Storm Drain Protectors

The Storm Drain Protector system can be added into existing storm drain inlets in parking lots, industrial facilities, along roadways, and anywhere else that water flows warrent the use of storm drain-sized systems. Often being able to simply drop into place under existing grates, the Storm Drain Protector uses replaceable filter pads to remove oil and gas contamination from large flow rates of water. The Storm Drain Protector is capable of removing oil concentrations to below 1 part per million, making it an ideal choice for locations with oil sheen visible on waste water.

If a major spill flows into the Storm Drain Protector, and the quantity is sufficient to saturate the filter material, the Storm Drain Protector will block the flow of liquid before oil can enter the storm drain system.

Storm Drain Protectors are available for both round and square storm drain inlets, and are available for drains 12" and larger. Below are standard operating specifications for two of the more common storm drain inlet sizes.

24 Inch Diameter Round Storm Drain

Pipe Inside Diameter: 21.5 to 22.5 inches (546mm-571mm)
Expected water flow in standard operation: 7.3 US gallons/minute
Maximum water flow (bypass engaged): 9.9 US gallons/minute
Bypass-only flow: 2.6 US gallons/minute

24 x 24 Inch Square Storm Drain

Expected water flow in standard operation: 10.8 US gallons/minute
Maximum water flow: 13.2 US gallons/minute
Bypass-only water flow: 2.4 US gallons/minute

Call For Special Pricing
Phone: (250) 655 5000

Organizations currently using the Storm Drain Protector include:

CAMPUS HONDA (Victoria, BC)
CN RAIL (Concord, Ontario)
METRO LEXUS TOYOTA VICTORIA (Victoria, BC)
ONTARIO POWER GENERATION (Multiple sites, Ontario)

TORONTO WORKS EMERGENCY SERVICES (Ontario)
TOWN OF SIDNEY (BC)
US FOOD SERVICE (Texas)

Why Protect Storm Drains?

A trip through most parking lots and city locales will reveal badly stained pavement, and on a rainy day this results in the rainbow-like sheen of oil and gas products on water flowing into storm drains. While it is easy to blame large scale marine disasters such as oil tanker spills for environmental devastation, far more oil actually enters lakes, rivers and oceans from land-based consumer use (see our blog pages for more detail).

Storm drain systems in populated areas are a prime culprit for carrying this pollution to water sources, and a moment contemplating the sheer number of drain inlets in a single city should make it clear why little media exposure is turned on the issue due to the lack of clear targets to implicate as offenders. As more groups become concerned about our environment and regulations regarding contaminants that can be disposed of down the drains slowly tighten, however, this sort of pollution is an increasing concern.

Petro Barrier Systems launched its line of Storm Drain Protectors in 2005 to provide an efficient, cost-effective choice for commercial, industrial and municipal groups in protecting storm drain systems. Designed for easy installation into existing drains, the Storm Drain Protector uses replacable filter pads, giving the system a long operational lifespan and the flexibility to have filter media customized to the local environment in addition to its relatively low initial cost.

To further improve the performance and lifespan of the Storm Drain Protector, Petro Barrier Systems undertook to redesign its already sucessful Storm Drain Protector to include a bypass system with a pre-filter.

The bypass will automatically operate if the main filter chamber becomes blocked. If the blockage is due to dirt and debris, the bypass will allow for continued operation until servicing can occur. A smaller filter pad in the bypass continues to remove oil and gas during this period.

If the main filter has blocked due to an oil spill, however, the filter pad inside the bypass will also plug before allowing contaminants through, shutting off flow and allowing for easier spill cleanup.