AU2010328303A1

AU2010328303A1 - Modular, scalable liquid management system

Info

Publication number: AU2010328303A1
Application number: AU2010328303A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Heidi J. Bulgrin; Anthony C. Wangelin; Jason D. Zajicek
Original assignee: Penda Corp
Current assignee: Penda Corp
Priority date: 2009-12-07
Filing date: 2010-12-07
Publication date: 2012-06-21
Also published as: CL2012001505A1; WO2011071924A1; CO6541534A2; EP2510155A1; MX2012006505A; US20110135392A1; EP2510155A4

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a modular, scalable liquid management system. The disclosed system is modular in that it is assembled from a few primary components. The system is scalable because the primary components are adapted to be re-sized and combined to form a system as wide, deep, and /or long as needed. In various exemplary embodiments, the system is assembled from a plurality of base components and arm components that are tightly connected to form the liquid management system. To resist shifting or separation of system components, the liquid management system is firmly anchored to the ground at multiple locations throughout the system.

Description

WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 MODULAR, SCALABLE LIQUID MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PRIORITY 100011 This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 6 1/267,259 filed December 07, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROtUND 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION {0002] The present disclosure relates to a modular, scalable system for lining a ditch or other channel for transporting water. 2, RELATED ART 100031 Ditches have been commonly used 1o transport water from one point to another for millennia, For example, earthen ditches have been used to transport irrigation water, potable water, and drainage water. Because they are relatively easy and inexpensive to construct in nearly any kid of terrain, earthen ditches are still commonly used today. As used herein, the tern "ditch" signifies any channel whether dug in the earth and/or completely or partially built above earth level, and includes structures that may be referred to as, for example, drains, culverts, canals, or channels. [0004] When water is transported through an earthen ditch, significant loss of water can occur in a variety of ways, e.g., seepage, evaporation, and leaks (collectively described herein as "seepage loss"). Depending on a variety of factors, as much as 80-90% of the water entering a ditch may be lost rather than reaching its intended destination, The most significant causes of seepage losses appear to be related to non-evaporative causes where the water is lost into the surrounding soil, which loss may be accelerated by erosion (particularly for fast moving water), excessive vegetation and/or tree root systems, and rodent burrows. It is known that lining ditches with material that resists seepage dramatically decreases seepage losses. [00051 Earthen ditches also require regular cleaning and maintenance to minimize water loss caused by problems such as, for example, ditch wall collapses, erosion, rodent activity, and accumulation of debris or sediment, Maintenance and repair of earthen ditches can be costly because it is labor intensive and can require large equipment. 1 WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 [0006] Vhtere drainage water flows over the ground, there may be serious erosion problems threatening structures or damaging property. This is especially true where the water is draining down a steep embankment, such as along a road or highway interchange. [0007] Because of seepage loss or erosion damage, and the maintenance costs associated with earthen ditches, various methods of lining ditches have been proposed. The suggested lining materials include concrete, metal, and polyvinyl chlorine. However, such solutions have not fully resolved these problems or have created additional maintenance and installation problems that limit their effectiveness or implementation. OUTLINE OF BASIC AND OTHER ADVANTAGEOUS FEAT URES [00081 It would be desirable to provide a liquid management system or the like of a type disclosed in the present application that includes any one or more of these or other advantageous features: 0 Is assembled from a relatively small number of different production components to be modular; * Is capable of being easily modified to fit different size channels without requiring production of components that differ only in size or scale; 0 Is capable of being easily modified to fit the shape of existing channels; 0 Has component junctures that are tightly sealed to prevent leakage; 0 Is securely held in place, particularly on slopes; and 0 Is able to be installed in a variety of different soil types and locations. 10009] These and other features and advantages of various embodiments of systems and methods according to this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of various devices, structures, and/or mCthods according to this invention. SUMMARY [0010] An exemplary embodiment relates to a modular, scalable liquid management system, comprising a plurality of corrugated, connectable ditch liner components, comprising at least one base and at least one arm wherein the ditch liner components are adapted to be cut to change their shape or reduce their length and/or width without compromising their connectability, the ditch liner components are adapted for connection to components of the same type for increasing one or more dimensions of the liquid management system, and the ditch liner 2 WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 components are adapted for side-to-side coupling of components and end-to-end coupling of components; a sealant for placement between adjacent components at or about the point of connection; a plurality of fasteners for coupling ditch liner components together; and at least one anchoring system attachable to one or more ditch-liner components for securing the liquid management system in place wherein the ditch liner components are adapted to be assembled into the liquid management