Exploring vortex dynamic efficiency in hydro-suction system: a combined experimental and numerical investigation

Vortex utilization in hydro-suction sediment removal system can have a notable impact on the ratio of suspended particles in water, leading to an improvement in overall system efficiency. To induce a vortex, water is injected through fan blades to creat helical motion. In order to fully comprehend the functioning of the Vortex utilization in hydro-suction device (VUHS), a sequence of practical experiments using particle image velocimetry (PIV) is conducted. This method analyzes particle motion to obtain velocity distribution in the system. Additionally, a numerical model by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is created to simulation VUHS. The comparison between PIV and CFD tests was carried out in the laboratory in three cases: I) suction flow at the intake nozzle; II) injection flow through fan blades to create a vortex; and III) a combination of suction and injection flows. The validation of the numerical simulation (CFD) with the experimental test (PIV) cases shows a good agreement between them. The numerical simulation study provides a detailed understanding of the flow phenomena of the fan blade hydro-suction device, including the distribution of velocity and pressure. Furthermore, the crucial parameters, i.e., the injection flow rate, suction flow rate, and depth of the vortex cylindrical Zv, are studied. Then, the relationships between different pressures and velocity vectors with suction and injection flow rate are clarified. The results show that the increasing rotation of water by injection creates a negative pressure in the center of the vortex, leading to an increase in velocity (Uy, Uvo). Additionally, increasing the suction flow rate has a positive effect on the values of velocity if the ratio λ ≤ 0.7 and a negative effect if λ > 1.2. Finally, the optimum ration between suction and injection to achieve high performance from VUHS is 0.7.