Ditch and Canal Liner Assembly

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/602,172, filed Mar. 12, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/831,696, filed Jun. 3, 2022, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,959,240, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/787,534, filed Jun. 7, 2021, now U.S. Design Pat. No. D1,021,139, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/237,096, filed Aug. 25, 2021, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

The invention is directed to a fluid transport lining system. More particularly, embodiments of the invention are directed to a liner for irrigation ditches and canals that provides strength and adaptability, and similar usages such as, for example, other liquid transport such as, for example, in mining.

An example of an application for the invention is a plastic liner for an irrigation ditch.

Ditches formed in the earth for conveying water to a point or to an area of use have been common throughout the world for generations. Earthen ditches have been used to transport potable water, irrigation water, and other fluids and materials. Earthen irrigation ditches continue to be significant in the transportation of water because they are readily and inexpensively formed in almost any terrain.

The term “ditch” as used herein is understood to include any excavation dug in the earth, or any structure partially or completely installed above earth, that may be referred to as a drain, channel, canal or acequia, whether lined or unlined, usually but not always relying primarily on gravity to transport fluids and materials along descending elevations.

During transportation of water through earthen ditches that are unlined by a material other than dirt (“unlined ditches”), significant quantities of water are lost because of seepage, erosion, trans-evaporation, and other causes. Tests indicate that as much as 80-90% of water may be lost during transportation through unlined, dilapidated earthen/concrete ditches before the water is delivered to a point of diversion or area for its application and use.

Loss of water from an unlined earthen ditch, referred to as “seepage loss,” may be considerable. At least one report issued by New Mexico State University entitled “Field/Laboratory Studies for the Fast Ditch Lining System,” dated Feb. 10, 2002, (“Report”) indicates the results of tests conducted over a nine-day interval. Total water losses during the nine-day test period were estimated to be 14,245,010 gallons, or 85.8% of total flow, when water was conducted through an unlined earthen ditch. The Report attributes most water losses to existing vegetation overgrowth, tree root systems, gopher holes, evaporation, and seepage or percolation. On the other hand, that same report, based on field measurements taken with a liner system that had been installed in the same earthen ditch showed a total loss of only 7.3% of total flow.

Unlined earthen ditches must be regularly maintained, cleaned, and repaired to avoid loss of water through wall collapse; accumulated debris, absorption through dirt walls, capillary action, and rodent activity, which are some of the many causes of ditch deterioration. Because repair and maintenance of unlined ditches is costly and labor intensive, various methods for lining unlined ditches have been suggested. Those methods include the use of concrete, metal, and polyvinyl chloride materials. Those methods, however, have proven inadequate for a number of reasons including at least cost and unresponsiveness to modern environmental concerns. Some materials, like concrete, are difficult to install in remote geographical areas, are inflexibly positioned once installed, and often require major construction efforts that are neither practical nor affordable based on cost-benefit analyses.

Applicant recognized an improvement to the above arrangement and implements that improvement in embodiments of the invention.

The Manning's equation is an empirical equation that applies to uniform flow in open channels and is a function of the channel velocity, flow area and channel slope.

Under uniform flow conditions, the bottom slope is the same as the slope of the energy grade line and the water surface slope. In Manning's Equation, n is a coefficient which represents the roughness or friction applied to the flow by the channel. n-values are often selected from tables, but can also be calculated from field measurements.

The Manning's coefficient increases as the depth of flow is increased based on the corrugation design. The increase in the Manning's coefficient (which is a coefficient of friction) is proportional to the increase in surface area of the corrugations and/or change in corrugation height as they increase on the side slopes of trapezoidal (angled) sections, as well as the increasing the throat distance between centerlines of each corrugation. In one embodiment of the invention, the liner system, as disclosed herein, does not include one or more of the following: corrugations that are flat on the top of the corrugations, and corrugations that are consistent in corrugation width across the top along the entire length. In one embodiment, the distance from a centerline of a corrugation to a centerline of an adjacent corrugation is constant along the length of the two adjacent corrugations. In one embodiment, the distance from the centerline of a corrugation to the centerline of an adjacent corrugation is not constant along the length of the two adjacent corrugations.