system by connecting a plurality of base components side-to-side and/or end-to-end to form the base of a liquid management system, connecting a plurality of arm components end-to-end and/or side-to-side to form a first wall of a liquid management system, connecting a plurality of arm components end-to-end and/or side-to-side to form a second wall of a liquid management system; and connecting the first wall to a first side of the base and connecting the second wail to a second side of the base to form a liquid management system. [0011] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of assembling a inodular, scalable liquid management system, comprising providing a plurality of corrugated, connectable ditch liner components, comprising a plurality of base components wherein the ditch liner base components have corrugations adapted for side-to-side connecting and end-to-end connecting of base components and a plurality of arm components wherein the ditch liner first arm components have corrugations adapted for side-to-side connecting and end-to-end connecting of first arn components; wherein the liquid management system is scalable by removing a portion of a ditch liner component and/or connecting two or more of the same components side-to-side; asseinbling the liquid management system by forming a base segment, comprising one or more base components sized to a chosen shape by cutting the base components and/or connecting the base components side to side, extending the base segment by connecting one or more additional base components end-to-end to the base segment, connecting a first arm segment to the base segment, wherein the first arm segment comprises one or more arm components sized to a chosen size by cutting the arm components and/or connecting the arn components side to side, connecting a second arm segment to the base segment, wherein the second arm segment comprises one or more arm components sized to a chosen size by cutting the arm components and/or corniecting the arm components side to side, placing a sealant in or at the connecting points of connected ditch liner components, and extending the liquid management system by connecting additional base components, first arm components, and second arm components to the liquid management system; and anchoring the liquid management system in place with an anchoring system. 3 WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 100121 These and other features and advantages of various embodiments of systems and methods according to this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of various devices, structures, and/or methods according to this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] Various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods according to the present disclosure will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein: [0014] FIG. I is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a liquid management system according to the present disclosure; [0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a segment of liquid management system of FIG. 1; 100161 FIG, 3 is a top perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a ditch liner base component according to the present disclosure; [00171 FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the base component of FIG, 3; [00181 FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a ditch liner base component according to the present disclosure [0019] FiG. 6 is a front perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a ditch liner arm component according to the present disclosure: [00201 FI. 7 is a front perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a ditch liner arm component according to the present disclosure; [00211 FIG. 8 is an exploded top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a base segment being formed by cutting andIor connecting four of the base components of FIG, 3 according to the present disclosure; [0022] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of an arm segment being formed by cutting and connecting two of the arm components of FIG. 6 according to the present disclosure; [0023] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an arm segment assembled from two of the arm segments of FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure; [0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of an arm segment assembled by cutting and connecting two of the arm components of FIG. 7 according to the present disclosure: 4 WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 [0025] FIG. 12 is an exploded end perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a ditch liner segment assembled from the base segment of FIG. 8, the first arm segment of FIG. 10, and the second arm segment of FIG, 11 according to the present disclosure; [0026] FIG, 13 is a partial exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an anchor system according to the present disclosure; [0027] FIGR 14 is a cross-sectional view of the anchor system of FIG. 13 being installed in the ground; [0028] FIG. 15 is an end view of the liquid management system of FIG. 1 being anchored by the anchor system of FIG 13; [00291 It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary to the understanding of the invention or render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0030] The present disclosure relates to a scalable, modular system for surface transportation of liquid for any purpose. Unlike many prior systems that require partially filling or enlarging the ditch to fit the liner, the disclosed system may scaled up or down in size and length to accommodate virtually any size ditch, The system's components are compactly stored for transportation and easily installed. In various exemplary embodiments, the disclosed system comprises a plurality of corrugated sheets that overlap and are connected to one another, [0031] In various exemplary embodiments, the disclosed ditch liner system is assembled from two basic components: base components and arm components (i.e., side components). In some embodiments, there may be different arm components for opposite sides of a ditch (e.g., left arm components and right