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What is a flow control chamber?

A flow control chamber is a critical component in sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and traditional drainage infrastructure. It is designed to regulate the flow of water within a drainage network, ensuring that the discharge rates are controlled to prevent flooding and manage water resources effectively. Here’s an overview of its purpose, components, and applications:

Purpose

Regulate Water Flow: By controlling the rate at which water is released from drainage systems, flow control chambers help to prevent overwhelming downstream infrastructure and natural watercourses.

Prevent Flooding: By managing peak flow rates, these chambers reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Protect Water Quality: By controlling the flow, they can help in settling out pollutants and sediments before the water is released, contributing to water quality improvement.

Key Features of a Flow Control

Flow Regulation: The main types of flow control commonly used are vortex devices (hydro-brake) or orifice plates to control the flow rate of water passing through the chamber. These are designed to maintain a consistent discharge rate regardless of varying driving head. WASP flow control chambers can be suplied with both types.

Applications of Flow Control

Stormwater Management: Used in Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) to manage runoff during rain events by controlling the release rate of stormwater. Temporary storage (attenuation) will be required upstream due to the restricted discharge. SEL can advise on the size of attenuation required.

What is Exceedance Flow?

Definition: The flow of stormwater that exceeds the designed capacity (design storm) of a drainage system. This can result in local flooding if the flow control chamber does not have an internal bypass / overflow. WASP flow control chambers have internal bypass / overflow in the form of a weir.