Three-dimensional CFD simulation of solid-liquid two-phase flow in the pumping station forebay with sills

Abstract

Sills have been used in the forebay of pumping station in order to eliminate the circulation and vortex of diffusing flow which impact on pump performance and sediment. In the paper, three-dimensional method is used to simulate the sill flow in the forebay of pumping station based on Eulerian solid-liquid two-phase flow model. Research focuses on that sill with different section, dip and position makes important impact to flow pattern and sediment movement. The numerical results show that the attempts of adopting discontinuous bottom sills is the most effective way to eliminate the surface backflow and make the cross-section velocity distribution tend to uniform. The velocity at the bottom of the forebay and suction bay and near the pump inlet decrease significantly. Sediment accumulations in the forebay and behind the bottom sills are avoided or decreased. Compared with the literature and experimental results, it can be confirmed that CFD simulation results are credible. The further analysis can provide theoretical basis for improving the flow pattern and avoiding sediment deposition in the forebay. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.