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FLOW SPLITTING DESIGN CRITERIA
“Flow splitting” is used for diverting a quantity of water from a larger flow volume. Flow splitting is
commonly used to separate the water quality volume (WQV) from larger flows. The objective is to
isolate the WQV as much as possible from the diluting and mixing effects of larger flows. Isolation
increases the efficiency of the pollutant removal mechanisms of the water quality treatment.
Separation is accomplished through these guidelines as follows:
A. Typical Methods of Flow Splitting
1. Surface Flow Splitters
A typical rip-rap storm drain outfall drains to an open, shallow, concrete wall
containment area, which has a low-flow orifice set in one wall at the bottom elevation.
This orifice delivers the treatment volume to the water quality treatment facility. Once
that volume/flow has been delivered, larger flows then overtop a weir set in another
wall to flow to the quantity control facility or to a safe outfall system. This may also be
accomplished through the use of a yard inlet, which overflows into a designed swale in
large storm events.
2. Underground Storm Drain Structure Splitters
At the lowest invert of a typical storm drain structure, a low flow pipe is placed to
deliver the treatment volume to the water quality treatment facility. Once that
volume/flow has been delivered, larger flows exit the structure and are safely directed to
other storm drainage features.
3. Integral Flow Splitters
The above technique can easily be adapted to underground quality treatment structures
by adding an additional chamber to provide for diversion of flow.
A weir is constructed in the bottom of a storm drain facility, often an inlet, to divert
flows to a low flow pipe. The weir is sized to divert the required WQV.
B. Flow Splitting Design
There are two general methods used to achieve flow splitting; Storage Method and Flow
Restriction Method.
1. One method to design a flow splitter is with the “storage” method. This method uses
the chosen treatment storage volume (the WQV) as the key to the system. The treatment
volume is delivered to the water quality facility. The facility is sized to store this
designed volume. The water surface elevation of that treatment volume is then used to
set the elevation of the controlling overflow weir or pipe in the flow splitter structure.
The delivery opening to the water quality facility must be checked to ensure it is non-
restrictive.
2. The flow splitter can also be designed with the “flow restriction” method. With this
method computations are supplied to demonstrate that the treatment volume delivery
opening is restrictive to peak flows (Q’s) greater than the WQV design flow rate. Usage
of this method requires an overflow weir or pipe within the flow splitter to pass the flow
produced by larger storms.
To follow this method, determine the peak treatment discharge (Q) as outlined in
Appendix D.10 of the 2000 Maryland Stormwater Design Manual.
Utilizing the Q calculated above, determine either the pipe or orifice size that will
convey only the required flow via the orifice flow equation, submerged condition. The
head on the pipe should be taken from the centerline of the first flush pipe to the invert
on the overflow pipe or weir elevation.
C. Materials/Pipe Criteria
Flow splitting pipes typically range in size between 6 – 12 inches; however, larger pipes may
also be used. The minimum pipe size allowed is 6 inches. When splitting from a publicly
maintained manhole, a maximum distance of 12 inches is allowed between the invert of the 15-
year, 20-minute outgoing storm drain pipe and the crown of the first flush pipe. Weirs are not
allowed in public structures.
D. Trash Rack Criteria
Trash racks, if utilized, must be designed to be self flushing whenever possible. Trash racks
may be either expanded metal, rebar or approved equivalent. All trash racks must be
removable.
E. Construction Notes on Plans
It is extremely important that flow splitters be built correctly. Please insure the detailed plans
reflect the following:
1. The Sequence of Construction must specifically identify the flow splitter by structure
number.
2. Add the actual dimension between the invert of the flow splitter pipe and the invert of
the overflow pipe to the detail on the plans.
3. Add a note to the detail calling for “the contractor to verify that dimension prior to
backfilling around the structure, and to notify the design engineer immediately if there
is a discrepancy.”