arm components), As will be described in greater detail below, the pieces are corrugated and adapted to overlap and connect with one another. According to various exemplary embodiments, the corrugations may comprise a relatively larger rib and relatively smaller rib that are adapted to be joined by overlapping the large rib over the small rib for a watertight seal between components. [0032] FlI 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a liquid management system 100. A liquid management system 100 according to the present disclosure may include a single channel or multiple channels, FIG. 2 shows a segment of an exemplary liquid 5 WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 management system 100. In various exemplary embodiments, a liquid management system 100 comprises a plurality of components including bases 111 and arms 121 and/or 131. As will be shown in more detail below, liquid management. system 100 may be varied in size by varying the number and arrangement of base components 111 and arm components 121 and/or 131 used to assemble the liquid management system 100. [00331 FIGS. 3 and 4 show a first exemplary embodiment of a base 111, In various exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the base component 111 is generally rectangular in shape. The corrugation ribs 112 and 113 are generally perpendicular to the side edges 114 of the base component 111 and are generally perpendicular to the upper base component end edge 11.5 and lower base component end edge 116. In various exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the ends of the corrugation ribs 112 and 113 are closed. In such an embodiment, an end may be "opened" by removing a portion of the base 11 (e.g,, by cutting it). In various exemplary embodiments, the base I1 includes reduced large ribs 117 and reduced small ribs 118. Ribs 117 and 118 are smaller than ribs 112 and 113, respectively, and are sized to fit under and attach to ribs 112 and 113 or to ribs on other components. [0034] According to various exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, base component 111 has an alternating pattern of relatively large ribs 112 and relatively small ribs 113. In some exemplary embodiments, base component 111 includes optional footsteps 119 that facilitate workers walking on the liquid management system 100 (e.g., during installation or maintenance) without damaging the system and/or causing leaks. According to various exemplary embodiments, the base component 111, as well as other component, is designed to be cut to reduce its width and/or shape. [0035] FIG, 5 shows a second embodiment of a base 211. The discussion of base 111 above is applicable, except for the following. In various exemplary embodiments, the corrugations ribs 212 and 213 of base component 211 comprises small tips 218 to facilitate side to-side connection of components. Base 211 also comprises foot path 219 to protect the base component 211 when walked on. [0036] FIG, 6 shows a first exemplary embodiment of an arm component 121. FIG. 7 shows a second exemplary embodiment of an arm component 131. In various exemplary embodiments, the first arm component 121 and second arm component 131 are virtual mirror images, at least with respect he size and alignment of large ribs 122 and 132 and small ribs 123 6 WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 and 133, Arm components 121 and 131 each further comprise a foot 124 and 134 respectively that is inclined outwardly at an obtuse angle to the plane of the main body of the arm component 121 or 131 for connecting to a base component 111. The angle of the foot to the plain of the main body of the arm component may vary depending on the intended application and desired dimension. For example, the angle in the embodiments of FIGS, 6 and 7 is about 135, but the angle may be as low as about 90' In other embodiments, the selected angle may be fall between these two examples (e.g., 115*) or may be higher than 135'. Arm components 121 and 131 also each comprise a knuckle 125 and 135 respectively that is adapted for placement along the edge of a ditch, Arm components 121 and 131 may be formed by different tools or may be molded in the same tool and configured for use by trimming one or the other end of the arm. [00371 According to various exemplary embodiments, arm component 121 and 1.31 includes a recessed section 128 and 138 with large recessed ribs 126 and 136 and small recessed ribs 127 and 137. Large recessed ribs 126 and 137 and small recessed ribs 127 and 137 are slightly different in size from the ribs 122 and 123 on or near the foot 124 and knuckle 125. The recessed ribs 126 and 127 are sized to fit with ribs 122 and 123 to facilitate connecting multiple arm components 121 or 131. in various exemplary embodiments, large recessed ribs 126 and 136 are slightly smaller than large ribs 122 and 132 and small recessed ribs 127 and 137 are slightly smaller than small ribs 123 and 133. In various other exemplary embodiments, the relative sizes are reversed, [0038] In various exemplary embodiments, as will be shown below, any number of bases 111 and/or arms 121 and 131 may be combined to achieve a desired set of dimensions for a liquid management system 100. There are two types of connections between components: end to-end connections and side-to-side connections. The term "end" is used in reference to the ditch liner components 111, 121, and 131 to refer to the edges of the component that are perpendicular to the direction of the flow of liquid in the system, [00391 FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a bottom segment 110 assembled from four base components 111 and four sealants 102. in various exemplary embodiments, the base components 111 are adapted to be cut (see, e.g, FiG. 1) to alter their size and/or shape to fit a channel (e.g., canal, ditch, etc.). In various exemplary embodiments, two or more base components 111 may be connected side-to-side to increase the width of the liquid management system 100. One side edge 114a of a base component 111a is placed overlapping side edge 114b of base component 7 WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 111b with a sealant 102ab (e.g., a gasket or an adhesive) placed between. Fasteners 103, such as, for example, screws, are used to securely and tightly connect the base components 111a and 111b compress sealant 102ab therebetween for a watertight seal. Base component 111C and base component 111d are connected using sealant. 