Energy dissipator and associated system for use in sumped flow-through manholes

An energy dissipator for use in a sumped manhole, the energy dissipator comprising:

• a sheet member defining a downstream surface, an upstream surface opposite the downstream surface, and opposing side edges each extending between the downstream surface and the upstream surface;
• wherein:
• the sheet member includes a plurality of apertures,
• each of the plurality of apertures extends through both the downstream surface and the upstream surface,
• the sheet member extends in an arcuate manner between the opposing side edges,
• the dissipator is configured to intercept fluid flow within the manhole to decrease energy and control flow dynamics within the manhole,
• the sheet member includes a top edge and a bottom edge each extending between the opposing side edges,
• the plurality of apertures are arranged to form a blocking column extending between the top edge and the bottom edge and centered between the opposing side edges, and
• the blocking column is defined as a continuously solid area of sheet member between the plurality of apertures and continuously tapers inwardly along each of its longitudinal sides as it extends from near the top edge toward the bottom edge.

An energy dissipator for use in a sumped manhole, the energy dissipator comprising:

• a sheet member defining a downstream surface, an upstream surface opposite the downstream surface, and opposing side edges each extending between the downstream surface and the upstream surface;
• wherein:
• the sheet member includes a plurality of apertures,
• each of the plurality of apertures extends through both the downstream surface and the upstream surface,
• the sheet member extends in an arcuate manner between the opposing side edges, and
• the dissipator is configured to intercept fluid flow within the manhole to decrease energy and control flow dynamics within the manhole
• the sheet member includes a top edge and a bottom edge each extending between the opposing side edges,
• the plurality of apertures are arranged to form a blocking column extending between the top edge and the bottom edge and centered between the opposing side edges,
• the blocking column is defined as a continuously solid area of sheet member between the plurality of apertures, and
• the blocking column extends from the top edge to the bottom edge.

A method of configuring a sumped manhole to reduce scour within the sumped manhole, the method comprising:

• installing an energy dissipator in the sumped manhole, the energy dissipator comprising a sheet member that is initially substantially planar and defines a downstream surface, an upstream surface opposite the downstream surface, a top edge, a bottom edge opposite the top edge, and opposing side edges each extending between the downstream surface and the upstream surface and between the top edge and the bottom edge, each of the two opposing side edges tapers inwardly from the top edge toward the bottom edge, installing the energy dissipator includes securing each of the opposing side edges on opposing sides of an inlet opening in the sumped manhole in substantially vertical orientations to bow the sheet between the side edges such that the sheet member extends in an arcuate manner between the opposing side edges and the downstream edge extends with an upward angle from the bottom edge of the sheet member, and
• wherein:
• the sheet member includes a plurality of apertures,
• each of the plurality of apertures extends through both the downstream surface and the upstream surface, and
• the dissipator is configured to intercept fluid flow within the manhole to decrease energy and control flow dynamics within the manhole.