Aqua-Guardian™, Catch Basin Insert for Stormwater Quality

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Stormwater

Catch Basin Insert

AquaShield Inc. has improved the patented Aqua-Guardian Catch Basin Insert by increasing the treatment flow rates while maintaining TSS and debris removal efficiency. Filtration of fine sediment and associated pollutants transported during the first flush of the storm continues to be the initial level of treatment.

Each Aqua-Guardian Insert includes a sediment collection/storage area within the HDPE structure. Traditionally, the filter media utilized in the Aqua-Guardian Insert is 100% reclaimed hydrophobic cellulose. Perlite and other natural filter materials are also available in easy to remove filter containers.

Introduction

Aqua-Guardian™ Introduction

The Aqua-Guardian™ Catch Basin Insert is suspended inside the catch basin by a stainless steel support collar, which acts as a funnel to direct runoff water into the sediment collection and storage area. The support collar forms a baffle around the inside of the insert which acts to trap floatable debris, even during overflow conditions.

The Aqua-Guardian™ System is engineered such that the filtration capacity complies with established water quality treatment requirements. This means that the system filters the initial movement of fine sediment pollutants that can be particularly harmful.

Operation

Catch Basin Insert

Stormwater enters the Aqua-Guardian from the surface and accumulates in the sediment chamber to begin the treatment process of capturing pollutants. As the storm continues, water flows through the locked filter screen standpipe and is dispersed over the filter media where fine sediment, petroleum hydrocarbons, nutrients (phosphates) and heavy metals (zinc) are removed before exiting the insert through the base plate.

As the runoff increases, water rises in the sediment chamber to the level of the filter screen outlets built into the perimeter of HDPE structure. Removal, or treatment, of sediment and debris continues at increased flow rates as shown in the Aqua-Guardian Catch Basin Insert Sizing Chart. The internal high-flow bypass openings at the top of the structure reduce the possibility of water backing onto the surface. The baffle formed by the stainless steel support collar prevents captured floatable debris from exiting through the overflow holes.

Benefits

Retrofit Applications

The Aqua-Guardian™ can be used in most standard catch basins or storm drains, regardless of age or location. AquaShield™ can custom-fabricate the stainless steel support collar to fit nearly any size or shape of existing catch basin. The dimensions or diameter of the surface drain opening need to be accurately described on the Aqua-Guardian™ Aqua-Site worksheet.

Easy Installations

Installation is as simple as removing the surface grate cover and lowering the Aqua-Guardian™ into the catch basin. Due to the lightweight nature of HDPE, the Aqua-Guardian™ units can be installed without the need for special lifting equipment. However, removal and handling of the storm grate cover may require lifting equipment due to its weight and size.

The stainless steel support collar on the Aqua-Guardian™ is custom sized to fit inside the surface grate's frame. The flange on the stainless steel support collar will rest on the same rim that receives the surface grate cover. Once the insert is properly seated on the metal rim, replace the grate cover.

Easy Maintenance

A routine inspection and maintenance program is established for each unit based on the volume or load of the contaminants of concern, the frequency of releases of contaminants at the facility or location, and the nature of the area being drained. Typically, the Aqua-Guardian™ should be inspected quarterly or after significant storm events.

The Aqua-Guardian™ Catch Basin Insert can be visually inspected from the surface without the need to remove the catch basin grate. Simply use a tape measure to gauge the amount of sediment in the collection area. When sediment level reaches the bottom of the perimeter filter screen outlets the unit should be serviced.

The first step to maintain the Aqua-Guardian™ Insert requires the removal of the surface grate cover. A wet/dry shop-vac is often used to remove debris and sediment collected inside the chamber. The locking centerpiece assembly is removed by rotating the assembly with the T-handle on top of filter screen standpipe. Once the centerpiece assembly is removed, the filter bag will be visible so that it can simply be pulled from the Aqua-Guardian™. Cleanout any residual sediment in the filter area and place a new filter bag in the unit. Press down on all sides of the newly installed filter to ensure good contact with the outside walls.

The centerpiece assembly is replaced and rotated (or locked) under the fitted guides. The final maintenance step is to replace the surface grate cover to its normal position.