Curb-inlet storm drain systems for filtering trash and hydrocarbons

Abstract

A modular insert for curb-inlet storm drains creates a composite collection system for trash and for oil or other hydrocarbons and related chemicals. A hopper contains a multitude of irregular, macroscopic fragments of a hydrophobic, compliant, oil-absorbent, copolymer material having high surface area. Preferably, the material is formed with a binder in a novel extrusion process. The fragments absorb and retain permanently a high quantity of oil and other chemicals passing through the hopper, while permitting a high water flow-through rate. The fragments are held in place by a removable bottom plate, which allows replacement of the filtering fragments, and an internal basket. Trash and debris are collected in the internal basket. The hopper is configured to be suspended in a storm drain adjacent to a curb inlet on a bracket and can be installed or serviced through a conventional manhole entry. The hopper has a side cutout that permit lateral overflow from one of the modular units to an adjacent one.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.