3D-PTV on large particles in the free-surface vortex

Wastewater pumping stations can experience problems due the presence of floating particles of solidified fat and grease. To transport this debris, the ability of free-surface vortices as transport mechanism is investigated. An experimental set-up is developed where the behaviour of large particles (0.02 - 0.04 m) in the vortex flow are analysed. An 3D-particle tracking method based of 6 iPhone® cameras was used to record the position of the particles in the vortex. Based on the measured particle acceleration, the hydrodynamic forces on the particle are derived. This novel 3D-PTV method was found to generate consistent information on the movement of the particles in the vortex flow field.
Sanitary Engineering