WaPUG Guide

The Design of CSO Chambers to Incorporate Screens

Copyright 2006 WaPUG

This entire document may be freely copied provided that the text is
reproduced in full, the source acknowledged, and provided it is not
sold.
The editor members of the WaPUG Committee have checked this
publication for major errors, however it does not necessarily represent
the views of the WaPUG Committee. It is issued for guidance in good
faith but without accepting responsibility for its contents.

Version

Revision

Revision Details

Date
11/06/01

2
2

Minor clarification to text and figures.

20/06/01

Major revision

03/1106

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WaPUG Guide
The Design of CSO Chambers to Incorporate Screens
Preface
The first draft of this Guide was produced in October 2000 to provide engineers with better
support for design in AMP3. Response to the Guide was encouraged and, as a result of feedback
from many individuals and organizations, there were a number of strategic issues that led to
significant changes in the guide and these are summarised as follows:
Chambers designed to achieve solids retention by stilling or dynamic separation can be very
effective, and a combination of stilling and screening that requires larger chambers but smaller
screens may prove more cost effective in certain circumstances.
Where the screen alone is providing the solids control the primary driver for chamber
dimensioning is the proper accommodation of the screen.
The performance of the chamber and screen combined should be at least as good as the
separation values given in UPM2.
The chamber sizing is based on a 1-year return period design flow whereas the screen is
designed using a 5-year return period flow. This can be confusing and the Guide should
preferably be consistent in the return period used for design.
The sizing and geometry of the chamber should result in an appropriate distribution of flow over
the full surface of the screen. In particular, care should be taken in design to ensure that the jet
from the upstream sewer is dissipated in the chamber and excessive turbulence does not occur.
Further guidance is needed in the application of the rules to avoid the formation of supercritical
flow in the chamber.
The configuration of the invert and bed benching of the chamber in relation to the geometry of
screens that are located within the body of the chamber should be reviewed.
There is evidence to show that the spacing between the scumboard and the weir may be
reduced to 200mm (previously 300mm).
To take account of these comments the guide was updated in June 2001.
In addition, some feedback on the initial guide related to the important aspect of sediment control
within sewerage systems and the role CSOs have to play in this. Others referred to the control of
pollutants in fine suspension or solution. The authors recognised that these were very important
considerations in sewerage design, but felt that the Guide should be limited to the design of CSO
chambers in which screens were to be used to control aesthetic pollutants. Construction
methods, materials and prefabrication were also considered to be beyond the scope of the Guide
with the guide aiming to detail the geometry of the chamber leaving choice of materials,
construction method and screen type to the designer.
Some contributors felt that the rectangular geometry chosen was somewhat limiting in practice
and pointed to the successful use of other shapes, such as tapered chambers and circular
section chambers. The authors regarded such designs to be equally successful with the proviso
that appropriate testing substantiated the design and performance of the chamber. However,
most of the alternatives appeared to be specific commercial designs where data on performance
characteristics was not available in the public domain. The authors felt that it was inappropriate to
include them specifically within a generic guide such as this, but would encourage designers to
seriously consider such alternatives.
Since the production of the updated guide experience with chamber design and screen operation
has developed and the authors feel that it is now appropriate to update the design guide.
Specifically the following points are addressed:

New guidance on inlet flow conditions

Advice on CSO chamber construction issues, generic screen selection and access.

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WaPUG Guide
The Design of CSO Chambers to Incorporate Screens
1.
Introduction
The purpose of this Guide is to set out current best practice in the design of new
CSO chambers to meet aesthetic regulatory requirements using screens. It is aimed
primarily at design engineers but it should also prove valuable to environmental
regulators, operations personnel, sewer network modellers and drainage area
planners.
Recent practice in CSO chamber design uses the ER304E (Balmforth et al 1988)
and FR0488 (Balmforth et al 1994) reports as guides. These reports were written at
a time when the preferred option for retaining aesthetics was by stilling or dynamic
separation. Screen technology was still in its infancy and generally not favoured
because of concerns over effectiveness and operational reliability. When properly
designed the FR0488 chambers have been shown to provide significant retention of
aesthetic solids and other finer settleable or floating material. However, a significant
proportion of aesthetic solids are neutrally buoyant and do not therefore lend
themselves to separation and retention in this way. This deficiency has been
addressed by the introduction of screens into CSO chambers, and this guide
provides guidance on the design of CSO chambers that incorporate screens.
The Guide has been written following a thorough review of best practice, and
incorporates information recorded from field trials at the Wigan CSO test facility
(Thompson and Saul, 2001), the United Utilities Warrington Test Facility,
Hetherington and Dempsey (2002), Balmforth (2003), and significant experience
gained from the operation of screened CSOs in the field, Gordon (2004), Hanson
and Cutting (2004).
The Guide seeks to provide a general approach to the design of new CSO chambers
for use with screens. The Guide now includes aspects of screen selection but
explicitly excludes recommendations relating to retrofitting screens to existing CSO
chambers, as this was beyond the scope of its objectives. However the general
principles set out will form a useful background for engineers seeking to provide a
retrofit solution.
The Guide does not seek to replicate information readily available elsewhere. For
example, there is no guidance on the hydraulic design of throttles and continuation
flow devices. This is because such aspects are adequately covered in previous
guides ER 304E and FR 0488. Readers should refer to these guides for further
information.

