Hydro International’s online flow control design software has been upgraded to make it easier than ever for engineers to optimise their designs and achieve the best-possible flow attenuation for both surface water and sewer applications.

Hydro International’s online flow control design software has been upgraded to make it easier than ever for engineers to optimise their designs and achieve the best-possible flow attenuation for both surface water and sewer applications.

The Hydro-Brake® Optimum Design Tool now incorporates the full range of Hydro-Brake® Optimum vortex flow controls with the capability to validate and output detailed design drawings.  

The online tool provides fully-integrated and free-to-use support for drainage designers working on surface water, foul and combined sewers or network flow control applications. The tool can also be used by Local Authorities, Water Companies or environmental regulators to check and validate flow control designs.

“This important development means engineers no longer have to worry about which Hydro-Brake® Optimum flow control configuration to specify.  The hard work is done for you in the software,” says Mark Goodger, Regional Technical Manager for Hydro International.

“Building in comprehensive selection criteria is critical, especially with the recent changes in drainage guidance and regulations across the devolved parts of the UK. With the online software, engineers can test out Hydro-Brake® Optimum flow control design iterations and customise their schemes to meet their objectives.

“The software now incorporates the option to design without a sump, which is vital for foul or combined water systems.  Designing without a sump is also an advantage for surface water systems, where flow controls are retrofitted to existing chambers, or where there are high flow rates.”

The upgraded capabilities are mirrored within the industry-standard MicroDrainage® design software.  Engineers, hydrologists and local authorities rely on software to enable them to optimise drainage designs and specify the best components for the job, while complying with local regulations and standards.

Engineers can tailor the Hydro-Brake® Optimum performance to minimise upstream storage requirements and reduce construction costs

With the aid of the software tools, engineers can tailor the Hydro-Brake® Optimum performance to minimise upstream storage requirements and reduce construction costs, maximise the clearances through the unit to reduce blockage risk, and ‘future-proof’ for climate change or allow for flow rate adjustments on phased developments.

Hydro-Brake® Optimum is the only vortex flow control in which the head/discharge relationship can be precision engineered to fine tune the all-important hydraulic design curve.  All other vortex flow controls are constrained by fixed geometric ratios which limit the shape of the design curve and therefore hydraulic efficiency.

Independently certified by the BBA and WRc, the Hydro-Brake® Optimum has a unique ability to achieve up to 15% additional storage savings compared to conventional vortex flow controls, while keeping clearances up to 20% larger through the unit to prevent blockages.

For more information about the Hydro-Brake® Optimum call the Hydro-Brake® Hotline on +44 (0)1275 337937, email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or visit hydro-int.com/hydrobrakeoptimum.

Hydro International’s online flow control design software has been upgraded to make it easier than ever for engineers to optimise their designs and achieve the best-possible flow attenuation for both surface water and sewer applications.

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