Gross Pollutant Traps (GPTs) play an integral role as primary stormwater treatment devices and form our first line of defence when it comes to stopping harmful pollutants from entering our waterways.
A vital part of modern stormwater solutions, these GPT devices capture rubbish, sediment, and debris at the source – and directly remove it from runoff from our water catchments.
The removal benchmarks of modern GPT devices mean they operate mechanically to remove particles from large debris, down to total suspended solids – typically recognized as 1000 microns and below. This pollution removal is known as primary treatment, which encompasses the initial screening of incoming stormwater.
GPTs remove large pollutants, improve downstream water quality, and protect the local environment. These devices are available to suit a wide variety of applications, from shopping precincts to airports. Baffle boxes, pit baskets, and vortex separators are examples of these systems.
GPTs often work in conjunction with secondary and tertiary devices. Placing these devices in series is known as a stormwater treatment train. By filtering out large debris, rubbish and coarse sediment, GPTs provide cleaner water outputs for subsequent devices in the treatment train or stormwater network.
SPEL Vortceptor: High-Performance GPT
One of our popular industry leading GPT units is called the SPEL Vortceptor. Its unique design incorporates low vortex action and a non-blocking screen to capture pollutants with high efficiency.
Produced from reinforced fibreglass with a stainless-steel screen, these lightweight devices have a host of key benefits and impressive data when it comes to pollution removal. We cover some key benefits below.
Top 5 Benefits of the SPEL Vortceptor
Establishing GPTs in our stormwater network helps protect our environment, manage water quality outcomes and removes pollution at the source.
Below, we take a look at the five key benefits of SPEL’s high-performance FRP GPT – the SPEL Vortceptor
Single-Piece Fibreglass Construction
Fibreglass–reinforced polymer (FRP) allows for quality single-piece design, high strength, and environmental resilience. SPEL manufactures FRP devices in our own facilities, during which filament is wound in specific geometric patterns to form strong, lightweight structures.
Fibreglass has physical parameters that ensure it is lightweight, while retaining structural strength and integrity. Single-piece fibreglass designs ensure easier lifting, less machinery on-site and lower freight costs.
Continuously Self-Cleaning Screens
Modern gross pollutant trap designs often incorporate self-cleaning screen technology, which prevents clogging and binding of sediment to the same degree as a traditional device.
In the Vortceptor range, water travelling through the device creates a vortex with a flow that is tangential to the screen – resulting in a self-cleaning effect. As this water pushes back through the screen, sediment and grit are prevented from clinging or attaching for prolonged periods and fall away.
Easy Maintenance Procedures
GPTs require ongoing inspection and maintenance to ensure function and performance. Routine maintenance schedules are defined by the access, depth and size of the system, and the pollutant loads, flow rate and size of the catchment.
The maintenance of the SPEL Vortceptor is fast and convenient, and able to be performed with a vacuum truck and 1 to 2 personnel. Its design allows easy screen access, which allows the removal of sediment and debris without entering the device.
Range of Sizes, Flow Rates & Capacities
Gross Pollutant Traps are available in a wide range of sizes, capacities, and flow rates – from small to large catchment scenarios.
The SPEL Vortceptor is made in a variety of sizes and models to suit on-site specifications. Designed for flow capacity up to 1600 litres per second – these units can even be placed back-to-back, effectively doubling their flow rate capacity.
High-Performance Pollution Removal
Modern GPT devices often need to meet industry benchmarks for pollution removal, which is important for compliance with environmental regulations and on-site water quality objectives.
GPTs have a variety of key pollutant capture capabilities. They include – the rate of removal of TSS (Total Suspended Solids), GPs (Gross Pollutants) and TP (Total Phosphorus).
Studies have shown the Vortceptor’s pollution removal capabilities with 70% of TSS (Total Suspended Solids) and 99.9% of GP (Gross Pollutants) captured. The device performs above industry benchmarks, and its versatility and performance make it a great choice to meet your on-site requirements.