Diffusion of point source pollution at the cross joint

• Published in: Water science & technology. Water supply 2023-01, Vol.23 (1), p.428-446
• Main Authors: Sun, Bin, Peng, Qingfeng, Ma, Wenjun, Li, Zhiwei, Song, Zhanqi, Tong, An
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brines; Coefficient of variation; cross joint; Diameters; Diffusion; Dimensional analysis; Evaluation; Flow; Flow velocity; Inlet flow; Inlets (waterways); Mathematical analysis; migration and diffusion; Mixing length; Numerical analysis; orthogonal test; Outlet flow; Pipes; Point source pollution; Pollutants; Pollution sources; Simulation; Sodium chloride; Tracers; Turbulence models; Turbulent mixing; Water pipelines; Water pollution; Water quality; Water supply
• ISSN: 1606-9749; 1607-0798
• DOI: 10.2166/ws.2022.438

The cross joint is one of the standard connection types for urban water supply pipelines. A pipeline containing cross joints was taken as the research object using NaCl as the tracer. The turbulent mixing characteristics of water and pollutants at the cross joints and pollutant migration and diffusion were studied and analysed by numerical analysis and experimental measurement. The primary purpose is to check the comprehensive influence of the six factors of pipe diameter, inlet flow ratio, outlet flow ratio, location of damage point, flow of brine, and density of brine on the turbulent mixing of water and brine in the pipeline. The coefficient of variation is used as an evaluation index to evaluate the mixing in the pipeline, and the effective mixing length LEML is used to quantify the uniform mixing position of brine in the pipeline. The results show that the inlet flow ratio, outlet flow ratio, and pipe diameter significantly affect LEML in the east outlet of the cross joint. Outlet flow ratio and pipe diameter significantly affect LEML in the cross joint's south outlet direction. In addition, the dimensionless relationship equation representing LEML is fitted through dimensional analysis.