Vortechnics Introduces VortCapture, A New Stormwater Treatment System

Vortechnics, the leading provider in stormwater treatment, today introduced VortCapture™, a new, full-capture, screening device for the removal of trash and organic debris from urban runoff. The high capacity VortCapture™is engineered to specifically target all particles greater than five millimeters in size, including those that are neutrally buoyant, from stormwater flows before they enter the surrounding watershed.

Trash and organic debris (including leaves and lawn clippings) carried in stormwater create not only an "eye sore" in waterways, but also can harbor bacteria, viruses, mosquito populations, and other pollutants which can be detrimental to both humans and the environment. New state regulations are now being drafted that specifically target the accumulation of debris on our nation’s coasts and inland waters. California has become the first to enforce a trash TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) that restricts the discharge of all five millimeter and larger particles into Los Angeles County and Ballona Creek waterways.

"These developing regulations and a growing dissatisfaction with the state of our recreational waters has increased the demand for a better solution to keep trash off our beaches and out of our oceans and rivers," said David Miley, CEO of Vortechnics. "VortCapture™is unrivaled in its ability to separate and retain a broad spectrum of pollutants from urban runoff and further strengthens our position as a total stormwater solutions provider."

The VortCapture™ system is used to clean stormwater that runs off of parking lots, roads and other impervious surfaces. 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.

VortCapture™ employs a unique screen design that maximizes hydraulic capacity, minimizes blinding, and removes all particles at least five millimeters in size, including those that are neutrally buoyant, from urban runoff. This ability is combined with the proven sediment removal capabilities of other Vortechnics products, so the system is unrivalled in its ability to capture and retain a diverse suite of stormwater pollutants.

The sizing and performance specifications of VortCapture™ were verified through rigorous full-scale laboratory testing. Performance data gathered through testing using trash and organic debris typically found in urban runoff, provided a solid baseline for sizing the VortCapture™ to meet specific regional requirements. Typically, the system will be designed to treat an entire water quality flow before partitioning any storm flows around the treatment components. The standard VortCapture™ will be configured with a 4.8 millimeter perforated screen, but other screen openings can be used to meet specific treatment goals.

The internal treatment components of the VortCapture™ are housed in a round, concrete manhole. Its lightweight, compact design is well suited for tight sites and can be used as a standalone treatment system or as a pre-treatment device in conjunction with other stormwater BMPs (best management practices).

Source: Vortechnics