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2.
Historical Review
Developments in the design of CSO chambers have built on a series of laboratory
studies and fieldwork evaluations of their hydraulic and solids retention properties.
This work was appraised by Balmforth and Henderson (1988) who presented the
first UK design guide for CSO chambers, the WRc ER304E report (Balmforth et al
1988). This guide gave detailed recommendations for the hydraulic design of
chambers and appropriate dimensions of four common types of CSO chamber: the
end weir stilling pond, the high side weir chamber, the vortex chamber with
peripheral spill weir and the Hydrodynamic Separator. Subsequently the ER304E
design guide was upgraded to the FR0488 design guide (Balmforth et al 1994).
Thompson and Saul (2001) reported on the hydraulic and total solids separation
performance of different proprietary screens positioned within different geometry
CSO chambers. The screens tested included static screens, non-powered dynamic
screens and self-cleaning non-powered screens and screens with powered cleaning
mechanisms. This work has highlighted that most screens are effective at retaining
solids greater than 6mm in any 2 dimensions and hence are able to meet the
regulatory requirements to retain a significant quantity of these types of solids.
Similar tests have been completed at the United Utilities full-scale test facility at
Warrington, Hetherington and Dempsey (2004), and as a consequence it has been
considered feasible to enhance the design and performance of the screened CSO.
The latter facility has enabled the hydraulic performance of the chamber design to be
evaluated at flows up to and including the five-year return period peak.
In addition, to optimize the design of screened CSO chambers, use has been made
of recent advances in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This technique allows
the prediction of the flow pattern and the solids separation performance of different
geometry CSO chambers for a range of flow conditions. Hence the application of
CFD, in association with laboratory and fieldwork evaluation, has shown that it is
feasible to predict the comparative performance of different geometry chambers and
hence to derive a design of chamber that is more cost effective for use with screens.
This guide has been based on the above findings together with subsequent
experience in the operation of as built CSO chambers with screens.
3.
Regulatory Requirements for Aesthetics
This section summarises the aesthetic control requirements for all new and existing
unsatisfactory discharges to inland and tidal waters in England and Wales and these
are based on the combined criteria of the amenity use of the receiving water and the
spill frequency, as set out in Table 1. It should be appreciated that CSOs may also
have to meet other water quality objectives with respect to dissolved and finely
suspended pollutants, and bacteria. Recommendations for the control of these
pollutants are beyond the scope of this Guide.

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Table 1 Regulatory requirements for aesthetics

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4.
Fundamentals of CSO Design
The operational requirements of an effective CSO structure are directly compatible
with the overall objectives of a sewerage system. An effective CSO should:
1. provide adequate hydraulic relief of the sewerage system so as to meet the target
for flood control.
2. control the pass forward (continuation) flow so as to protect the downstream
sewerage system and wastewater treatment works from overloading.
3. control/treat the spill flow so as to meet the regulatory requirements for
intermittent discharge to the receiving water.
4. minimise any operational requirements for maintenance and not expose
operatives to unnecessary risk.
5. minimise whole life cost
Achieving the desired spill capacity whilst correctly regulating the continuation flow
(objectives 1 and 2) will be met through correct hydraulic design of the chamber. In
particular the flow in the chamber should be sub critical and care should be taken to
check flow conditions at entry to the chamber and in the incoming sewer to ensure
that this is achieved. The continuation flow to the downstream sewer should be
regulated to ensure that consent setting is met.
This Guide focuses primarily on the design of a chamber that will incorporate an
appropriately designed screen (objective 3 as it relates to aesthetic pollutants) and
ensures flow patterns that are commensurate with effective screen operation. The
recommended chamber is also designed to be compact and to minimise the risk of
sedimentation or blockage (objective 4 and 5).
The Guide also seeks to give advice, based on operational experience, of appropriate
criteria and features associated with location and construction issues, access, screen
selection, ancillary equipment, commissioning, maintenance and post project appraisal.
These are important considerations in the overall design of chambers but it is also
recommended that guidance should be sought from screen suppliers and from
operations staff with experience of recent installations. Clearly, the chamber dimensions
must be sufficient to accommodate the screen and to allow for access for maintenance.
5.
Design of the WaPUG Chamber
The AMP2 Guidelines (NRA 1994) identify separate design flows for the 6mm and
10mm standard. Where only 10mm solids separation is required, the design flow is the 1
in 5 year peak flow. Where 6mm solids separation is required, a lower flow, less than a 1
year return period, is specified, with the excess flow up to the 5 year peak receiving
10mm solids separation. In practice, it is usual not to provide a dual screening facility in
this way but to incorporate only one screen with 6mm apertures in two dimensions for
the full range of flows up to the 5-year return period flow.
The chamber should be designed to provide good flow conditions to ensure the effective
performance of the screen in terms of its retention of solids, cleaning mechanism, and
return of the screenings to the continuation flow. As the screen is providing the
aesthetics control, it is not necessary for the chamber to provide any degree of solids
separation, i.e. there is no requirement for stilling, settling or dynamic separation.

