Vortechnics Introduces VortSentry™, a New Alternative in Hydrodynamic Separation
Leader in stormwater treatment launches new product to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff
Scarborough, ME – Vortechnics, the leading provider in stormwater treatment, today introduced VortSentry™, a new alternative in hydrodynamic separation for the removal of pollutants from stormwater. Designed to capture sediment and free-floating pollutants from urban runoff, VortSentry can be used as a standalone best management practice (BMP) or as a pretreatment system used in conjunction with other stormwater treatment devices. It is easy to install and maintain and offers a compact, lightweight design that is ideal for congested sites.
"Vortechnics knows that no two stormwater treatment projects are alike, and that's why we are introducing VortSentry, a new, engineered solution that is especially good for tight sites and retrofits," said David Miley, CEO of Vortechnics. "VortSentry is another way Vortechnics is demonstrating its commitment to provide site-specific stormwater solutions backed by the industry's best customer service and unparalleled technical support."
VortSentry systems are used to clean stormwater that runs off of parking lots, roads and other impervious surfaces. The units utilize a combination of vortex motion and flow controls to remove sediment, oil and debris from runoff before the water discharges into surface waters, such as ponds, lakes and rivers. If not removed from stormwater runoff, the pollutants can accumulate in surface waters, damaging ecosystems and diminishing habitats for native plant, fish and bird species.
Ideally suited for applications where stormwater regulations require that pollutants are reduced to the maximum extent practicable, the VortSentry can be used as a standalone best management practice (BMP) or as a pre-treatment system used in conjunction with other stormwater treatment devices. All VortSentry models are configured with a flow partition to ensure that the rate of flow through the treatment chamber will not cause pollutant re-entrainment, even as the total flow rate through the system increases.
The sizing and performance of the VortSentry was optimized through a combination of rigorous computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and full-scale laboratory testing. Performance data gathered through testing of a silica-based sediment sample with an average particle size of 110 microns provides a solid baseline for sizing the VortSentry to meet specific regional requirements, including 80 percent total suspended solids (TSS) removal on a net annual basis.
The VortSentry features a round, lightweight concrete manhole structure for easy installation (often without the use of a crane) and unobstructed maintenance access. With its small footprint and unobstructed maintenance access, the VortSentry is ideal for tight sites and retrofits.
How the VortSentry Works
Stormwater runoff is conveyed into the unit through the inlet pipe. At low flow rates, all runoff is directed through the inlet aperture where it enters the treatment chamber tangentially. Gravitational separation of floating and sinking pollutants is enhanced by the gentle swirling motion in the treatment chamber, which causes the settleable solids to sink and form a conical pile in the storage sump. Trash, hydrocarbons and other floating debris are retained in the treatment chamber by the baffle wall, which extends below the resting water surface elevation.
At higher flow rates, a portion of the runoff will be diverted over the flow partition and around the treatment chamber, while settleable solids are directed into the treatment chamber. Flow rates through the treatment chamber are limited by the outlet flow control orifice. The head equalizing baffle allows operating rates in the treatment chamber to remain relatively constant even as flow rates in the inlet chamber increase substantially, which minimizes washout potential. To see a diagram of VortSentry, including all the steps listed here, please visit www.vortechnics.com.
Annual maintenance of VortSentry is sufficient in most areas, but Vortechnics recommends quarterly inspections during the first year following installation to gauge pollution accumulation and the required maintenance frequency. The shape and size of the internal treatment components of the VortSentry were optimally configured to control flows through the structure without compromising maintenance access.
About Vortechnics, Inc.
As the leading provider of engineered stormwater management solutions, Vortechnics has set the industry standard with its emphasis on research and development, customization and ease of installation and maintenance. The company's flagship product, the Vortechs® System, captures pollutants from runoff and protects waterways from damaging, contaminated stormwater flows. With the most comprehensive lab, field and third party testing in the industry, Vortechnics delivers proven results and site-specific solutions for all applications and rainfall conditions. Founded in 1988 and based in Scarborough, ME, the company has installed more than 3,500 systems throughout the U.S. and Canada, ensuring that millions of people are able to enjoy the benefits of cleaner, safer water.
For more information about Vortechnics and its products visit the company's web site at www.vortechnics.com.
Source: Vortechnics, Inc.