ACO Q-Brake Vortex

Controlling the release of stormwater

ACO Q-Brake is a horizontal vortex flow control designed to prevent downstream flooding by controlling the release of stormwater before it discharges into the watercourse or sewer. The Q-Brake Vortex is a self-activating, low-maintenance system ensuring reliable and compliant flow restriction in both new developments and retrofit drainage schemes.

Custom built to suit the site requirements
Available from 2-100 l/s and up to 3m design head
Manufactured from grade 304 stainless steel
All parts welded to BS 4872
Available with curved or flat back
Attenuation volume required reduced
Available as a model in Microdrainage, Site3D and Causeway Flow Hydraulic Design software, it has many water authority approvals.
Supported by QuAD VFC software

Featured Downloads

Q-Brake and Q-Chamber Datasheet

Find out more about the ACO Q-Brake Vortex flow Control and the new plastic chamber, ACO Q-Chamber, that can house it

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Parameters to Quote

Each ACO Q-Brake Vortex and ACO Q-Chamber is individually configured to suit the specific performance criteria and the profile of the chamber. Contact our Stormwater Control Team who will come back to you within 24 hrs.

ACO Q-Brake: design head (m) & flow rate (l/s)
ACO Q-Chamber: depth to invert / diameter of the chamber / number of pipe connections / diameters of pipe connections

REQUEST A QUOTE HERE

Features

Addresses planning and connection requirement of Floods and Water Management Act
Tailored performance provides optimum hydraulic efficiency
Reduces the need for on-site storage lowering installation costs
Simplifies access and maintenance
Available with a curved back for ease of installation
Removes the need for direct man access to sewer manholes
Proven performance and reliability
Approved by Severn Trent, Anglian and Scottish Water, and others
Simple to install

Benefits

Regulates stormwater flows from 2-100 l/s litres per second
Individually configured
Self-activating system
Larger clear opening, reduces risk of blockages
Remote access for emergency drain down
Remote access bypass door
Inlet/outlet determined by laboratory verified curves
Flexible fitting options to suit profile of manhole chamber

Recommended Applications

Public Highways
Public landscaping
Car parking
HGV parking
Petrol station forecourts
Light industrial
Heavy industrial
Distribution yards
Airports (airside)
Port and dock sides
Security areas
SuDs

Not Recommended Applications

Threshold drainage
Domestic landscaping

Integrated Solutions

ACO offers a comprehensive range of engineered solutions to support civil engineers in delivering effective, compliant stormwater control across all project scales, from water treatment, attenuation/infiltration tanks and vortex flow control systems.

Find out more about our other Stormwater Control solutions:

Design Support

Creating a resilient drainage network is essential for sustainable urban development. ACO offers comprehensive design services and support tools for our vortex flow control range, including design tools, CPD presentations, and case studies, ensuring you specify the right solution for optimal performance.

Design Services

Our stormwater control team brings extensive expertise to support your design needs. We offer practical advice on schemes, helping you choose the right solutions and accurately size a Q-Brake for your project. Additionally, BIM and Conduit files are available to streamline your design process. Speak to our team today for free, no obligation design advice by filling in a design enquiry, or using our live chat support.

QuAD VFC
An intuitive tool for designing ACO Q-Brake vortex flow controls or Q-Plate orifice plates. Instantaneous results and flow curves allow real-time adjustments. QuAD VFC optimises flow control dimensions to match design parameters and reduce upstream attenuation requirements. Configurations include flat or curved backs, with options for standard concrete chambers or large plastic pipes. PDF export is available.

CPD Presentations

Gain insight into SuDS and stormwater control with certified CPD sessions, available online or in-person. Delivered by ACO experts at your convenience. Our program also includes demonstrations on QuAD VFC, and a workshop on integrating Q-Brakes into Microdrainage, InfoDrainage, and Causeway Flow systems. Request a session today.

Explore our CPDs

Case Studies

Explore real-world applications with our comprehensive case studies on Q-Brakes. These case studies detail how Q-Brakes have been effectively integrated into various drainage systems, showcasing their impact on stormwater control and sustainable drainage schemes.