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5.1
Chamber Type
High side weir structures may be the preferred option for most applications as the
slender structure has the advantage that it may more easily accommodate the majority
of screen types, is easily adapted to existing sewer alignments and is less likely to
require service diversions when constructed in or close to the highway. However, when
static screens are the preferred option, an extended stilling pond may provide a viable
alternative, since the wider chamber may more easily accommodate the required screen
area. In such cases the screen should be fitted horizontally between the scumboard and
weir. The scumboard may be moved upstream to accommodate the screen.
In all chambers, a scumboard protected relief weir should normally be provided, with the
scumboard of adequate height to protect the free discharge of solids over the relief weir.
5.2
High Side Weir Configuration
Single or double side weir chambers may be used. The single side weir is easier to
construct but there may be cost savings in the use of a double sided weir as this would
result in a smaller chamber. Note: it is the size of the screen that dictates the total
length of the weir and hence the weir length in a double side weir could be half that of
the single side weir.
The basic configuration of a single high side weir chamber is set out in plan in Figure 1.

Figure 1. WaPUG Side Weir CSO Chamber

5.3

Hydraulic conditions at inlet

As stated earlier, it is desirable that the flow in the chamber is suitable for the effective
operation of a screen. This requires that flow throughout the CSO chamber is subcritical,
i.e. the depths should be reasonably large and velocities low. The formal definition of
subcritical flow is that where the Froude Number is less than 1. The Froude Number is
defined in equation 1 as

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Fr =

where

V
A
g
W
V
g
A
W

. (1)

=
=
=
=

velocity of flow, m/s

gravitational acceleration = 9.81 m/s
cross sectional area of flow, m
width of water surface in metres

Figure 2a illustrates subcritical flow in a side weir CSO chamber.

Subcritical Flow

b
Supercritical Flow

Jump

Subcritical Flow

Subcritical Flow

Supercritical Flow

Jump

Subcritical Flow

Figure 2. Possible Flow Conditions at Inlet to a CSO Chamber

If the inlet pipe has a mild slope it is usual that the flow in the pipe will be subcritical but it
is realised that the inlet flow may be drawn down to form supercritical flow at entry to the
chamber. This effect is caused by the presence of the weir. The presence of the outlet
control results in a subcritical flow at the downstream end of the chamber and, when the
high velocity supercritical flow meets the subcritical flow along the weir, a hydraulic jump
is formed, as illustrated in Figure 2b. The turbulence due to the formation of a hydraulic
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jump in the chamber may adversely affect the performance of a screen. The WaPUG
CSO Design Guide provides guidance on how to avoid supercritical flow and, for such
flow conditions, provides guidance on the required length of the overflow weir and the
diameter of the inlet pipe.
However, a hydraulic jump may also occur where a steep sewer exists at the inlet to the
chamber. A steep sewer is one where supercritical flow naturally occurs due to the
gradient of the sewer, as illustrated in figure 2c. Ackers et. al. (1968) developed a simple
check for a steep sewer by calculating the Froude number at half pipe full flow, given by
equation 2. If the value exceeds 1 then the sewer is steep and supercritical flow will
form.

Fr = 4.06
where

Q 0.5
gD 5
Q0.5
g
D

.(2)
= discharge in m3/s at half pipe full (= 0.5 x
pipe full discharge)
= Gravitational acceleration = 9.81m/s2
= Inlet diameter in metres

A steep inlet sewer is not a problem per se. It only becomes an issue if the hydraulic
jump occurs in the chamber. Hence, when the inlet sewer is steep, (steep being defined
when the Froude number in the inlet pipe is greater than unity at the design flowrate),
the designer should determine where the jump is likely to occur. This is done by
considering the balance between the change in momentum flux and hydrostatic force,
between the supercritical flow in the inlet sewer and the subcritical flow in the chamber.
Further guidance on this is given in most classical hydraulics textbooks, for example,
Chow (1959), Douglas, Gasiorek and Swaffield, (2001) and Chadwick and Morfett
(2002). Alternatively, with steeply sloping incoming sewers consideration should be
given to dissipating the energy in the incoming flow by constructing a control structure to
move the position of the hydraulic jump upstream into the inlet pipe or to introduce a
drop manhole structure, thereby reducing the slope of the incoming sewer. However, if
such a control structure is used, care should be taken to ensure that supercritical flow
does not occur, on entry to the chamber, at inflow rates that are lower than that of the 5
year design flowrate.

