Aeration performance of vortex flow regulators: Pilot scale

experiments
P. Wjtowicz*, M. Szlachta*
*

Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wrocaw University of Technology, Wybrzee Wyspiaskiego 27,

50-370 Wrocaw, Poland, e-mail: patryk.wojtowicz@pwr.edu.pl

Abstract: Vortex flow regulators (VFRs) are used in wastewater and storm water collection systems for
flow throttling and control. Vortex regulators are not only very efficient energy dissipators but also
atomizers, which are beneficial for sewer aeration. In this study, we present the experimental results and
modelling of the aeration capacity of cylindrical type of vortex regulators (CVR). This study compares
basic and optimised for flow throttling CVR with two new innovative designs vortex regulators
modified to enhance aeration performance with the minimum impact on the hydraulic performance. Pilot
scale devices were examined and compared in a closed-circuit test rig. The oxygen mass transfer
coefficient, standard oxygen transfer rate and standard aeration efficiency were determined for a wide
range of tested geometrical configurations. We developed formulas which enable prediction of CVR
aeration capacity.
Keywords: aeration; urban drainage system; flow throttling; atomization; pressure-swirl

Introduction
Vortex flow regulators (VFR) are used in urban drainage systems as a replacement for
traditional flow throttling devices in gravitational as well as pressurised systems. From
a practical point of view - vortex regulators are compact, efficient in throttling and
reliable. In order to efficiently throttle the flow, they do not reduce pipe cross-section,
do not require power supply or moving parts. Vortex devices are fascinating with their
simple design and straightforward operational principle contrasting with a highly
complex vortex motion, and that has defined the complete solution for over 100 years
now. The deficit of dissolved oxygen can be a problem in both natural waters and
sewerage. Hydrodynamic regulators can boost oxygen concentration preventing
putrefaction and improving treatment of stormwater and wastewater. Oxygen
absorption is driven mainly by the atomisation of liquid discharged at a high speed by
vortex regulator a side effect of energy dissipation.
We investigated the aeration efficiency of semi-commercial scale cylindrical vortex
flow regulators in order to determine the potential of their application in environmental
engineering and to propose modification to enhance aeration capacity of basic designs.
Different device geometries and arrangements of active outlets for both single and
double discharge vortex regulators were tested. The experimental program included
tests of three types of vortex regulators shown in Figure 1. The first type (CVR Fig.
1a) are well-known, basic designs originally developed to maximise throttling
performance. They discharge only through the bottom outlet. Using CVR type as a
baseline, we proposed two new types with enhanced aeration capability. First
modification was the addition of second outlet in the top plate (CVR-2). In the next
modification (CVR-U), we were only using the top outlet, although the bottom outlet
was open and used to drain device during low flows.
Material and Methods
The semi-commercial scale models of hydrodynamic flow regulators were tested in a
recirculating system. The absorption tests were performed in compliance with the

standard unsteady state clean water test procedure. The aeration efficiency was
measured by means of the overall oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa20, h-1) adjusted to the
standard conditions (20C, 101.325 kPa), standard oxygen transfer rate (SOTR, kgO2/h)
and standard aeration efficiency (SAE, kgO2/kWh).
Results
Flow rate vs. oxygen transfer coefficient and SOTR. We found that the oxygen
transfer coefficient and oxygen transfer rate are in direct proportion to the flow rate
(Figure 2a-2c). This result can be explained by increased turbulence and renewal rate
of the liquid film available for absorption with increasing flow rate.
Effect of active outlets: one bottom (CVR) vs. two active outlets (CVR-2): In type
CVR-2 by adding second outlet we were expecting to double the aeration efficiency.
Indeed, experiments proved that there was an increase, but not proportional to the
number of active outlets. The oxygen transfer coefficient and standard oxygen transfer
rate were improved on average by 15%. Better results were obtained for standard
aeration efficiency, where the improvement was about 50%. The addition of second
outlet divided the outflow between top and bottom one - this reduced the effective flow
per area and the quality of atomisation. Also, the splashing and formation of air bubbles
in downstream basin were decreased. On the other hand, the second spray cone was
formed and contact time was longer. Of course, this effect was limited by the local
saturation of droplets as the turbulence and consequently renewal rate of the liquid film
contacting with air was relatively low. We think that the major effect, which limited the
expected gain in aeration efficiency, was the quality of atomisation.
Effect of active outlets: one bottom (CVR) vs. one top outlet (CVR-U): Comparing
two modes of operation with outlets located on the opposite sides (CVR vs. CVR-U) the oxygen transfer coefficient and standard oxygen transfer rate were improved on
average by 20% in favour of regulators discharging with the top outlet (CVR-U). The
hydraulics was similar but in CVR-U type of regulators, the fountain-like discharge
combined with inevitable gravity improved the disintegration of liquid film and
increased the contact time of droplets. On the other hand, splashing and air entrainment
in downstream basin was reduced, but the effect was not substantial.
Empirical formulas: We studied parameters that influence the aeration capacity of
hydrodynamic flow regulators. Using all collected data, we derived empirical formulas
describing their aeration efficiency. In our previous research, we also developed
formulas for hydraulic parameters. By combining this set of equations we can predict
throttling and aeration performance of any vortex flow regulator.
Conclusions
The oxygen absorption in vortex regulators depends on several competing
phenomena - the end result is always a superposition of these effects. We found that the
best aeration efficiency can be obtained for regulator discharging through the top outlet
only. Generally, the aeration capability of basic devices can be increased up to 20%
with a negligible effect on throttling performance. The aeration efficiency can be
increased even further by combining two chambers and adding more active outlets. The
aeration performance is constant and on a par with mechanical aerators and diffuser
systems.
Acknowledgments
This investigation was supported by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education grant N N523
450036.

Figures

a)

b)

c)

Figure 1. Photos of three types of cylindrical vortex regulators tested a) CVR, b) CVR-2 and c) CVRU.
CVR

kLa20, h-1

15

10

Q, dm /s
Figure 2a. Flow rate vs oxygen transfer coefficient for CVR type of vortex regulator
CVR-2

Kla20, h-1

15

10

4
3

Q, dm /s
Figure 2b. Flow rate vs oxygen transfer coefficient for CVR-2 type of vortex regulator

CVR-U

Kla20, h-1

15

10

Q, dm /s
Figure 2c. Flow rate vs oxygen transfer coefficient for CVR-U type of vortex regulator