Stormwater Filters Flow Rates Analysis at FIU

SOP Technologies’ patented upward flow stormwater drainage filters have been operating effectively in the field since 2011. In order to provide more data regarding the filters’ capabilities, SOP Technologies conducted water flow analyses in September and October 2019, using the open channel flume at the Florida International University (FIU) Fluid Mechanics & Water Resources Laboratory. Flow rate measurements were recorded by FIU Professor Cora Martinez-Franklin, Ph.D.

Scope of analyses

SOP Technologies’ stormwater inlet filter was inserted into the flume, and water levels were measured for several flow rates and flume inclination angles from 0% to 6% (to resemble cross slopes on roadways).

Steps to gathering data:

• SOP Technologies’ filter was inserted into the flume, in order to allow for proper water flow and water column height measurements. The width of the filter/screen used was 4 inches, and the sides were sealed to avoid leakage. The width of the flume channel was 4.33 inches.

• The water pump was turned on to initiate water flow, and water flow and water level measurements were taken after equilibrium was established (i.e. measured after the water level no longer continued to rise in front of the face of the filter).

• Water flow rates were taken at multiple intervals to more accurately measure flow data.

• Measurements of water flows and water column heights were taken for six flow rates for each of the following flume angles of inclination:

• 0%

• 1%

• 2%

• 3%

• 4%

• 5%

• 6%

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