5.4

Chamber Dimensions

The Guide recommends minimum chamber dimensions based on the selected inlet pipe
diameter such that the flow in the chamber is suitable for the effective operation of a
screen.
5.5

Inlet Diameter

To avoid problems with supercritical flow, it is recommended that a minimum inlet

diameter be used. The minimum inlet diameter will depend on the design flow rate, the

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weir height, the weir length, and the chamber width. In line with previous design guides,
the minimum inlet diameter may be estimated using equation 3:
Dmin = K Q 0.4
where

.(3)

Q is the 5-year return period peak inflow in m 3 /s,

Dmin is the minimum diameter of the inlet pipe in m,
and K is a constant.

Values of K are given in Figure 3 for a chamber width of 1.4D and weir height to inlet
pipe diameter ratios on the range 0.6 to 1.0. K values may be interpolated for weir
lengths between 4.75D and 6D. For weirs shorter than 4.75D, the 4.75D line should be
used. The figure should not be used for weir lengths beyond 6D.

Figure 3. Values of K for use with Equation 1

5.6
Width
The width of the chamber should not be less than 1.4Din. Note also that the width must
be sufficient to incorporate any scumboards, or a screen where fitted within the chamber
itself. Sufficient room should be provided for access for maintenance where required. If
the chamber is widened beyond 1.4D, a wider chamber is unlikely to adversely affect
flow conditions but the designer should be satisfied that any increase does not cause
operational problems due to the potential for increased siltation.
5.7
Weir Height
If the weir is set too high then the hydraulic gradient in the upstream sewer will rise
under storm conditions thus increasing the risk of flooding from manholes or through

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basement connections. If the weir is set too low then the depth in the chamber at inlet
may be insufficient to adequately dissipate the incoming jet from the upstream sewer.
Equation 1 and Figure 3 shows that larger diameter inlet sewers are needed with lower
weir heights. The weir height should not fall outside of the range given in figure 3. A
further check is required to ensure supercritical flow does not form in the inlet to the
chamber. Further guidance on how this may be calculated is given in Section 5.3 above
.
5.8
Weir Length
Designers should try to match the chamber weir length to the selected size and length of
screen, selected in accordance with the hydraulic performance recommendations of the
screen manufacturer. The Guide sets a limit of 6D on the weir length. Checks should
then be made using Figure 3 to ensure that flow conditions are sub-critical. Hence the
weir length should be sufficiently long to accommodate the screen and be capable of
discharging the required spill flows at the specified head. The length of the weir will also
affect water levels in the sewerage system upstream, and modelling the chamber in a
suitable hydraulic model of the sewerage system should check the effect of this.

5.9
Inlet Length
The weir should not start immediately at the upstream end of the chamber. A short
inlet length should be provided to allow the incoming flow to turn onto the screen.
The minimum inlet length should be 0.4 D in with a minimum value of 500mm.
5.10 Outlet Length
With a screen that returns the screenings directly into the chamber it is important
that the surface flow carries the screenings away from the weir and into the
continuation flow. If this is not done, screenings will be continually re-presented to
the screen. CFD analysis has shown that the flow pattern and path of individual
particles within the CSO chamber are a function of the screen type and the geometry
of the chamber, and that, in many side weir chambers, the flow on the surface at the
downstream end of the weir is directed towards the weir. Such flow patterns have
been substantiated by field observation and, in some cases, this had led to
operational problems due to an imbalance of the solids loads issued to the screen
with the tendency for more solids to be discharged to the downstream end of the
screen with the increased potential for the screen to blind. To overcome this
problem an outlet length should be included in the chamber or an alternative method
used for screenings return (as described in section 8.2). The required outlet length
will again be a function of the chamber and screen type, but, as a general rule in
side weir chambers, it is recommended that the outlet length should not be less than
1.5Din with a minimum value of 1.5m, measured from the downstream end of the
weir. In addition, for screen types that are positioned to the wet side of the weir, it is
recommended that the screen should extend beyond the downstream end of the
weir such that distance between the downstream end of the screen and downstream
wall of the chamber is not less that Din, with a minimum value of 1m.
5.11 Chamber Height
Within the chamber, chamber depth shall be sufficient to allow easy access for the
operator and such that the operator may stand-up within the chamber, wherever
possible.

