Research & Development
In-house Hydraulic Test Facility  
As a leading sub-contractor within the developing environmental sector, SEL Environmental are commited to utilising the latest innovations and techniques to provide project specific solutions.   Increasing pressure from The Environmental Agency and Local Authorities regarding discharges into existing sewers has initiated a review of current drainage techniques being employed to dissipate surface water from new developments. In the light of the increased occurances of flooding, SEL are currently reviewing many systems that offer the potential to reduce the future occurences of flooding, when incorporating within traditional positive drainage designs for new developments.
  Householder subjected to the isolation and damage caused by flooding
Experience in the provision of gas protection measures has proved that all elements of a scheme require careful consideration if they are to work in unison and offer a practical protection solution. In 1999 SEL Environmental acquired a tilting flume from Salford University for the purpose of research into the emerging products and techniques being developed for this expanding market. The flume underwent modifications to increase its capacity to allow for full scale hydraulic modelling of these new products in their proposed on site set-ups.
The tilting flume being removed from the Salford hydraulic laboratory
  

Specification

  • Tilting gradient: ± 4%
  • Large capacity: 13m x 1.065m x 0.610m
  • Dual pump capacity: >600l/s
  • up to 90kW (soft start) pump rating
  • full length access and viewing gallery to both sides - 8mm toughened glass vertical faces

Testing capabilities

  • Head loss analysis modelling on individual or complete systems.
  • Analysis of silt flows and settlement behaviour, preferential flow net development.
  • Physical confirmation of computer generated dynamic simulations.
  • Filtration and clogging analysis and behaviour for geotextiles.
  Porous pavement evaluation- gravel within reinforcing block
Syphonic Test Rig  
Full size working model of a roof collection gulley with outlet points for compatitive / performance testing on siphonic outlets. Viewing zone showing flow through siphonic system before reaching fully primed status.

 

Current research being undertaken includes siltation studies of geotextiles, flows through constructed pervious pavements and shallow oil interception, storage and treatment modules.