Filtration system and method for removing suspended solids and affiliated pollutants from stormwater runoff using a geosynthetic filter

Abstract

A filtration system and method are provided for removing suspended solids and other affiliated pollutants from stormwater runoff and any other contaminated water. The filtration system and method utilize a filter having a geosynthetic material. By improving or replacing a conventional filtration system, such as a sand filtration system, with a geosynthetic material, the removal efficiency of suspended solids and affiliated pollutants is maintained or improved and the lifespan of the filtration system is lengthened due to simpler cleaning processes and a reduced need for material replacements. The filter can be a retrofit filter for fitting to existing storm drains for removing suspended solids and affiliated pollutants.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A filter comprising:
 a geonsynthetic material configured for being positioned along a fluid path;   wherein suspended solids and other pollutants are carried along the fluid path by fluid flow and are removed from said fluid flow by said geosynthetic material.   
     
     
         2 . The filter according to  claim 1 , wherein the geosynthetic material is a geotextile or geocomposite. 
     
     
         3 . The filter according to  claim 2 , wherein the geotextile is a nonwoven geotextile. 
     
     
         4 . The filter according to  claim 1 , further comprising a screen provided on a surface of the geosynthetic material. 
     
     
         5 . The filter according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one securing mechanism for securing the geosynthetic material to said filtration system. 
     
     
         6 . The filter according to  claim 1 , wherein the fluid flow comprises stormwater runoff or any other contaminated water. 
     
     
         7 . The filter according to  claim 1 , wherein the filter is configured for placement in proximity to an opening of a drainage system. 
     
     
         8 . A filtration system comprising:
 an inlet defining an opening for receiving fluid flow containing suspended solids and other pollutants;   a filter comprising a geonsynthetic material configured for being positioned along the fluid flow, wherein the suspended solids and pollutants are removed from said fluid flow by said geosynthetic material; and   an outlet defining an opening for dispensing the fluid flow from said filtration system.   
     
     
         9 . The filtration system according to  claim 8 , wherein the geosynthetic material is a geotextile or geocomposite. 
     
     
         10 . The filtration system according to  claim 9 , wherein the geotextile is a nonwoven geotextile. 
     
     
         11 . The filtration system according to  claim 8 , further comprising a screen provided on a surface of the geosynthetic material. 
     
     
         12 . The filtration system according to  claim 8 , further comprising at least one securing mechanism for securing the geosynthetic material within a chamber of said filtration system. 
     
     
         13 . The filtration system according to  claim 8 , wherein the fluid flow comprises stormwater runoff or any other contaminated water. 
     
     
         14 . A method for removing suspended solids and other pollutants from fluid flow, said method comprising:
 receiving the fluid flow containing suspended solids and other pollutants;   providing a filter comprising a geonsynthetic material along the fluid flow; and   removing the suspended solids and other pollutants from the fluid flow using the filter.   
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the geosynthetic material is a geotextile or geocomposite. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising securing the geosynthetic material within a chamber of a filtration system receiving the fluid flow. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising dispensing the fluid flow after the suspended solids and other pollutants are removed. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising cleaning the filter. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 16 , further comprising removing the geosynthetic material from the filtration system. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 16 , further comprising backwashing the filtration system to clean the geosynthetic material. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising placing the filter in proximity to an opening of a drainage system.