About the Aqua-Filter Stormwater Filtration System
General Information Performance Data Water Quality Treatment Process Design


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Design

The Aqua-Filter Stormwater Filtration System is a treatment train comprised of the Aqua-Swirl, a hydrodynamic separator that induces pretreatment through sedimentation, and the Aqua-Filter, a subsurface filtration unit that physically removes contaminants through a layer of perlite filter cartridges. Both are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE); thus installation is simplified and does not require use of cranes. In systems constructed from HDPE, anti-floatation reinforcement is lighter than concrete and should be considered in their design when they are sited in areas with high seasonal groundwater.

The Aqua-Swirl is a six-foot diameter sedimentation chamber with an angled inlet that creates a swirl action to enhance particle settling, and a baffled outlet that promotes the removal of floating debris, oil, and grease. The Aqua-Filter tested at UNHSC consisted of a large tank with a filtration platform outfitted with 24 cartridges (one-cubic foot, nylon bags, filled with perlite beads). System design is completed by the system manufacturer to accommodate local watershed conditions and target water quality treatment objectives. Specific attention to contaminants of concern is critical in designing systems. The Aqua-Filter can be installed with different filter media mixes that target different spectrums of pollutants.

Runoff up to one cubic foot per second (cfs) enters the treatment train through the Aqua-Swirl and then moves into the Aqua-Filter unit. To prevent the re-suspension of particles and other contaminants, runoff exceeding one cfs is directed around the filter bed though an internal bypass.