102cd in the same manner. For side-side connections between components of the same type (e.g., connecting two base components, as shown here), either component may be placed on top of the other. [0040] Referring still to FIG, 8, sealants 102ac and 102bd, which may be a single sealant, are placed on small end ribs 116a and 116b of base components 111a and 111b. The large end ribs 115c and 115d of the connected base components 111e and 111d are placed over small end ribs 115c and 115d and securely connected with fasteners (not shown) as described above, It should be noted that the base components 111 need not be assembled in any specific order and that fasteners may be applied at various stages during the process or only after all the base components I1 and sealants 102 are in position. In various exemplary embodiments, as described in more detail below, additional steps may need to be taken before and/or during the connection process to anchor the system in place. For example, cable locks 143 tethered to an anchor may engage the components (e.g., at the corners where two or more base or arm components overlap) and anchor them in place. [00411 In various exemplary embodiments, two components 111, 121, and/or 131 are connected side-to-side by placing two components side-to-side with one component 111, 121, and/or 131 overlapping the other and placing a sealant 102 between. Fasteners (e.g., screws, adhesives, etc.) are used to connect the components. The fasteners bind the components together compressing the sealant therebetween to create a watertight or leak resistant seal. In various exemplary embodiments, the fasteners may pass through the sealant 102 or be located to either or both sides of the sealant 102. [00421 FIGS. 9 and 10 show an arm segment 120 formed from four arm components 121 As shown in FIG. 9, two arm components 121a and 121b being connected side-to-side to create an arm segment that is longer than a single arm. Arm component 121a is adapted for connecting by removal of at least foot 124 (shown in FIG. 6). Arm component 121h is adapted for connection by removal of at least knuckle 125b. The cut edges 128a and 128b of arm components 121a and 121b are overlapped with sealant 102 placed between and securely connected with fasteners. Although either arm component 121a or 121b may be placed over the 8 WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 other, it is generally preferred that the upper arm component 121a be placed over the lower arm component 121b to help reduce the likelihood of leakage through the seam between them. [00431 Referring now to FIG. 10, two arm segments 120a and 120b are connected by placing large end rib 126b over small end rib 125a with sealant 102 therebetween, As described above, fasteners (not shown) are used to securely connect arm segments 120a and 120W [0044] FIG. 11 shows a second arm segment 130 formed by connecting four arm components 131. Arm segment 130 is a mirror image of arm segment 120, just as arm component 131 is a mirror image of arm component 121. As will be shown below, this is helpful in attaching the arm segments 120 and 130 to the base segment 110. According to other various exemplary embodiments, arm segments 120 and 130 may be identical. [0045] FIQ 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of a ditch liner segment 101 assembled by connecting the side segments 120 and 130 to base segment 110. The foot portions 124 and 134 of the lower arm components 121 and 131 in side segments 120 and 130 are placed over the side edges (not visible in FIG 12) of base segment 110 with a sealant (not shown in FIG. 12) between. The foot portions 124 and 134 are connected to the base 110 with fasteners (not shown) as discussed previously. In various exemplary embodiments, the large ribs 122 and 132 and small ribs 123 and 133 of the side segments 120 and 130 are somewhat larger than the large ribs 112 and small ribs 113 of the base segment 110. This helps provide a better fit and tighter seal between side segments 120 and 130 and base segments 110. [0046] Any sealant that will resist liquid leakage may be used. In some exemplary embodiments, the sealant is a compressible gasket. The gasket's shape may vary and will depend in large part upon the shape of the space where it will be placed. For example, a thin rectangular gasket is preferably used between overlapping end ribs in end-to-end connections of the exemplary embodiment because both the top surface of the small rib and the bottom surface of the large rib are both flat. In other exemplary embodiments the gasket may be larger or smaller and have a different shape (e.g., a cylinder or tube), A gasket may also have an adhesive on all or a portion of its surface. In various other exemplary embodiments, the sealant is an adhesive, such as, for example, 3M 740 adhesive, or other adhesives that are liquid insoluble and will resist leakage. In various exemplary embodiments, a bead of adhesive is laid down on a component that is to be overlapped for connecting. An adhesive sealant is especially preferred for side-to side connections where the irregular shape (going up and down over ribs) makes it impractical or 9 WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 difficult to effectively install a gasket. In addition, in some exemplary embodiments, a bead of caulk may be applied along the side edge of the uppermost of the two components, 100471 In some exemplary embodiments, such as the base shown in FIG. 5, the ribs 212 and 213 along one edge of a component may be adapted to fit under the other component by using small toes 218 that arc reduced in size compared to the ribs. [0048] An exemplary anchor system is shown in FIG. 13. Ground anchor 141 is attached to a cable 142. The anchor system also includes a cable lock 143. The cable 142 and cable lock 143 are adapted to interact by