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6.
Hydraulic Design of the Chamber
The hydraulic design of the chamber involves the correct sizing of the continuation
flow control and checking the discharge capacity of the weir and outfall pipe at the
target design flow to meet regulatory consents.
6.1
Through flow outlet control
For existing chambers, wherever possible, use should be made of the existing weir
and flow control arrangements. In new chambers, the option of utilizing the
downstream sewer system as a flow control should be considered but where it is
necessary to insert a control device it is possible to use a number of different types
of flow control. This Guide has been written on the basis that such a flow control
device will either be an orifice plate or penstock. Experience has shown that these
types combine effective control with the ability to readily adjust the CSO setting in
the field should this be necessary. It is stressed however that the impact of such a
local change on the overall hydraulic performance of the system should be checked
to ensure that problems do not occur in other parts of the system.
When properly designed the orifice plate and penstock behave as a freely
discharging orifice where the discharge is proportional to the square root of the head
of water above the centre line of the flow control opening, as given by equation 4.
Q o = C d A o (2gH)

(4)

where Q o is the discharge through the flow control

H is the head of water above the flow control centreline
A o is the area of opening of the flow control
and C d is the discharge coefficient
The flow control is designed so that it will pass the desired setting when the water in
the chamber is just level with the weir. Thus Qo and H are defined in equation 4. The
value of the coefficient of discharge Cd will depend on the geometry. Values of Cd can
be obtained from FR0488 (Balmforth et al, 1994). This allows equation 4 to be used
to size the opening of the flow control to achieve the desired setting. As an
alternative to an orifice plate or penstock, a proprietary flow control may be used. In
certain cases these may offer an operational or cost advantage. The flow control
opening should be sufficiently large to pass a 200mm diameter sphere.
It is important to note that in designing the flow control a free outlet is assumed, that
is, the water level in the downstream sewer does not back up to drown the flow
control. This assumption should be formally checked after designing the flow control,
using the methodology set out in section 5.2 of FR0488. The discharge capacity of
the weir should now be checked. This will depend on the allowable head on the weir
under design storm conditions. There are two parts to this check. The first is to
check the level of the hydraulic gradient in the main sewer at the screen design flow.
This is normally calculated by adding the head on the weir (calculated as described
below for the weir without a screen fitted) to the head loss generated by the screen
at the design flow (obtained from the screen supplier). The hydraulic gradient should
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be below the maximum allowable level (for flood control). The second part is to
check the level of the hydraulic gradient in the sewers both upstream and
downstream of the CSO for the worst case. For the purposes of this calculation the
design flow will be the target return period flow for flood protection (e.g. 1 in 30 year
return period).
The allowable water level in the CSO chamber is based on the allowable hydraulic
gradient in the upstream sewer. The maximum allowable level of the hydraulic
gradient will be governed by the requirement to control flooding in the upstream
drainage area at the design flow. Ideally this will be determined using a verified
hydraulic model of the sewerage system.
The maximum allowable water level in the CSO chamber is subsequently used to
determine the required level of the relief overflow weir. Ideally, this level is
calculated by assuming the 1 in 30 year spill design flow is discharged over the relief
weir as it is assumed that the relief weir should discharge all spill flow when the
screen is fully blinded. The head of water over the relief weir is given by equation 6
below and hence the relief weir crest level in the given by the maximum water level
minus the head of water over the weir.
Note
In practice, in some chambers, and particularly those that have large spill flows, it
may not be feasible to design the relief weir to accommodate the 1 in 30 year spill
flow. In such cases engineering judgement should be used to assess the balance
between the cost and benefit of the relief weir design.
6.2
Weir flow
The basis for calculating the discharge capacity of a weir is the transverse weir
equation, expressed as equation 5, where;
:
Q w = C D (2g) L H w 3 / 2 .(5)
with
C D = discharge coefficient for weir
L = weir length
H w = head on the weir
A value of C D of 0.6 should be used for plate weirs, 0.7 for square crested weirs and
0.8 for round crested weirs. The coefficient should be reduced by 10% if the flow
over the weir is affected by a scumboard. This should be carefully documented in the
design calculations.
6.3
Outfall capacity
The capacity of the outfall should also be checked. The hydraulic effects of any
fittings on the outfall pipe, such as a flap valve, should be properly accounted for.
There are numerous examples of poor CSO performance that can be attributed to
inadequate capacity of the outfall. It may be necessary to reconstruct the outfall or to
relocate the CSO. The outlet capacity should be checked for the short pipe
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condition by calculating its discharge capacity assuming the entry behaves as an

orifice (equation 5). A coefficient of discharge of 0.6 should be used where entry to
the pipe is in the longitudinal direction of the chamber and 0.4 where the outlet is at
right angles.

7.

Screen selection

7.1
Screen Options
Powered, self-cleansing or static screens may be used.
7.2
Generic factors
Generic criteria that influence screen selection include:

Screen choice must be integral with the design of chamber.

