McMillan Pumping Station, Washington, D.C.; Hydraulic Model Investigation.

Abstract

This model study was conducted to evaluate the characteristics of inflow conditions into an existing pump sump that would result with increased discharge capacity due to installation of the three proposed pumps and to develop modifications, if needed, within the confines of the present sump to improve flow distribution to the pump intakes. The operation of the 1:9.6-scale model of the original design sump indicated vortexing, turbulence, and severe rotational flow conditions (swirl) caused by uneven flow distribution in the proximity of the pump intakes. Improved inflow distribution to the pump intakes was obtained by installing baffles to divert the concentrated inflow away from the pump intakes. Stilling well type baffles, the most effective modification, diverted concentrated inflow upward and away from the pump intake, dissipated some of the excessive kinetic energy of inflow, and essentially eliminated adverse effects of secondary crossflow. Determining the appropriate bell distance from the sump floor also contributed to improve flow distribution to the pump intakes. With the modifications developed, flow conditions were improved, vortices were eliminated, and swirl and pressure fluctuations were reduced substantially. Results were satisfactory for all anticipated water-surface elevations and combinations of pumps operating. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1980
Accession Number
ADA090276

Entities

People

  • Glenn R. Triplett

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Axial Flow
  • Construction
  • District Of Columbia
  • Elevation
  • Engineers
  • Experimental Design
  • Hydraulic Models
  • Kinetic Energy
  • Maryland
  • Measurement
  • Models
  • Pressure Transducers
  • Prototypes
  • Pumping Stations
  • Reservoirs
  • United States
  • Water Purification

Readers

  • Combustion and Flow Dynamics.
  • Hydraulic Engineering.