Impedebris

Debris mitigation devices (DMD) for grate inlets are attached or externally placed to prevent debris from entering sewer grates. Debris such as plastics and leaves if not filtered, harm downstream wastewater systems and make wastewater treatment more difficult. The current solution to prevent damage occurring within the sewage system is regular maintenance and common preventative solutions such as: gravel bags and sock filters. However, maintenance is a reactive solution, so floods will often occur before the maintenance team gets to the area. While gravel bags are unsafe to be placed on the highway and sock filters eventually get clogged, decreasing water intake in storm drains. Impedebris is intended to solve the debris, flooding, and maintenance timing issues via its passive, perimeter mechanical filtering system. This consists of rails anchored to the corners of the grate, supporting a telescoping mesh wall that is raised and lowered by buoy elements that also filter floatsam. The system filters and stops debris from flowing into storm drains, rising with the water level to adjust to storm water flow. Impedebris’ novel filtering setup creates a debris-water-debris strata, allowing water to flow normally while capturing debris on top and bottom. The strata can always be reestablished if the water level recedes due to differences in debris buoyancy. This project is intended to develop a proof of concept, including a working minimum viable product and performance data. Impedebris will serve as a scalable, easy-to-install/maintain tool to help road crews keep highways safe and travelers unencumbered.