The required size of a screen is based on the peak of the 5-year spill flow and the
design flow-loading rate for the screen.

The design flow-loading rate for each type of screen is provided by the system
manufacturer or by specific water company policy.

Screen performance should be effective and be compliant with the EA regulatory

guidelines.

Where appropriate, screens should meet the requirements of individual Water

Company Mechanical & Electrical Specifications.

Screens should be appropriately maintained.

7.3
Site specific considerations
Many site-specific factors influence screen selection and include:

The amenity value of the receiving water

The maximum design flow to be screened this is based on the spill flow
corresponding to the critical 1 in 5-year storm event.

The predicted maximum number of storm spill events per annum.

The availability of (or the possibility of providing) a suitable power supply

The nature and characteristics of the upstream catchment as this will influence
the temporal distribution of the flow and the aesthetics loadings that enter the
screened CSO chamber.

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The location of the overflow in relation to the location of other overflows in the
catchment. If upstream overflows are screened the quantities of aesthetic solids
may increase towards the downstream end of the system.

High levels of fats, oils or greases.

High levels of grit

A reverse in the flow direction to the screen

7.4
Location of the screen in chamber
The position of the screen can have an important effect on the performance of the
chamber and also on the hydraulic performance of the sewerage system. There are
three basic screen locations and these are discussed below.
7.4.1 Horizontally Mounted Screen on the Wet Side of the Weir
Examples of horizontally mounted screens, shown in Figure 4, are travelling mesh
screens and static screens. To ensure that all the flow passes up through the
screen, a transverse baffle plate is normally required along the upstream face of the
screen. Screenings are normally returned to the chamber.

Figure 4 Horizontally mounted screen on Wet Side of Weir

Sometimes referred to as an Upward Flow Screen
* The head generated by the screen is influenced by the size of the screen and the degree of blinding

An alternative arrangement is to only fit the screen for part of the width between the
weirs, incorporating a vertical back plate to direct the flow under and up through the
screen (fig. 5). This arrangement normally attracts far less head penalty should the
screen become blinded. Travelling mesh screens are also available in this
configuration.

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Figure 5 Horizontal Screen Incorporating a Relief Weir

Sometimes referred to as an Upward Flow Screen
* The head generated by the screen is influenced by the size of the screen and the degree of blinding

7.4.2 Screens Mounted on the Dry Side of the Weir

Examples include the rotary-brushed screens, run down screens, and flushed mesh
screens. These screens usually have some form of back plate over which the flow
will spill if the screen becomes blinded, as shown in Figure 6. The crest level of this
plate will determine the head penalty and the hydraulic effects on the upstream
sewer should again be checked. The design engineer should also ensure that there
is sufficient space between the back plate and the wall of the chamber for this plate
to act as a relief weir. It is important that a check should also be made to ensure that
the level in the spill chamber would not back up to adversely affect the screen.

Figure 6 Screen Mounted on Dry Side of the Weir

Sometimes referred to as a Downward Flow Screen

Screens fitted in this position may be susceptible to damage from large objects
washed over the weir. Consideration should be given to installing a scumboard to
protect the screen in this case (see section 9.6)

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7.4.3

Screen Mounted Vertically on the Weir

Figure 7 Vertical Weir Mounted Screen

Sometimes referred to as a Side Flow Screen
* The head generated by the screen is influenced by the size of the screen and the degree of blinding

Examples of this type of screen, shown in Figure 7, are the mechanically raked bar,
travelling band and rotary disc screens. Screenings are normally returned to the
water surface in the chamber. The area of screening depends on the head and, as
the screen begins to blind during its operational cycle, the head will increase. The
design engineer should always check the effect of a completely blinded screen on
the maximum water level in the chamber as the resultant head penalty may
significantly influence the hydraulic gradient of the flow in the upstream sewer with
the potential to affect the risk of flooding upstream. The chamber should be widened
to accommodate a scumboard, if necessary.
8.

Chamber detailing

8.1
Bed Benching
The invert of the chamber should be formed with a part-circle invert that tapers along
the length of the weir to provide a smooth transition from the incoming sewer to a half
round invert at exit, as shown below. The minimum width of this channel is company
specific. Benching with a cross fall of 1 in 8 should be provided to the dry weather
flow channel (fig. 8). The invert of the dry weather flow channel should slope
sufficiently to maintain a velocity of at least 0.75m/s at 2 DWF. Other invert
geometries may be used provided that they can be demonstrated to be selfcleansing. All benching should be stepped locally below access points, to form a safe
level surface.