In one embodiment of the liner system, the distance across the top of asymmetrical radial, curved, or domed corrugations is reduced proportionally with respect to the top width of the corrugation at various cross sections. For example, the top width of a cross section at a first location is at least about 3.88″, reduces in width to at least about 2.75″ at a second location. Also, the height is reduced from at least about 2.15″ at the first location to at least about 1.74″ at the second location, where the corrugation is symmetrical at the second location only. The increase in the height and width of the corrugation increases the surface area thus increasing the Manning's coefficient of friction. In one embodiment, with the increase in Manning's coefficient of friction with respect to the increase in water depth of flow, the drag on the side walls increases and the water at the bottom of the liner will flow faster, thus creating a scouring velocity which will move dirt and small particulate soils downstream in the liner to the point of discharge.

In other embodiments, the particular dimensions of the liner system can be altered from those in the forgoing example; however, it can be advantageous to keep the proportional relationship of the various dimensions substantially similar, for example within 25%. For example, in a liner system in accordance with embodiments of the invention, the distance across the top of the asymmetrical radial, curved, or domed corrugations is reduced proportionally with respect to the top width of the corrugation at a particular location. For example, at a first location on a first angled section, the top starting width of the corrugation has a width at least about 1 unit of measure, reduces in width to at least about 0.708 units (at least about 70.8% of the top starting width) at a central section, while the height of the corrugation is also reduced in height from at least about 0.554 units (at least about 55.4% of the top starting width) at the first location to at least about 0.448 units (at least about 44.8% of the top starting width) at the central section. In embodiments, the corrugation is symmetrical (constant width and height) at the central section, and only at the central section.

Embodiments of the invention achieves the benefit of reducing the drag caused by the corrugations, while maintaining a desired minimum strength of the liner system, and providing flexibility in the liner system that allows bending of individual units of the liner system to conform to irregularities in the earthen or concrete ditches.

Particular embodiments of the invention are directed to a ditch liner having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The ditch liner includes: a first corrugation extending in the transverse direction, and having a first angled section having a width in the longitudinal direction, a second angled section having a width in the longitudinal direction, and a central section positioned between the first angled section and the second angled section and having a width in the longitudinal direction; and a second corrugation extending in the transverse direction and having a first angled section having a width in the longitudinal direction, a second angled section having a width in the longitudinal direction, and a central section positioned between the first angled section of the second corrugation and the second angled section of the second corrugation and having a width in the longitudinal direction. The first angled section of the first corrugation is adjacent to the first angled section of the second corrugation in the longitudinal direction, the second angled section of the first corrugation is adjacent to the second angled section of the second corrugation in the longitudinal direction, the central section of the first corrugation is adjacent to the central section of the second corrugation in the longitudinal direction, the width of the first angled section of the first corrugation is different than the width of the first angled section of the second corrugation at a first location along the transverse direction, the width of the second angled section of the first corrugation is different than the width of the second angled section of the second corrugation at a second location along the transverse direction, and the width of the central section of the first corrugation is equal to the width of the central section of the second corrugation at a third location along the transverse direction.

In particular embodiments, the width of the central section of the first corrugation is equal to the width of the central section of the second corrugation at all locations along the transverse direction.

In particular embodiments, the width of the first angled section of the first corrugation is different at different locations along the transverse direction.

In particular embodiments, the width of the second angled section of the first corrugation is different at different locations along the transverse direction.

In particular embodiments, the width of the central section of the first corrugation is constant at all locations along the transverse direction.

In particular embodiments, the first angled section of the first corrugation has a height perpendicular to its width, the first angled section of the second corrugation has a height perpendicular to its width, and the height of the first angled section of the first corrugation at the first location is different than the height of the first angled section of the second corrugation at the first location.

In particular embodiments, the second angled section of the first corrugation has a height perpendicular to its width, the second angled section of the second corrugation has a height perpendicular to its width, and the height of the second angled section of the first corrugation at the second location is different than the height of the second angled section of the second corrugation at the second location.

In particular embodiments, the central section of the first corrugation has a height perpendicular to its width, the central section of the second corrugation has a height perpendicular to its width, and the height of the central section of the first corrugation at the third location is equal to the height of the central section of the second corrugation at the third location.

In particular embodiments, the first corrugation includes a first upper section extending from the first angled section of the first corrugation such that the first angled section of the first corrugation is positioned between the first upper section and the central section of the first corrugation.

