Author(s): Stephane Etienne

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Aerating turbines; Two-phase flow; Dissolved oxygen; Optical probes;

Abstract: The mechanics of bubble clouds are essential to many industrial processes in the energy and chemical realms. In the specific case of hydroelectric turbines, bubble clouds are present when air is injected into the water to increase dissolved oxygen levels in the water flowing through the power plant. Understanding the physics of the phenomena driving the mixing of bubbles is still needed to improve the modelling of such flows. Even in less complicated geometries such as those found in many laboratory flows, measurements of bubbles cloud evolution are sparse and validation of numerical models is challenging. Descriptions of the evolution of bubble clouds in simple geometries can then be used to predict the distribution in more complex geometries through correlation laws. The present work aims at fulfilling such needs. An experimental water loop is used with cross-flow air injection to produce bubble clouds and to test injection devices.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/38WC092019-1237

Year: 2019