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Figure 8. Detail of Chamber Invert

8.2
Relief Weir
A relief weir should be provided to allow the discharge of flows in excess of the
screen design flow. This weir may be part of the back plate (baffle plate) of the
screen or a separate structure. The weir should be set high enough so that it does
not discharge when the 5-year design spill flow is passing through the screen. A
suitable allowance for screen blinding (e.g. 50%) should be made when undertaking
this check. Further guidance on the hydraulic design and performance weirs is given
in Section 6.2. It is preferable that any high-level relief weir should be located upstream
of the overflow screen weir.
8.3
Alternative Screening Return
An alternative solution is to return the screenings directly to the continuation flow. An
outlet length is not then required, though it will be necessary to have a screenings
return chamber downstream of the flow control to return the screenings to, as shown
in Figure 9. With this configuration the flow control may be fitted on the dry side of
the chamber cross wall, facilitating maintenance.

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Figure 9. Alternative Screenings Return

9.
Ancillary Devices
Design engineers should also refer to appropriate guides, standards and codes of
practice related to CSO ancillaries.
9.1
Flow Control Devices
The hydraulics associated with the design of flow control devices was outlined in Section
6.1.
9.2
Kiosks
These are company specific and their installation, where appropriate, may be subject to
local planning consents. The security and location of kiosks is a key design
consideration.
9.3
Triggers for the operation of powered screens
Instruments to trigger the operation of the different types of powered screen
arrangement are usually based on some form of depth or flow measurement.
9.4
Telemetry
The use of telemetry systems to transfer signals from CSO performance measurement
instruments to company databases is increasing. However, the details are considered
beyond the scope of this Guide.
9.5

Internal Access Equipment

The purpose of good chamber detailing is to provide for safe access to the chamber and
screens, and to minimise operational problems and maintenance requirements.
9.6
Scumboards
Scumboards have the advantage that they prevent the floating solids, including fats
and greases, and large pieces of debris from being discharged over the weir. These
solids may either clog or damage any screen positioned on the dry side of the weir.
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Should scumboards be used they should be positioned such that the velocity of flow
past the scumboard is less than the velocity of flow over the weir but no less than
200mm from the face of the weir with the lower edge 100mm below the weir crest.
The chamber should be widened to accommodate the scumboard if necessary. The
scumboard should be fitted for the full length of the chamber and care should be
taken to maintain a minimum 200mm opening between the lower edge of the
scumboard and the benching. Scumboards should only be used where there is no risk
of screenings traps and the scumboard should be positioned so that it does not
interfere with the screenings return mechanism. Scumboards are not required for
screens that are installed within the flow on the wet side of the spill weir.
9.7
Static Screen Washing Systems
Static screens may be cleaned manually or by using remotely operated screen washing
systems. Guidance on the use of these systems is again considered beyond the scope
of this report

10.
Access Vehicular / Personnel / Maintenance / Equipment Removal
Access points should be provided, wherever practical, to allow access to the chamber
(wet and dry sides of the weir) and to all major maintenance points. These include the
continuation flow outlet, the motor / gearbox of powered screens and to any instruments
used to monitor the performance of the chamber.
Screen Maintenance Access - as a minimum, these openings should be sized to give
necessary access and full screen visibility. For static screens without a mechanical flush
cleaning mechanism, it is preferable that the access should permit full screen visibility
and the opportunity for full area manual cleaning from above. Access openings should
also be sized to enable the screen to be removed / re-installed in manageable sized
sections. It is stressed however that large access ports create other risks such as those
associated with the security of operators and access to unauthorised personnel and
children. They are also difficult to install in highways.
For personnel maintenance access openings should preferably have minimum
dimensions of 900 mm x 900 mm. At least two access points are usually required for
venting prior to the entry of personnel.
The ground that surrounds the access openings should be hard-standing and sufficiently
level to permit the safe use of a tripod / winch that may be used for personnel access.
Lockable covers may be preferable in public access areas, excluding highways.
Consideration may also be given to the use of covers with integral barriers as these
provide additional security and protection against surface flooding and odour emissions.

11.

Post Project Appraisal

The UK Water Industry has recognised a need for a standardised method for reporting
the environmental impact of CSO discharges on receiving waters. UKWIR (2000),
proposed a methodology to assist in the identification of CSOs that perform
unsatisfactorily. The procedure involved the collection of field data, to include visual
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observations of dry weather operation, sewage related debris, sewage fungus, public
access and water amenity value, together with historical record data, such as the
number of public complaints, the number of pollution incidents, and the status of the
receiving water course. The procedure aimed to provide a means to assist in the
priortisation of improvement schemes, and to act as a certification that previously
unsatisfactory CSOs subsequently performed to an acceptable standard.
In respect of CSO performance and monitoring, UKWIR (2001) and Christodoulides and
Saul (2001) proposed methodologies for post project appraisal. However, following the
introduction of many screened CSOs, several UK Water Companies have adopted a
structured protocol covering the on-site assessment of CSO / Screen performance,
consisting of a series of one-off site inspections reported individually, then summarised
with conclusions, recommendations, etc, in a project end-report. Issues under review
typically include the following:
CSO Chambers

