Installation - Aqua-Filter™ Stormwater Filtration System
Since all Aqua-Filter™ systems are fabricated from high performance materials, the units are durable and lightweight and can be installed without the use of heavy lifting equipment. Lifting supports or cables are provided to allow easy off-loading and installation with a trackhoe. Compared to concrete systems, using an Aqua-Filter™ can significantly reduce installation costs. Four routine underground installation steps for the Aqua-Filter™ are summarized below. It should be kept in mind that the Aqua-Filter™ can also be installed above grade to meet custom installation needs.
1. Excavation and Bedding. The trench and trench bottom shall comply with ASTM D 2321, Section 6, Trench Excavation, and Section 7, Installation. The unit is installed on a stable base consisting of Class 1 stone materials per ASTM D 2321, Section 5, Materials, and compacted to 95% proctor density. Additional bedding should be tamped around the “under-center” of the filtration chamber up to the springline to provide adequate support.
2. Pipe Connection Devices. Manufactured stub-outs for the inlet and outlet piping are provided to allow for simple attachment of the device to the stormwater conveyance pipe with rubber couplings. AquaShield™ furnishes the coupling between the swirl and filtration chambers. This only requires the contractor to supply rubber couplings to attach the pipes to both the swirl chamber and filtration chamber stub-outs for the system to function properly
3. Buoyancy (if required). All Aqua-Filter™ systems are supplied with anchor feet at each end of the filtration chamber to provide additional surface area to counter any buoyant forces exerted on the system. Concrete can be poured directly onto the anchors if necessary to provide additional resistive force. Note: The swirl chamber includes an octagonal base plate to counter any buoyant forces (see Step 3 of the Aqua-Swirl™ Installation summary).
4. Traffic Loading. Standard Aqua-Filter made from Polymer Coated Steel (PCS) will not require reinforced concrete. However, depending on shallow burial especially for HDPE units, a concrete pad may need to be placed over the entire Aqua-Filter™ when subject to H-20 (or greater) traffic loading. AquaShield™ can assist to determine if a concrete pad is needed. Traffic rated foundry rims and covers are installed such that no contact is made between the access riser(s) and rebar. If traffic loading is not required, it is recommended that bollards be placed around access risers in non-traffic areas to prevent inadvertent loading by maintenance vehicles.