Grantee Research Project Results

2014 Progress Report: Prediction and quantification of Combined Sewer Outflows under extreme storm events: Flow dynamics and Reduction of Combined Sewer Outflows

EPA Grant Number: R835187
Title: Prediction and quantification of Combined Sewer Outflows under extreme storm events: Flow dynamics and Reduction of Combined Sewer Outflows
Investigators: Leon, Arturo , Alnahit, Ali , Elayeb, Ibrahem , Choi, YunJi
Current Investigators: Leon, Arturo
Institution: Oregon State University
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2017
Project Period Covered by this Report: June 1, 2014 through May 31,2015
Project Amount: $265,528
RFA: Extreme Event Impacts on Air Quality and Water Quality with a Changing Global Climate (2011) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Earth Sciences - Environmental Science , Aquatic Ecosystems , Air Quality and Air Toxics , Water Quality , Water , Air , Climate Change

Objective:

To develop a mathematical formulation for common cases of overflow discharges (e.g., combined sewer overflows [CSOs]) at vertical shafts and near-horizontal outlets under extreme flow events.
To implement the mathematical formulation of overflows into a state-of-the-art open source (free and open access) transient flow model that can be used in complex combined sewer systems (CSSs).
To validate the overflow discharge framework under highly dynamic flow conditions. The Portland combined sewer system (Oregon), which has experienced recent geysering events, will be used as a test case.

Progress Summary:

As of September 27, 2015, the following progress has been achieved:

The mathematical formulation of common cases of overflow discharges at vertical shafts is under development.
A 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) two-phase flow model has been validated.
The flow recirculation system that will host the hydraulic model of the Portland CSS was constructed.
Extensive experiments are being conducted at the constructed equipment.

Future Activities:

The mathematical formulation of common cases of overflow discharges at vertical shafts will be further developed, validated, and implemented into the state-of-the-art transient analysis program Illinois Transient Model (ITM).
More extensive laboratory experiments of overflow discharges under extreme events will be conducted in the Multipurpose River Hydraulics Research Facility at O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory at Oregon State University. The lab experiments will use CO₂ gas.

Journal Articles:

No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 17 publications for this project

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.