Relationship between two-phase flow in bottom outlet and air-core vortices at intake

Abstract

Model experiments were conducted on the hydraulic characteristics of air-water two-phase flow inside the bottom outlet of shaft spillways as a result of natural air suction from air-core vortices at the pipe intake. Experiments were performed in a cylindrical reservoir 2 m in diameter and 1 m high, under a swirling flow around the intake, investigating the most severe two-phase flow regimes. Three different vertical pipe intakes, attached to the floor of the reservoir at its centre, were examined for different flow discharges, establishing different vortex types. Results indicate that the void fraction decreases by changing the type of swirling flow. For a constant submergence depth, reducing the intake pipe diameter or increasing its height led to an increase in void fraction and two-phase slug flow wave velocity, length and frequency. However, by the increase in Kolf number, the frequency of slug waves reduced and the two-phase flow pressure inside the bottom outlet was increased. The relationships between two-phase flow hydraulic characteristics and regimes inside the bottom outlet and types of vortices at the intakes will be of interest to both scientific research and design engineers, to increase the efficiency and safety of pressurised waterway systems.