How it works

Super-Flo™ Process is a storage systems that incorporates a combination of features that reduce storage requirements.

In a traditional stormwater storage tank the outflow is typically controlled by either an orifice plate or a slide gate. The discharge rate from the storage tank is directly proportional to the head of water acting on the outlet control device and the design flow is only achieved briefly when the storage tank is completely full.

With the Super-Flo, Hydro International's Reg-U-Flo® Vortex Valve controls the outflow. The design of the Reg-U-Flo is simple, consisting of an intake, a volute and an outlet. Flow is directed tangentially into a volute to form a vortex. High peripheral velocities induce an air-filled core with a resulting back pressure that controls the discharge. Because the Reg-U-Flo harnesses the energy inherent in the flow field, it has no moving parts and no external power requirements. With clear openings up to 600% larger than conventional flow control devices, the risk of clogging is reduced to an absolute minimum. Over 14,000 Reg-U-Flo Vortex Valves are in use around the world controlling stormwater runoff. Click here for more on the Reg-U-Flo.

The Reg-U-Flo is installed in a head development chamber (here, shown as a chamber created by placing a weir wall in a concrete storage vault). The head development chamber fills quickly to create an operating head for the Reg-U-Flo. The self-activating flow control device, with its unique "S" shaped head discharge curve, and the weir wall are designed to enable the design discharge rate to be attained at an early stage of a storm event. The quicker the flow control reaches the design discharge, the lower the storage volume needed for a particular storm event. As a result of this unique design feature the storage requirments can be reduced. The overall volume of the Super-Flo storage system can be up to 30% smaller than conventional storage systems, significantly reducing project costs for the owner. See Images 1 and 2

At the start of the storm flow enters the head development chamber and the water level in the chamber starts to rise. The head in the chamber quickly rises as the Reg-U-Flo starts to throttle the outflow. The Reg-U-Flo quickly reaches design flow. See Image 3

As the storm reaches its peak, the water flows over the weir wall into the main storage volume. The weir holds the head on the valve ensuring the Reg-U-Flo maintains a constant discharge as the water level in the main body of the storage tank rises. See Image 4

If required, an overflow device can be incorporated into the Super-Flo to bypass the system once the tank is full.

At the end of the storm, the water level in the head development chamber will fall first. When the water level drops below a certain level the differential across the weir is sufficient to allow the flap valves at the base of the weir wall to open. Once the flap valves open, the water in the main body of the tank will discharge back into the head development chamber and out through the Reg-U-Flo Vortex Valve.