Pennsylvania Patent of the Month – October 2021
Drain protectors are a key piece to blocking contaminants from entering the sewage system, capable of blocking sediment and particulates. The issue with some drain protectors along roadways is their tendency to become clogged from debris. The tall diverters – which are used to prevent debris from covering the drain protector – are also easily damaged by passing vehicles. When damaged, the drain can no longer process water and filter out contaminants properly. When blocked, this can lead to roadway flooding. HalenHardy, LLC has a history of developing reliable spill and sediment control products that perform optimally in the most wet and rugged environments.
Their novel drain protector design is no different, working to overcome the issues a regular drain protector faces – damage and blockage. Their design fits overtop the grate that covers a drain or within the opening of the drain depending on the drain design. Their drain protector uses a flexible absorbent pad and an insert. The flexible pad is meant to block debris and sediment while collecting contaminants. While trapping these contaminants, water is able to filter through. The raised insert is also made of an absorbent sheet and provides a second layer of filtration. Depending on the thickness of the insert, it can create a speed bump effect which slows water down and allows sediment to settle before the water continues on. In addition to the pad and the insert is a cover. The cover connects to the absorbent pad while the raised insert creates a space between the layers. The cover serves as a reinforcement layer, protecting the system from the traffic which rolls over it. This multi-layer design creates a more effective drain protector, blocking sediment using layers that allow water to flow through it while protecting the whole system from the pesky traffic.
The design can be customized to work for nearly any frain type – from floor drains to manufacturing catch basin drains.
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