In this blog, Craig Murray (Water Solutions Consultant, Middle East/ North Africa) and Shajieuddin Khan (Applications Engineer, AMEA) answer 10 short questions about the benefits of our Hydro-Brake ® Drop, a very popular product in the Middle East region. 

What is the Hydro-Brake ® Drop?  

The Hydro-Brake® Drop is an innovative and proprietary, vortex drop shaft; first implemented in the 1960's which enables the safe and efficient conveyance of wastewater and stormwater flows to depths of up to 100 metres. 

What is the main problem which the Hydro-Brake ® Drop solves? 

Transferring flow to greater depths involves managing a great deal of energy. A flow rate of one cubic metre (1000 Litres) per second, of water dropping, is equivalent to the weight of a Mini Cooper falling. Every second! This force can cause erosion and damage to the downstream network. The Hydro-Brake® Drop safely disperses this immense energy and allows maximum conveyance of flows to the downstream network, throughout a range of flow conditions. Through its patented Energy Dissipation Unit, the Hydro-Brake® Drop avoids the need for a large stilling basin to absorb kinetic energy at the bottom of the chamber.

In what environments is the Hydro-Brake ® Drop is more effective? 

The Hydro-Brake® Drop is most effective in strategic drainage infrastructure, micro-tunnels and large diameter wastewater and stormwater networks.

What’s the maximum depth the Hydro-Brake ® Drop can get to? 

For depths of up to 10 metres, Hydro-Brake® Drop ECO is a cost-effective option made from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Above 10 metres, the Hydro-Brake® Drop material of choice is 316L Stainless Steel, offering maximal strength and reaching depths of up to 100m. 

How does the Hydro-Brake® Drop protect infrastructure?

The Hydro-Brake® Drop protects the micro tunnel infrastructure by mitigating risks associated with falling water, such as erosion, water hammer (hydraulic shock), cavitation, vibration and noise and odour control.

• Erosion: The energy dissipation unit directs flow away from base and walls of the shaft to prevent erosion.
• Water Hammer (hydraulic erosion) & Cavitation: Air Switch - Controls the amount of air entering the falling flow from the Drop Pipe to eliminate ‘glugging’ and therefore the damaging effects of water hammer or hydraulic shock. The inlet chamber, top bend control inflow velocity mitigating risk due to cavitation.
• Vibration: Air entrainment is regulated by the air switch to minimise vibration at high flowrates. This system has a stable air removal system and because the drop shaft is made of stainless steel, it has high degree of stiffness with reduced vibration properties.
• Odour Control: The air vent manages air entrainment and the bottom dissipator ensures effective mixing to minimise hydrogen sulphide production. Quiescent inlet chamber minimizes release of odorous gases.

How many Hydro-Brake® Drops can you fit in one chamber? 

Multiple Hydro-Brake® Drop units can be installed within chambers. These can be multiple drop shafts for large diameter inlet pipes, or multiple drop shafts serving multiple inlet pipes to the same chamber. The small footprint of the Hydro-Brake® Drop provides a truly versatile system, ideal for retrofitting in built-up areas, where space is a premium.

What are the site requirements for installing a Hydro-Brake® Drop?

The Hydro-Brake® Drop requires a manhole, correctly sized, to provide space for the stilling basin, at the base of the unit, to enable the safe dispersion of the low-level flows. Compared to a traditional backdrop manhole the Hydro-Brake® Drop occupies a smaller footprint, even when including access ladders and platforms.

What does maintenance involve and how often is needed?

With no moving parts and no power requirements, maintenance of the Hydro-Brake® Drop consists of visual observation of the structure and fixtures. This can be safely carried out from within the drop shaft chamber itself, without encountering the stormwater or wastewater flow directly.

How does the Hydro-Brake ® Drop contribute towards sustainability goals? 

The Hydro-Brake® Drop is built to stand the test of time. It consumes no electricity and has no moving parts to wear out, Maintenance is straightforward, requiring visual observation only, minimising OPEX and carbon footprint beyond manufacture.

Can you define Hydro-Brake ® Drop in three words?

Convey. Safe. Protect.