Experimental research on free-surface vortices as transport mechanism in wastewater sumps

Francois Clemens, Alex Duinmeijer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientific

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Abstract

Sumps of wastewater pumping station can experience problems due the formation of (solid) floating layers of fat and scum as a result of insufficient current guidelines for sump design with respect to transport of floating debris. To complimentary the guidelines, the use of free-surface vortices is defined as a potential transport mechanism for floating debris. The transport ability and capacity of vortices is investigated in an experimental set-up and experimental data will be used to design and validate a theoretical vortex transport model describing the transport ability and capacity of a free-surface vortex. Two theoretical vortex models describing the vortex flow field are used as a base for the transport model. Experimental results show that both models needs adaptation to match experimental results. Furthermore, the experiments show that the ability to transport buoyant material is highly sensitive on the flow field in the vortex (core) and on the particle density. Particles can either get stuck in the vortex core with no or less transport or either translated around the core with efficient transport. Before designing and validating the vortex transport model, extensive future research is needed to capture the observed phenomena’s.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication8 th International Conference on Sewer Processes and Networks
Subtitle of host publicationAugust 31 –September 2, 2016, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Number of pages15
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Event8th International Conference on Sewer Processes and Networks - SS Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 31 Aug 20162 Sept 2016
Conference number: 8
http://www.spn8.nl/

Conference

Conference8th International Conference on Sewer Processes and Networks
Abbreviated titleSPN8
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityRotterdam
Period31/08/162/09/16
Internet address

Keywords

  • Wastewater
  • pumping station
  • scum layers
  • free-surface vortex transport
  • experiments

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