Vortechnics introduces VortCapture(tm), a new stormwater treatment system for the removal of trash and debris from urban runoff

Unique system combines superior trash and organic debris capture with Vortechnics proven sediment removal capabilities

SCARBOROUGH, Maine - Vortechnics, the leading provider in stormwater treatment, today introduced VortCapture(tm), a new, full-capture, screening device for the removal of trash and organic debris from urban runoff. The high capacity VortCapture(tm) 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(tm) 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(tm) 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(tm) 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(tm) 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(tm) 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(tm) 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(tm) 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)

 How VortCapture(tm) Works
VortCapture(tm) employs a unique screen design that maximizes hydraulic capacity and minimizes blinding.  During operation, a tangential inlet causes stormwater to swirl in the circular treatment chamber.  Buoyant materials migrate to the center of the treatment chamber and rise above the screen while non-floating pollutants are trapped in the sump below. The vortex action creates high tangential velocities across the face of the screen relative to the normal velocities through the screen.  This indirect screening feature scours the screen, preventing the "stapling" of debris into apertures, which can clog screens and restrict flow. Neutrally buoyant material, such as litter and organic debris swirls across the screen face, then floats or sinks to the bottom. 

VortCapture(tm) is typically sized to treat a design storm or water quality flow rate, where all runoff is directed into the treatment chamber.  At higher flow rates, a portion of the runoff spills over the flow partition and is diverted around the treatment chamber and screen, filling the head equalization chamber.  This collapses the head differential between the treatment chamber and the outlet, resulting in a relatively constant flow rate in the treatment chamber even with a substantial increase in total flow through the system.  The configuration reduces the potential for pulverization or washout of previously captured debris and sediment.

VortCapture(tm) should be inspected at regular intervals and cleaned out when necessary to ensure optimum performance.  The rate at which the system collects pollutants will depend more heavily on site activities than the size of the unit (e.g., excessive amounts of trash or organic debris will cause the treatment chamber to fill more quickly, but regular street cleaning will slow accumulation).  At a minimum, VortCapture(tm) should be cleaned out annually.

About Vortechnics, Inc.
As the leading provider of engineered stormwater management solutions, Vortechnics has set the industry standard with its emphasis on technical customer service, research and development, customization, ease of installation and maintenance. The company's comprehensive suite of stormwater treatment products capture pollutants from runoff and protect 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, Maine, Vortechnics, part of the CONTECH(r) family of companies, has installed thousands of 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 or call 877-907-8676.