Enhanced Sump Design - Baffle Configuration

[abcha0s]

We've been experimenting with a slight variation on the way in which traditional baffles are installed in a sump. I have a theory as to how they work, but wanted to hear what others think of the idea. If it's generally accepted as a "good idea", we will probably incorporate it into all our builds - if not as a standard feature, at least as an option.

Here's a traditional baffle design:



The third baffle will always sets the water level. With the first baffle set at the same height, there is only a thin layer of water going over the top. This creates a strong undertow as the water concentrates and is then forced downward. This current can (and does) pull micro bubbles with it. There is also a small residual current that travels back potentially pushing micro bubbles into the downward current.

Here's a modified baffle design:



The idea behind a shorter baffle is to allow the micro bubbles to collect on the surface and to create a gentle downward current so that the force is insufficient to pull the bubbles along with it. A wider flow produces a weaker current.

Here's how this might look:



In many of our sump designs, the water does not follow a standard end-to-end flow. This sometimes means that the channels are narrow thus increasing the velocity of water flow.

Any thoughts? Does the theory hold up?

- Brad