Method for constructing a synthetic infiltration collection system

Abstract

The present invention is method for constructing a synthetic infiltration collection system for installation at seaside locations. This system filters undesirable elements from seawater including detritus, suspended solids, garbage, debris, volatile organics, toxic and harmful algal blooms and other biologics. The resulting filtered seawater is then pumped to a desalination plant for de-salting. This system comprises a subterranean reservoir installed at a sheltered location, such as behind a set of dunes. A borehole is created by slant drilling, the borehole breaking through the surf line and into the open ocean. A pipe is laid in the bore hole, the pipe extending from the reservoir out to the open ocean. The pipe ends in an intake, which is overlapped by gravel packets which act as filtration media. The intake receives water filtered through the gravel packets, which is transported through the pipe to the reservoir.

1 . A method for constructing a system for filtering seawater, the method comprising: 
 (a) placing an underground subterranean reservoir near a seashore;    (b) connecting a first end of a pipe to said reservoir;    (c) extending said pipe underground from said reservoir past a shoreline until a second end of said pipe is positioned in open seawater, said second end including a seawater intake; and    (d) positioning a geologic filtration media in communication with said intake to cause filtration of seawater through said filtration media prior to said seawater entering said intake.    
   
   
       2 . A method for constructing a system for filtering seawater, the method comprising: 
 (a) placing an underground subterranean reservoir near a seashore;    (b) placing a first end of a pipe in communication with said reservoir;    (c) extending said pipe underground from said reservoir past a shoreline into open seawater;    (d) mounting a second end of said pipe upon a sea floor, said second end functioning as an intake to draw seawater into said pipe and reservoir;    (e) selecting a geologic filtration media based upon characteristics of near shore oceanography and water quality criteria;    (f) placing said geologic filtration media into a porous container; and positioning at least one porous container containing geologic filtration media about said second end to cause filtration of seawater through said filtration media prior to said seawater entering said intake.    
   
   
       3 . A method for constructing a system for filtering seawater, the method comprising: 
 (a) positioning a pipe intake in raw seawater;    (b) placing a geologic filtration media into a plurality of porous containers; and    (c) positioning said plurality of porous containers around said pipe intake to create a geological unit in filtering communication with said intake, wherein raw seawater is filtered through said geological unit prior to said filtered seawater entering said intake.    
   
   
       4 . The method as recited in  claim 3 , further comprising the step of selecting said geologic filtration media based upon characteristics of near shore oceanography and water quality criteria.  
   
   
       5 . The method as recited in  claim 3 , further comprising the step of sterilizing said intake with an oxidizing agent.  
   
   
       6 . The method as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said oxidizing agent is ozone.  
   
   
       7 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of directionally drilling a bore for placing said pipe.  
   
   
       8 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising the step of placing a bore lining within said bore.  
   
   
       9 . The method as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising the steps of extending a plurality of pipes having intakes through said bore and connecting said pipes to said reservoir.  
   
   
       10 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising the step of extending said directionally drilled bore a length to allow said reservoir to be placed at a location sheltered from damaging coastal forces.  
   
   
       11 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of anchoring said pipe upon a sea floor.