In particular embodiments, an anchor port is located in the first upper section, and an anchor port lock attached to the anchor port.

Particular embodiments include an anchor configured to engage earth below the first upper section, and a cable connecting the anchor to the anchor port lock.

In particular embodiments, the cable and the anchor port lock are located entirely below an upper surface of the first upper section.

In particular embodiments, the first angled section is in a first plane, the second angled section is in a second plane, the first central section is in a third plane, and the first plane, the second plane, and the third plane are all different planes.

Particular embodiments include a first edge corrugation that is located on an edge of the ditch liner in the longitudinal direction, the first edge corrugation having a gasket-receiving recess, and the gasket-receiving recess is configured to receive a gasket positioned between the gasket-receiving recess and an edge corrugation of a second ditch liner such that the gasket is located between the gasket-receiving recess and the edge corrugation of the second ditch liner.

Particular embodiments include the gasket, and the gasket is a hydrophilic material.

Particular embodiments include a flow port extending from the first angled section in the transverse direction, the flow port having an opening configured to allow a liquid contained by the ditch liner to exit the ditch liner through the opening.

Particular embodiments include a gate positioned at the opening, the gate being movable between a closed position at which the liquid is prevented from passing through the opening, and an open position at which the liquid can pass through the opening.

In particular embodiments, a length of the ditch liner in the longitudinal direction is different at different locations along the transverse direction.

In particular embodiments, the length of the ditch liner increases from a minimum length at one end in the transverse direction to a maximum length at an opposite end in the transverse direction.

In particular embodiments, a ditch liner assembly includes a plurality of the ditch liners assembled together such that the ends of two adjacent ones of the ditch liners having a minimum length are connected to each other, and the ends of the two adjacent ditch liners having a maximum length are connected to each other.

The invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

As explained above, embodiments of the invention provide an improvement to a liner system for ditches and canals. Embodiments of the invention employ a series of corrugations of a particular shape and orientation to provide strength while also allowing bending of the liner to conform to irregularities in an earthen ditch.

shows an example of a ditch linerin accordance with embodiments of the invention. In this example, linerhas a plurality of corrugations that each extend in a transverse direction T of liner. A longitudinal direction L is a direction in which water flows in liner. Multiple linersare connected to each other at their longitudinal ends to form a liner assembly for lining, for example, an earthen ditch. In this example, linerhas a first upper sectionand a second upper sectionthat extend horizontally in the transverse direction. First and second upper sections,are configured to be positioned on top of opposing banks of the earthen ditch. A first angled sectionextends from first upper sectionat an angle configured to follow a side contour of the earthen ditch. Similarly, a second angled sectionextends from second upper sectionat an angle configured to follow a side contour of the earthen ditch. A central sectionjoins first angled sectionand second angled sectionand is configured to follow a horizontal bottom contour of the earthen ditch. Also shown inare joining corrugations,that are configured to overlap corresponding joining corrugations,of adjoining linersto attach adjoining liners.

is an end view of linerand further shows the orientation of the sections of liner.is a side view of liner.is a top view of linerand shows that a width W of the various corrugations of linervaries at different locations along the transverse direction T.is a top view of two adjacent corrugations,of linerat a larger scale to show in detail the shape of the corrugations in this example.

As illustrated in, corrugationhas a width X at a second upper sectionand a width Y at a first upper section. Corrugationhas a width X at a first upper sectionand a width Y at a second upper section. In this example, width Y is less than width X. In embodiments, Y is 50% of X. In other embodiments, Y is some other percentage of X. In this example, corrugationis a mirror image of corrugationsuch that the end having a width X is positioned adjacent to the end of corrugationhaving a width Y. In this example, the plurality of corrugations combine to form a straight linerwhich is at least substantially the same length along each edge. An overall width of linerin transverse direction T is scalable, however, in particular embodiments, angled sections,maintain about a 1:1 slope or rise over run ratio. As shown in, corrugationhas a central sectionhaving a constant width Z. Corrugationhas a first angled sectionthat transitions from width Y where first angled sectionadjoins first upper sectionto width Z where first angled sectionadjoins a central section. Corrugationhas a second angled sectionthat transitions from width Z where second angled sectionadjoins central sectionto width X where second angled sectionadjoins second upper section. Similarly, corrugationhas a central sectionhaving a constant width Z. Corrugationhas a first angled sectionthat transitions from width X where first angled sectionadjoins first upper sectionto width Z where first angled sectionadjoins central section. Corrugationhas a second angled sectionthat transitions from width Z where second angled sectionadjoins central sectionto width Y where second angled sectionadjoins second upper section.

