SedJacket- Pipe Inlet Protection

The SedJacket™ is an inlet protection device for pipes. It is an erosion prevention device because it reduces the velocity of the water in the channel. It is a sediment control device because it causes sediment to fall out. It is often the “last chance” to reduce the amount of sediment that leaves the site.

Ditch checks are are commonly used to protect pipes, but SedJackets™ are more effective than ditch checks. Ditch checks collect sediment upstream, but erode the channel as the water rushes down the back side of the check. They also allow sediment laden water to directly enter a pipe when the water flows into the channel between the ditch check and the pipe.

SedJackets™ work great on utility improvement projects in roadside swales. Perimeter controls will not work because the water is draining toward the site. Place a SedJacket™ at each driveway to keep sediment from leaving the site.

In lower slope areas, a SedJacket is more of a sediment control device than an erosion control device. Multiple SedJackets can create a series of large basins to collect sediment. Any vegetation in the basin will increase the sediment removal rate even higher.

SedJackets are used as an insurance policy against upstream BMP failures. BMP failures are particularly harmful. Not only do they release sediment from the current event, but accumulated sediment from earlier storm events. The SedJacket is built to stand up to heavy sediment loads. It can be the difference between a fine and an inconvenience.

SedJackets™ are fully assembled, can be installed or removed in minutes, and are manufactured to fit common pipe sizes. Patents Pending.

A SedCatch® SedJacket™…

  • Is an inlet protection device for pipes.
    • Is often the “last chance” to trap sediment.
    • Is more effective than ditch checks.
    • Is an insurance policy for upstream failures.
    • Creates another tier for higher combined efficiency.
    • Can be installed in minutes without equipment.
    • Can be removed with very little restoration.
    • Is reusable, there is nothing to haul away.

Advantages and Features of a SedCatch® SedJacket™

A SedJacket keeps storm water pipes cleaner.

In periods of low flow, a SedJacket removes sediment right at the entrance to the pipe. In periods of higher flow, the extra energy from the cleanest water that overtops the SedJacket will keep the pipe cleaner than an unprotected pipe.

A SedJacket reduces flooding.

A SedJacket reduces flooding by helping to maintain the capacity of the storm water pipes.

A SedJacket reduces ditch maintenance costs.

Maintaining roadside ditches consists of excavating the channel and jet vacuuming the storm water pipes. A SedJacket can reduce or eliminate the need to jet vacuum the pipes.

It can be removed with very little restoration required.

When removing a SedJacket, restoration is limited to removing accumulated sediment. Gravel ditch checks need to be removed with equipment and hauled away, and the scars need to be seeded and covered with straw. Other methods of ditch checks need to be hauled to the dump.

It is reusable.

The SedJacket was designed to be strong enough to withstand natural loads indefinitely. The geotextile is UV protected and is supported by a welded wire frame. The frame is zinc coated to prevent rust. It is expected that they be used multiple times.

It is reliable.

The SedJacket is not dependent upon site conditions for proper performance. It does not rot or deteriorate over time.

It costs less.

Consider the costs of alternatives. What does it cost to install? Is equipment required for installation? Will it have to be replaced during the course of the project? Does it require disposal? Could it fail and cost you more? Is it reusable? Will the landscaper charge more for removal costs?

A SedJacket can be installed over hard or soft bottom ditches.

A SedJacket does not require staking. Many other methods of ditch checks (wattles, straw bales, silt fence, etc.) are impossible to install properly on either hard (shale or rocks) or soft (sand or silt) bottoms. If a SedJacket specified the site conditions do not have to be investigated.

Who uses a SedJacket?

Marcellus Shale Access Roads Miles of roads will be built in support of the wells. Approximately every 300 feet a culvert pipe will be installed under these access roads. SedJackets are used to reduce erosion in the channel and collect sediment at each pipe crossing. SedJackets have been approved for use by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. SedJackets reduce the velocity of water in the channel which reduces channel erosion and creates a basin where sediment can fall out.

Water Main Extensions in locations with roadside ditches. Work in roadside swales is environmentally similar to working in a stream. Each rain sends disturbed sediment and pollutants directly downstream. The standard of “less than one acre” does not apply. Perimeter controls will not work because the water is draining toward the work area. A SedJacket can be installed at each driveway and road culvert crossing, reducing the velocities in the channel to reduce erosion and creating a series of basins to collect sediment. SedJackets are more effective and less expensive than ditch checks, are not in the way of final grading, and will keep the site in compliance until vegetation is established, when the SedJackets can be easily removed and stored for reuse.

Utility Contractors use SedJackets when working alongside roadways without curbs. The selection of sediment controls is very difficult in this situation. Perimeter controls do not apply because the water drains toward the worksite, not away. Installing SedJackets at each driveway crossing is the most feasible solution. Once the site is stabilized they can be removed and used again on the next project.

Ditch maintenance crews use SedJackets when cleaning roadside ditches. The SedJackets trap the soil loosened from the cleaning operation. The first few rains after cleaning are especially important, because the disrupted soil is easily transported downstream, damaging the environment. Once the channel has stabilized, and vegetation has had a chance to reestablish itself, the SedJacket can be relocated to another site.

Landscapers use SedJackets so they can remove ditch checks and do their final grading and seeding without leaving the pipe unprotected. After vegetation has been established the SedJacket can be removed and used again.

