Chatuge Hydroproject Aerating Infuser Physical Model Study

Rizk, Tony A.; Hauser, Gary E.; ,

Chatuge Hydroproject Aerating Infuser Physical Model Study

by Tony A. Rizk, Tennessee Valley Authority, Norris, United States,
Gary E. Hauser, Tennessee Valley Authority, Norris, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

The Tennessee Valley Authority is investigating the feasibility of a dual purpose reregulation and aeration weir to increase the dissolved oxygen in water releases and to provide continuous minimum flow downstream of the Chatuge hydroproject, on the Hiwass River in North Carolina. The new structure is dubbed the infuser. The infuser weir consists of a reregulation weir to which a metal grating is attached. Turbulent water jets fall through the grating openings producing a frothy tailwater with excellent aeration performance. The full-scale testing issues included infuser aeration performance, hydraulic safety considerations, and an examination of fish and trash passage. The infuser weir will maintain minimum flow and mitigate seasonal low dissolved oxygen water releases. The tailwater was found to be free of hydraulic jumps. The infuser aeration performance is affected by the sizes and spacings of the blockages configuration yielded an infuser aeration efficiency exceeding 70 percent.

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