is an end view of linerindicating the locations of three cross-sectional views shown in.is a cross-sectional view of corrugations,taken at section line VII-VII in, which is through central sections,. As shown in, both central sectionand central sectionhave a height H. In other embodiments, central sectioncan have a height that is different from the height of central section.is a cross-sectional view of corrugations,taken at section line VIII-VIII in, which is through second angled sections,. As shown in, second angled sectionhas a height Hand second angled sectionhas a height H. In this example, height His larger than height H. In other embodiments, the relative sizes of Hand Hare different than those shown in.is a cross-sectional view of corrugations,taken at section line IX-IX in, which is through first angled sections,. As shown in, first angled sectionhas a height Hand first angled sectionhas a height H. In this example, height His larger than height H. In other embodiments, the relative sizes of Hand Hare different than those shown in.

In the embodiment shown in, the corrugations alternate between corrugationand corrugationto form liner.

shows two linersin position to be assembled to one another.is an end view of linershowing the location of the cross-sectional view shown in.show joining corrugationwhich overlaps joining corrugation. A recessis provided in joining corrugationto receive a gasketthat forms a seal between joining corrugations,. In embodiments, gasketis a hydrophilic material that swells when contacted by water to further seal the space between joining corrugations,at the location of gasket. In this example, joining corrugations,are mechanically attached to each other by a plurality of boltsand corresponding nuts. In other embodiments, other connection mechanisms can be used.

illustrates a corrugated outlet liner section, which, in this example, has a plurality of corrugations with joining corrugations,for forming a mechanical male/female overlapping connection on each end (similar to joining corrugations,described above) and having an outlet portin an outlet basinformed in a side of section. In embodiments, outlet basinis molded into the side of sectionand includes a reinforced side. For example, outlet basinis molded to mate with a toggle gate (shown in) for the diversion of fluid that will flow therethrough. The.

is an end view of liner sectionwith ends of adjacent separate liner sectionsarranged to overlap in a male-female configuration with one end with the male configuration/shape and the opposite end has the female configuration/shape. In this example, outlet basinis at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of liner section. In other embodiments, outlet basinis not perpendicular to longitudinal direction L and is disposed at any desired angle to facilitate connection to an outlet pipe.is a top view of liner sectionand shows sections,,,,that correspond to sections,,,,, respectively from.

is the side view of liner sectionshowing outlet basinand outlet port, as well as a first angled sectionthat corresponds to first angled sectionin.is a side view of the side of liner sectionthat is opposite outlet basinand shows a second angled sectionthat corresponds to second angled sectionin.

is an exploded view of outlet basinin liner section. As shown in, a toggle gateis attached to outlet basinto selectively allow water to flow from liner sectionout of outlet port.is a side view of liner sectionshowing a backing platethat supports the mechanical fastening of toggle gateto outlet basin.is a sectional view at section line XX-XX inand shows toggle gatein outlet basin.

shows outlet liner sectionin an operating position between two linersto form a straight section of ditch liner having outlet basinand outlet port.shows the assembly shown inprior to assembly, including gaskets. The assembly of outlet liner sectionto the two linersis similar to that described with respect to.

illustrate a liner section that is designed to facilitate a left-hand turn or a right-hand turn due to the angle induced by the spacing of the corrugations of the liner. Two different liners sections,are described for left-hand and right-hand turns so that the mechanical connection (joining corrugations) are configured to correctly mate with corresponding joining corrugations in other liner sections such as outlet liner sectionand liner.shows a right-hand liner sectionattached to a left-hand liner section. Right-hand liner sectionhas sections,,,,,,,,,that correspond to sections,,,,,,,,,, respectively, shown in. Right-hand liner sectionhas joining corrugations,that correspond to joining corrugations,shown in. Left-hand liner sectionhas sections,,,,,,,,,that correspond to sections,,,,,,,,,, respectively, shown in. Left-hand liner sectionhas joining corrugations,that correspond to joining corrugations,shown in.