inserting the cable 142 through the cable lock 143 and the cable lock 143 functions by allowing the cable 142 to pass through the cable lock 143 in only one direction. [00491 As shown in FIG. 14, in various exemplary embodiments, the anchor 141 is inserted into the ground using drive bar with the cable (not visible in FIG. 14) extending out of the ground. In some applications, such as when installing the system in a cement lined ditch, it may be necessary to open a hole for the anchor prior to installing a section of the liquid management system 100. As illustrated in FI. 15, the cable 142 is passed through an opening in the liquid management system 100. The cable 142 is then inserted through a washer 144 and the cable lock 143, which is adapted to fit onto the cable 142 and move in one direction relative to the cable 142, The cable 142 is pulled through the cable lock 143 until the cable lock is secured against the liquid management system 100 (e.g. until the cable 142 is taut and the cable lock 143 cannot be advanced further). In addition, the anchor 141 is designed such that palling on the cable 142 also causes the anchor 141 to rotate in the ground such that it will not pull out of the ground through the hole through which it was installed, [0050] In various exemplary embodiments, the cable lock 142 and/or washer 144 are designed and/or sized so that they are larger than the opening 106 in the liquid management system 100 and will tightly fit against the surface of the liquid management system 100 entirely covering the opening in the liquid management system 100. In various exemplary embodiments, a sealant (e.g., an adhesive) may be placed between the cable lock and the ditch liner component and/or caulk may be applied around the circumference of the interface between the cable lock 142 and/or washer 1.44 and the liquid management system 100 to provide a watertight seal, In various exemplary embodiments, the liquid management system 100 may be anchored at any location in the system. In some exemplary embodiments, the anchor system 140 is attached to 10 WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 the liquid management system at locations where two or more components overlap to provide the greatest stability to all liquid management system components. [0051] Although the system is shown using an exemplary anchor system, any anchor system may be used to secure the liquid management system in place. The selection of a particular anchor system will depend in large part on the type(s) and charactesritics of soil on which the liquid management system is installed. Where the liquid management system is installed over an existing lining system (e.g., a concrete ditch or canal), an anchor that is designed to anchor to the existing bed or lining may be chosen. 10052] In various exemplary embodiments, the disclosed system is modular because it assembled from at most primary components that can be manufactured with as few as two mold tools, In various exemplary embodiments, the disclosed system is scalable because it is adaptable for assembly in preexisting channels of virtually any size or dimensions. Prior systems had at most a few available sizes and preexisting channels had to be formed to fit the available systems. Also, larger systems would require multiple parallel channels when the largest available system was not large enough to handle peak flows. [0053] In various exemplary embodiments, components of different sizes can he manufactured from the same tool by trimming pieces to any desired size. In various exemplary embodiments, the system components are preferably formed from recyclable materials such that material removed from the components during manufacturing or installation can be used to manufacture additional components. In various exemplary embodiments, high density polyethylene (HDPE) material can be readily thermoformed to desired shapes determined by molds using well-iknown methods to produce durable, long-lasting components. In various other exemplary embodiments, any material that will not deteriorate under operating conditions (e.g.. that will not be absorbed into or corroded by the fluid in the system) may be used, such as other polymeric materials. [0054] Although the liquid management system is described herein for use with water, the disclosed liquid management system may be used with any flowing or flowable (e.g, fine granular materials) material including, but not limited to water, hydrocarbons (e.g., oil or gasoline), slurries, suspensions, or mixtures (e.g., contaminated water). The disclosed system may be used to transport liquids for various purposes including, but not limited to, transportation of drinking or irrigation water, storm water control, waste water discharge, industrial safety 11 RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 systems (eg., for collecting spilled liquids in the case of a spill, such as at a processing plant), collection of liquids for treatment or processing (e.., contaminated water. [0055] As utilized herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. [0056] It should be noted that references to relative positions (e.g., "top" and "bottom") in this description are merely used to identil various elements as are oriented in the figures. It should be recognized that the orientation of particular components may vary greatly depending on the application in which they are used., [0057] For the purpose of this disclosure, the term "connected" means the joining of two rnembers directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature. [0058] It should be appreciated that the construction and arrangement of the liquid management system, as shown in the various exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. While the liquid management system, according to this invention, has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the liquid management system, according to this invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the description provided above is intended to embrace all 12 WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 known or later-developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents. 13