Type / Design Guide Compliance / Location / Responsibility

Chamber Access

General, Vehicle, Personnel, Screen Removal / Maintenance

Screens

Screen Type / Installation Issues / Condition

CSO / Screen Performance

Operation of Relief / Premature Operation / Self Cleansing

Operation / Maintenance

Operator Awareness / Maintenance Routines

Receiving Watercourse

Location of Outfall / Condition of Receiving Watercourse

The outputs from such multi-location Post Project Appraisal should lead to a series of
generic conclusions, that highlight where investment has been correctly targeted and
expended, but also indicate areas where the overall investment may not have fully
achieved the original objectives. It is stressed however that Post Project Appraisal
should not be carried out earlier than six months following the hand over of the
equipment / asset to the end user. This delay period avoids genuine snags being
included as project failures or shortcomings.
It is also recognised by the industry that there is a need for longer term Post Project
Appraisal, with both medium and long-term monitoring exercises that record the
hydraulic conditions within a number of different types of screened CSO chamber by
means of instrumentation. This information may be further used to refine the design
process and assist with product development and the optimisation of system operation,
maintenance and control.
However, PPA is often considered to be expensive, but a review by Thompson (2005)
completed in the AMP3 periodic review, has highlighted that the benefits, both physical
and financial, far outweigh the relatively low cost of the work itself. It is therefore
recommended that the industry should routinely fund PPA, conceived at the planning
and design stage, such that understanding of system design, operation and performance
may be enhanced. The outputs from such PPA and other studies will be used to further
update this Guide from time to time.

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12.
Conclusions
By carefully following the above guidance, cost effective CSO chambers can be
designed that meet both flood control and aesthetic environmental quality standards.
The recommended chamber configurations have been developed using the outputs
from a number of full-scale field evaluations of performance, supplemented by
computational fluid dynamics, which is a proven method of assessing three
dimensional flow patterns and solids pathways.
With chambers designed in accordance with this Guide it should be appreciated that
the control of aesthetics is solely dependent on the performance of the screen. No
information has been given in this Guide regarding screen performance and the
users of this Guide should consult appropriate publications and performance data
from manufacturers when procuring screening plant.
Users should resist the temptation to modify designs to suit particular site conditions
in the absence of supporting performance data, since this may lead to unreliable
performance. If modifications are essential, hydraulic model testing, CFD studies or
a full-scale field evaluation should be used to confirm the revised design.
It is also recommended that the users of this Guide keep up to date with journal
publications and articles on the subject. The Guide will be updated from time to time
as further information becomes available.
13.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank their respective employers for their permission to
work on and draft this guide, and the various individuals and organisations that have
contributed to its development.
The authors also wish to recognise the significant contribution from United Utilities,
in allowing the use of the results from the UKWIR studies and the Warrington Test
Facility in the development of the Guide.
14.
References
Ackers P, Harrison AJM and Brewer AJ (1968), The Design of Storm Sewage Overflows
incorporating Storage. Journ of the Institution of Municipal Engineers, Vol 95, pp 31-37
Balmforth DJ and Henderson RJ (1988), A Guide to the Design of Storm Overflow
Structures, WRc Report ER304E.
Balmforth DJ, Saul A and Clifforde IT (1994), Guide to the Design of Combined Sewer
Overflow Structures, FWR Report No FR0488, November.
Chadwick A and Morfett. (2002). Hydraulics in Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Spon Publishers.
Chow VT, (1965). Open Channel Hydraulics, McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07Y85906-X.
Christodoulides J and Saul A J. (2001). Flow Metrology: Project KT10. Measurement
and Control of Combined Sewer Overflow Systems. Final Report CR7210, Department
of Trade and Industry
Douglas I, Gasiorek R and Swaffield J (2001). Fluid Mechanics, ISBN 0-582 98861-6
Gordon D (2004). CSOs in Severn Trent. Wapug Autumn Conference, Blackpool.
www.wapug.org.uk.
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Hanson D and Cutting J (2004). Spreading best practice in CSO design and
maintenance, Wapug Autumn Conference, Blackpool. www.wapug.org.uk.
Hetherington D and Dempsey S. (2002). The Warrington Test Facility. Wapug Spring
Conference, Coventry. www.wapug.org.uk
National Rivers Authority (1994), Discharge Consents Manual, Volume 024A Pollution
Control, December.
Thompson B and Saul A J (2001). Update of Screen Efficiency: Proprietary Designs,
UKWIR Report 99/WW/08/13.
UKWIR (2001). Review of Post Project Appraisal techniques, Report FR0466,

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