Computer Prediction of Local Destratification Near Low-Level Release Structures of Reservoirs

The Garton Pump consists of a low-energy axial flow propeller placed just below the surface so as to provide a downward directed jet of fluid and thereby locally mix reservoirs near the release structure of the dam. In this way high-quality epilimnion water is transported downwards, so obtaining local destratification and improved release water quality in the vicinity of low-level release structures. The flowfield is fully three-dimensional and a simplified numerical simulation and solution procedure has been formulated in Cartesian coordinates to include species diffusion and buoyancy forces. Comparison of predictions with experimenal data confirms that the main dynamic effects are modeled adequately and better than a previous two-dimensional simulation. This fundamental study with practical applications represents a low cost basic tool to show the influence of design parameters on the practical flowfield.