Claims

1. A modular, scalable liquid management system, comprising: a plurality of corrugated, connectable ditch liner components, comprising: at least one base; and at least one arm; wherein: the ditch liner components are adapted to be cut to change their shape or reduce their length and/or width without compromising their connectability; the ditch liner components are adapted for connection to components of the same type for increasing one or more dimensions of the liquid management system; and the ditch liner components are adapted for side-to-side coupling of components and end-to-end coupling of components; a sealant for placement between adjacent components at or about the point of connection; a plurality of fasteners for coupling ditch liner components together; and at least one anchoring system attachable to one or more ditch-liner components for securing the liquid management system in place; wherein the ditch liner components are adapted to be assembled into the liquid management system by: connecting a plurality of base components side-to-side and/or end-to-end to form the base of a liquid management system; connecting a plurality of arm components end-to-end and/or side-to-side to form a first wall of a liquid management system; connecting a plurality of arm components end-to-end and/or side-to-side to form a second wall of a liquid management system; and connecting the first wall to a first side of the base and connecting the second wall to a second side of the base to form a liquid management system,

2. The modular, scalable liquid management system of Claim 1, wherein the ditch liner components further comprise: 14 WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 a first smaller corrugation; and a second larger corrugation; wherein the ditch liner components may be connected end-to-end by overlapping two components with second corrugation atop the first corrugation.

3. The modular, scalable liquid management system of Claim 1, wherein the ditch liner components further comprise: a first side; a second side adapted for connection to the first side of another component; wherein the first side and second side are connectable by overlapping the first side over the second side.

4. The modular, scalable liquid management system of Claim 1, wherein the first arm component and the second arm component each further comprise: a main body section; and a foot section at a first side of the arm component that is inclined upwardly at an obtuse angle to the plane of the main body of the arm component for connecting to a base section.

