Solid Waste Clog Resistant Smart Drain

Flash floods increasingly affect compact cities worldwide due to inadequate conventional drainage systems that cannot efficiently handle stormwater discharge. These floods, triggered by even moderate rainfall, occur more frequently than other types of flooding. A significant contributor to this issue is the accumulation of solid waste and debris in stormwater drains, which clogs the systems and hinders water flow. This waste accumulation not only reduces the drain channels’ capacity by allowing sediment to settle but also causes a loss in flow velocity and increases resistance against water flow. Despite its frequency and severity, this problem has remained largely unaddressed.

1.The system’s ability to capture and retain solid waste along the full drain channel length, as opposed to just at specific points. 2.It is a single, integrated unit which simplifies operation and maintenance compared to multiple separate filters. 3.The design includes sensors that provide real-time data on waste levels and flow rates, improving responsiveness to potential clogs and flash floods. 4.The system enhances stormwater management by maintaining clear channels, particularly during heavy rainfall, thereby reducing the risk of urban flooding.

This product technology has already been given away to the world free of charge to aid in improving the cities in need. Half of the world’s population is regularly affected by flash floods due to inefficient storm drainage conveyance during the rainy seasons. The impact of floods is disproportionate, hitting the poorest the hardest. We aim to minimise this issue, hence giving away the technology for free, globally. Currently, the Indian government is planning to redevelop Dharavi, the world’s largest slum.We are planning to meet with the Mumbai Slum Redevelopment Authority and offer this technology free.

The solid waste clog-resistant smart drain system has been designed and prototyped, drawing on extensive research by the principal inventor during their doctoral studies. This research documented the modes of failure of current stormwater drain designs and analysed the behaviour of clogged drains during intense rainfall events. Key features integrated into this innovative design include: 1)A mechanism to prevent solid waste and debris from entering water bodies by capturing or trapping waste at optimal locations along the drain. 2)The trap design ensures it does not impede the stormwater conveyance process within the drain channel. 3)Functionality across the entire length of the drain, not just at specific points, to ensure uniform effectiveness. 4)Features that allow for the easy removal of trapped and retained solid waste, maintaining a clear channel for stormwater conveyance, particularly during heavy rainfall. 5)The system’s design also enables local inhabitants to easily monitor waste accumulation and alert authorities as necessary. 6)Additionally, the drain system is equipped to function as a ’drain-bot,’ collecting real-time rainfall and flood data and integrating these into an intelligent data hub, enhancing responsiveness and preventive measures against potential flooding.