Investigation on Dynamics of Sediment and Water Flow in a Sand Trap

Abstract

Sediment and flow dynamics in a sand trap of Golen Gol hydropower project in Pakistan was evaluated using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model. Sediment Simulation in Intakes with Multi Block Options (SSIIM) CFD model was used to simulate the sediment and flow behavior in the sand trap. Numerical simulation results demonstrated that the horizontal and vertical component of velocities at any region of settling basin was less than the designed critical flow velocity of the sand trap. The design with respect to dimensions and proportioning of the sand trap were found appropriate for inducing low flow velocities throughout the settling basin of the sand trap supporting the deposition of sediments. The results obtained from simulation further presented the 100% removal of the desired sediments (particle size class ≥ 0.205 mm diameter) could be achieved in the sand trap. All this verify the design of sand trap is in accordance with the desired designed sediment removal efficiency of the sand trap.