Influence of a circular jet arrangement in a rectangular tank on flow and suspended sediment release

With the objective of high sediment release out of a rectangular tank the performance of a circular jet arrangement has been investigated. Therefore, experiments with four jets arranged in a horizontal circle placed in water with quasi homogeneous sediment concentration were conducted. The induced circulation was analysed by measuring the flow field. The influence of the flow circulation on suspension and on sediment release through the water intake was studied and discussed. The offbottom clearance of the jet arrangement, the water intake height as well as the discharge of the jets was varied. Thus, the optimal parameter combination regarding sediment release was identified. The results of this study allow giving recommendation on best installation and discharge practice of the jets resulting in high sediment release. This jet mixing method can be applied in real reservoirs when fighting against sedimentation.