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Smart drainage for synthetic turf pitches
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EU research project combines filtration technology and digital monitoring – making stormwater management on sports facilities circular
Advert by IAKS member Hauraton
Synthetic turf pitches can be used all year round, are low maintenance, durable and an asset to grassroots sport. However, the risk of microplastic emissions calls for effective solutions. As part of the EU-funded LIFE T4C (Turf4Circular) research project, concepts are being developed and tested under real operating conditions in Spain to combine environmental and resource protection with consistently high playing quality. Hauraton is contributing with its SPORTFIX CLEAN drainage and filtration system and, for the first time, with a digital condition monitoring solution. The project‘s main reference site is located in Toledo, while a second test pitch has been established in Madrid.
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1. View into the SPORTFIX CLEAN channel, shown here with the drainage pipe inside the channel body
2. The CARBOTEC filter substrate retains plastic particles and infill material
3. The CARBOTEC filter material ensures long-term surface filtration
© Hauraton
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Future-ready synthetic turf systems as a shared research objective
‘Synthetic turf pitches have become an indispensable part of modern sports facility construction,‘ says Osman Turan, International Sales Manager at Hauraton. ‘At the same time, operators must prevent plastic infill granules and synthetic turf fibres from entering the environment via stormwater. This requires drainage, filtration and maintenance to be considered as one integrated system.‘
This is precisely the focus of the European LIFE T4C project, which has been running since 2023. Its objective is to develop a circular synthetic turf system. Improved recyclability, reduced microplastic emissions and the long-term preservation of playing quality and safety are at the heart of the project. The solutions developed are scientifically monitored and evaluated under real operating conditions.
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Filtration directly at the pitch edge
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© Hauraton
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Digital measuring devices are installed in the sump unit
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For the demonstration facilities in Toledo and Madrid, Hauraton supplied approximately 220 metres of SPORTFIX CLEAN for each site. The drainage and filtration channels collect stormwater while simultaneously retaining plastic infill granules, synthetic turf fibres and other solids from surface runoff. The treated water is discharged in a controlled manner and stored in retention tanks. It is intended to be reused later for irrigating the sports pitches.
SPORTFIX CLEAN combines linear drainage with an integrated filtration function. The CARBOTEC 100 filter substrate reliably retains particles on its surface. As a result, maintenance is limited to replacing or replenishing the upper contaminated filter layer. This keeps maintenance work straightforward while ensuring the long-term performance of the system.
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Digital monitoring supports condition-based maintenance
A special feature of the reference installation in Toledo is the integration of a digital monitoring system from RX-WATERTEC. Sensors continuously measure the water level inside the inlet chambers and transmit the data to a dashboard. This enables operators to identify changes in filter performance at an early stage and plan maintenance based on the actual condition of the system. Weather data is also available to distinguish between rainfall events and declining filter performance. This provides a reliable data basis for the long-term operation of the drainage system.
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Insights for the sports facilities of the future
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The demonstration sites in Toledo and Madrid illustrate how high-performance surface drainage, effective microplastic retention and digital condition monitoring can be successfully combined. This approach provides planners, local authorities and operators with new opportunities to schedule maintenance more efficiently, reduce inspection work and safeguard the long-term performance of drainage systems. At the same time, the filtration technology helps minimise the discharge of microplastics and other particles via stormwater.
The project demonstrates that drainage today is about much more than conveying rainwater away. It is becoming an essential component of resource-efficient stormwater management for modern sports facilities.
Further information is available at:
www.hauraton.com/en/applications/sports/
www.lifet4c.com
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© Hauraton
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