Excavating Contractors use SedJackets wherever there is a pipe. They cost less than ditch checks, can be installed regardless of site conditions, can be temporally removed if they are in the way, they are reusable, and they know they will not have to clean out storm pipes on the final punch list.

City Engineers specify SedJackets on pipes as a post construction BMP at locations prone to sedimentation. The SedJacket traps the sediment before it enters the pipe, keeping the pipe clean to carry floodwaters and reducing pipe maintenance costs.

General Contractors use SedJackets for their reliability and so they will not be charged extra from landscapers tearing out and disposing of other methods.

Developers of large lot subdivisions use a SedJacket in place of rock ditch checks. The SedJackets can be installed under each driveway, reducing or eliminating the need for ditch checks.

Schools, Fairs, Concert Organizers use SedJackets to keep their trash onsite. They stretch chicken wire on top of the SedJacket so they trap cups, lids, plates etc. It keeps downstream neighbors happy and avoids having to send crews out to pick up trash.

Engineers specify SedJackets because they know they are more efficient than alternatives. They can be used regardless of site conditions and they have confidence in their consistent performance.

Inspectors prefer SedJackets for their reliability. They know they are trouble free while on the job. They are not subject to failure due to poor site conditions, sloppy installations, or product inconsistencies.

 

Standard Drawings, & Specifications

Standard Drawing 

Specifications - Wire

Specifications - Fabric

Installation

A SedJacket can be installed in minutes.
Fluff gasket material. Insert the SedJacket into pipe so the collar is pressed against the pipe. Position the gasket for a tight seal. Place sandbags inside SedJacket to prevent the Jacket from floating. Large rocks may be substituted for sandbags.

 

Why a SedJacket is more effective than ditch checks.


Ditch Checks cause erosion of the channel from the water rushing over, around, or down the backside of the check and the sediment is carried directly into the pipe. They also allow the water and sediment that enters the channel between the check and the pipe to flow into the pipe unabated. The same conditions apply regardless if the ditch check is rock, a wattle, straw bales, silt fence, etc.

 

When a SedJacket is installed at the pipe there is no channel erosion or unprotected flow. With more stringent regulations, we can no longer allow a certain percentage of the site to drain without the protection of a BMP.

The inherent problem with ditch checks

A ditch check is essentially a dam. When the water pools behind a dam, the sediment the water was transporting settles out, which is how a ditch check works. There are 2 inherit problems with ditch checks when it is used to protect a pipe.

1. It is virtually impossible to prevent erosion as the water is released from the dam. It is a function of the height of the dam. The energy from the turbulent water scours the channel as it flows over, around, or down the backside of the check. The result is similar whether the ditch check is made of rocks, wattles, or silt fence. In contrast, the water overtopping the SedJacket™ is prevented from eroding the bottom by the geotextile on the bottom of the SedJacket™. The water does not have the opportunity to erode the channel.

2. Ditch checks have to be placed far enough upstream from a pipe so there can be a wide, level, overflow. The wide spillway, regardless of whether it is rock, wattle, straw bales, etc. keeps the depth of the water to a minimum which reduces the strain on the check, reduces the erosive effect of the water going over the check, and increases the efficiency of the check. It is this required distance allows a portion of the site to pass water without the effect of a BMP. A SedJacket™ is located at the pipe, so all of the water is under the influence of a BMP.

 

FAQs of SedCatch® SedJacket™

How does a SedJacket™ reduce the cost of maintaining roadside swales?
Roadside swales fill up with sediment over time, not only filling the swale but also filling the culvert pipes under roadways and driveways. The cost per foot to remove sediment from culvert pipes is multiples of the cost to excavate the ditches. The SedShield will reduce and sometimes eliminate the need to remove sediment from pipes.

Why is a sandbag needed inside the SedJacket?
The water level on the outside of the SedJacket is always higher than the water level inside the SedJacket. The sandbag compensates for the buoyancy created by the difference in water level. If a sandbag is not used, the end of the SedJacket will pitch up, reducing filtering capacity and possibly damaging the SedJacket.

How much does a SedJacket raise water levels?
On an inlet controlled pipe, if the water level without the SedJacket would be at the crown (top) of the pipe, the water level with a SedJacket would be approximately 20% higher. For example, an 18″ SedJacket would raise the water level 3.6″. Pipes that are backwater controlled or have less efficient configurations will have less or no effect on water levels. See the Hartman Engineering report for further information.

 Why can’t a ditch check be installed very close to the pipe?

Ditch checks are most efficient when there is a wide, level, overflow. This increases the amount of sediment collected by the check. This necessitates the check be some distance from the pipe.

Why isn’t the SedJacket entirely wrapped in geotextile?
The open flood water area at the top of the SedJacket allows the full capacity of the pipe to be utilizedwith slightly higher water levels.

On the larger sizes, why does the geotextile only extend 9-12” up the sides?
The majority of the sediment can be trapped with the geotextile from between 9-12” above the flow line. Increasing the heights even further on larger pipes has little effect on efficiency. Also, larger pipes tend to have less slope, and you wouldn’t want it to cause sediment to be deposited in an upstream pipe.

Can SedJackets replace all ditch checks?
On many jobs, SedJackets can replace ditch checks completely.

Photo Gallery