, the

O 25 inlet 46 of the overflow pipe 44 is set at a highest available height in the cavity. = In accordance with another aspect and as shown in FIG. 6, the filter 10 may further = comprise a guide plate 50 to encourage the incoming surface runoff 24 (as it enters the z filter 10 from the top surface 18) to more directly downward toward the base 14 of the a © filter 10 and away from the outer wall 16 such that the surface runoff 24 does not

O 30 — trickle/flow down the mesh surface (interior of outer wall 16) of the basket 11. In this 2 way, the guide plate 50 prevents the outer body 16 of the basket 11 from gathering solid

N contaminants 25 on a surface thereof, e.g., silt and clayish materials, which may clog apertures 22 and potentially reduce a free surface area of the filter 10 and hydraulic capacity thereof.

The guide plate 50 may be of any suitable size, material, and shape to accomplish these objectives. In particular, the guide plate 50 extends about at least a portion of a circumference of the body 12, extends about an interior surface 52 of the outer wall 16, and extends into the cavity 20. In an embodiment, the guide plate 50 comprises a metal alloy, e.g, stainless steel, or a rigid polymeric material. In an embodiment also, the guide plate 50 has a shape which further encourages flow of the surface runoff 24 toward the base 10 of the basket 11, such as a downward sloping member.

The present inventors have designed a surface runoff filter which overcomes the clogging issues associated with the prior art, as well as provides a filter which is suitable for use in locations that experience significant surface runoff and/or significant solid contaminant waste from surface runoff. Due to the rigid construction and inclusion of handles (in certain embodiments), the filter is easy to install, including as a retrofit to existing storm drain systems, remove, and clean as is necessary. It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, — process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment — means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 5 Where reference is made to a numerical value using a term such as, for example, about or

O 25 — substantially, the exact numerical value is also disclosed. = As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, = and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists z should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a

N separate and unigue member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed

O 30 as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their 2 presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various

N embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto eguivalents of one another,

but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the — principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

The verbs “comprise, “comprising, “including,” “include,” or the like are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also unrecited features. The features recited in dependent claims are mutually freely combinable — unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", that is, a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

S At least some embodiments of the present invention find industrial application in

O 25 treatment of surface runoff.

I REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

2 10 filter 3 30 11 basket = 12 body 14 base 15 upper portion 16 outer wall

18 top surface plane 20 cavity 22 apertures 24 surface runoff 25 solid contaminants 26 liquid filtrate 28 exterior 29 lifting means 30 environmental surface 32 cover 34 opening 36 recess 38 openings 40 rim 42 circumference 44 overflow pipe 46 inlet 47 inverted cane member 48 outlet guide plate 52 interior surface 54 reinforcement members 56 counterweight members 60 t

S system

O 25 62 surface water level

T ja m o 00 © ©

LO o

O

N

Claims (9)

CLAIMS:

1. A surface runoff filter (10) comprising: a body (12) having a base (14) and an outer wall (16) extending from the base (14), the body (12) defining a cavity (20) having a volume and the outer wall (16) comprising a plurality of apertures (22) of a predetermined aperture size extending there through; wherein the volume and aperture size are sized such that upon flow of surface runoff (24) comprising solid contaminants (25) into an upper portion of the filter (10), the — filter (10) continuously separates at least a portion of the solid contaminants (25) from the surface runoff (24) and retains the separated solid contaminants (25) within the cavity (20) while allowing flow of liguid filtrate (26) through the apertures (22); and wherein the filter (10) is dimensioned and configured for removable attachment below a storm drain cover (32) to enable flow of the surface runoff (24) through the storm — drain cover (32) into the filter (10), wherein the body (12) comprises an overflow pipe (44) extending from the base (14) within the cavity (20), wherein the overflow pipe (44) comprises an inlet (46) at a predetermined height within the cavity (20) and an outlet (48) extending through the base (14), wherein upon rising of the surface runoff (24) above the predetermined height within — the cavity (20), the surface runoff (24) enters the overflow pipe (44) and travels out the outlet (48), characterized in that the overflow pipe (44) comprises an inverted J-shaped member (47), wherein the inlet (46) 5 faces directly towards the base (14). O 25

= 2. The filter (10) of claim 1, wherein the body (12) further comprises a rim (40) = extending about at least a portion of a circumference (42) of an exterior surface of the body z (12), the rim (40) configured for attachment within a recess (36) configured to receive the a © storm drain cover (32) to enable the removable attachment of the filter (10) below the O 30 — storm drain cover (32). > N

3. The filter (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the apertures (22) comprise a greater diameter towards a top surface (18) of the body (12) than towards the base (14).

4. The filter (10) of any preceding claim, further comprising means for lifting (29) the filter (10) associated with the body (12) for lifting and/or lowering of the filter (10).

5. The filter (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the body (12) further comprises a guide plate (50) extending about at least a portion of a cireumference of an interior surface (52) of the body (12) and into the cavity (20), the guide plate (50) configured to guide the — surface runoff (25) during operation directly downward toward the base (14) of the filter 10 and away from the outer wall (16).

6. The filter (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the body (12) comprises a cylindrical shape.

7. The filter (10) of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more reinforcement members (54) encompassing at least a portion of the outer body (16).

8. The filter (10) of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more — counterweight members (56) associated with the body (12) for stabilization of the body (12) when lifting from an end thereof. O N O N I Ao a 00 © © LO O O N

9. A system (60) for filtering surface runoff (24) comprising:

a storm drain cover (32) comprising a plurality of openings (34) therein to allow surface runoff (24) comprising solid contaminants (25) to flow from an environmental surface through the storm drain cover (32), wherein the storm drain cover (32) is housed within a recess (36) of the environmental surface (30);

a surface runoff filter (10) removably attached below the storm drain cover (32)

within the recess (36), wherein the surface runoff filter (10) comprises: a body (12) having a base (14) and an outer wall (16) extending from the base (14), the body (12) defining a cavity (20) having a volume and the outer wall (16) comprising a plurality of apertures (22) of a predetermined aperture size extending there through; wherein the volume and aperture size are sized such that upon flow of surface runoff (24) comprising solid contaminants (25) into an upper portion of the filter (10), the filter (10) continuously separates at least a portion of the solid contaminants (25) from the surface runoff (24) and retains the separated solid contaminants (25) within the cavity (29) while allowing flow of liquid filtrate (26) through the apertures (22); and wherein the filter (10) is dimensioned and configured for removable attachment below a storm drain cover (32) to enable flow of the surface runoff (24) through the storm drain cover (32) into the filter (10), — wherein the body (12) comprises an overflow pipe (44) extending from the base (14) within the cavity (20), wherein the overflow pipe (44) comprises an inlet (46) at a predetermined height within the cavity (20) and an outlet (48) extending through the base (14), wherein upon rising of the surface runoff (24) above the predetermined height within 5 the cavity (20), the surface runoff (24) enters the overflow pipe (44) and travels out the O 25 outlet (48), = characterized in that = the overflow pipe (44) comprises an inverted J-shaped member (47), wherein the inlet (46) I faces directly towards the base (14) of the filter (10). a O 3 N