Reducing the risk of operational issues caused by entrained air using CFD analysis

Uncontrolled air entrainment in pressurized adduction systems can cause serious operational problems and costly downtime. This paper describes the use of a combination of two- and three-dimensional CFD analysis to study a broad range of aspects for the design of a de-aeration structure, to enhance safety and reduce operational issues. The results of the research were applied at a hydro plant in Lao PDR, where a fully pressurized flow system can operate safely with two independent waterway branches.