5. The modular, scalable liquid management system of Claim 1, wherein the arm component further comprises: a main body section; and a knuckle section at a second side of the arm component that is inclined downwardly at an acute angle to the plane of the main body section to form an overhang at a side of the liquid management system,

6. The modular, scalable liquid management system of Claim 1, wherein the anchoring system further comprises: an anchor adapted for insertion into the ground; a cable attached to the anchor; and a cable lock adapted to attach to the cable such that the end of the cable not attached to the anchor is passed through the cable lock and can be advanced down the cable toward the anchor, but not away from the anchor; wherein the anchor system is adapted to secure the liquid management system in place by: 15 WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 inserting the anchor into the ground; passing the cable through the one or more ditch liner components; inserting the cable into the cable lock between the anchor and the cable lock; and securing the cable lock against the one or more ditch liner components by advancing the cable through the cable lock until the cable is taut.

7. The modular, scalable liquid management system of Claim I wherein the sealant comprises a gasket and/or adhesive.

8. A method of assembling a modular, scalable liquid management system., comprising: providing a plurality of corrugated, connectable ditch liner components, comprising: a plurality of base components wherein the ditch liner base components have corrugations adapted for side-to-side connecting and end-to-end connecting of base components; and a plurality of arm components wherein the ditch liner first arm components have corrugations adapted for side-to-side connecting and end-to-end connecting of first arm components; wherein the liquid management system is scalable by: removing a portion of a ditch liner component; and/or connecting two or more of the same components side-to-side assembling the liquid management system by: forming a base segment, comprising one or more base components sized to a chosen shape by cutting the base components and/or connecting the base components side to side; extending the base segment by connecting one or more additional base components end-to-end to the base segment; connecting a first arm segment to the base segment, wherein the first arm segment comprises one or more arm components sized to a chosen size by cutting the arm components and/or connecting the arm components side to side: 16 WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 connecting a second arm segment to the base segment, wherein the second arm segment comprises one or more arm components sized to a chosen size by cutting the arm components and/or connecting the arm components side to side; placing a sealant in or at the connecting points of connected ditch liner components; and extending the liquid management system by connecting additional base components, first arm components, and second arm components to the liquid management system; and anchoring the liquid management system in place with an anchoring system.

9. The method of Claim 8. the anchoring system further comprising: an anchor adapted for insertion into the ground; a cable attached to the anchor; and a cable lock adapted to attach to the cable such that the end of the cable not attached to the anchor is passed through the cable lock and can be advanced down the cable toward the anchor, but not away from the anchor; wherein the anchor system is adapted to secure the liquid management system in place by: inserting the anchor into the ground; passing the cable through the one or more ditch liner components; inserting the cable into the cable lock between the anchor and the cable lock: and securing the cable lock against the one or more ditch liner components by advancing the cable through the cable lock until the cable is taut.

10. The method of Claim 9, further comprising: inserting an anchor connected to a cable into the ground; passing the cable through an opening in one or more of the ditch liner components; passing the anchor cable into the cable lock; wherein the opening in one or more of the ditch liner components is sized such that the cable lock will not pass through the opening; and 17 WO 2011/071924 PCT/US2010/059287 pulling the anchor cable through the cable lock until the cable lock abuts the one or more of the ditch liner components and the anchor cable is taut, 1.1, The method of Claim 9, wherein the liquid management system is anchored at locations where two or more component corners are connected.

12. The method of Claim 8, wherein the liquid management system is assembled starting at a downstream or outlet end of the system and adding components to extend the system to an upstream or inlet end of the system. 13, The method of Claim 8, wherein the connecting of two or more ditch liner components together comprises the use of one or more fasteners.

14. The method of Claim 8, wherein the step of applying a sealant comprises: placing a gasket and/or adhesive between overlapping ditch liner components; and connecting the ditch liner components with a fastener; wherein the gasket and/or adhesive is compressed between the ditch liner components to provide a tight seal,

15. The method of Claim 8, wherein the step of applying a sealant comprises applying caulking to connected components along a. line formed between the edge of the ditch liner component that overlaps onto another ditch liner component to which it is connected. 18