Nuclear Power Facility Flow Monitoring Feasibility Study and Dye Dilution Field Flow Measurement
Starting in 2009, Alden has been working with a confidential nuclear power facility to determine the feasibility of monitoring cooling water intake flow rate. The work began with a feasibility study of available equipment and/or techniques that can be used to monitor the intake flow rate. A comprehensive list of available technologies that can be used to monitor intake flows was developed, along with brief descriptions of each technology. The list of available technologies or methods that were generated was evaluated to determine those feasible for implementation at the facility. Detailed assessments of the technologies selected for further evaluation were then conducted and were provided along with listed advantages and disadvantages associated with implementation. Alden then recommended a technology believed to be best suited for use at the facility compared to the other technologies further evaluated.In support of the feasibility study conclusions,
Alden has conducted pump performance testing in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. A total of 10 circulation water pumps have been tested using the dye dilution method to determine flow rate. By injecting a known amount of dye upstream, and allowing for sufficient mixing, the dye concentration downstream will yield the flow rate (mass balance calculation). The dye dilution testing was conducted to determine the actual circulating water flow rates at different pump speeds and tidal conditions in order to address environmental regulatory questions about water usage.
Capability
Applied Data & TechnologyCivil Infrastructure
Related Projects
In order to meet screen velocity requirements of the Clean Water Act 316 b rule, American Electric Power has investigated the possibility of replacing the Clifty Creek Power Plant traveling water screens with an array of cylindrical wedgewire screens in the cooling water intake forebay. The site on the Ohio River experiences significant siltation, and there were concerns about associated vulnerability of the wedgewire screens.
Alden performed flow modeling to evaluate this possibility, and provide possible solutions. The model scope included river flow both upstream and downstream of the intake structure and flow within the intake structure. To model the geometric details of the system accurately, a field survey conducted by Alden was performed prior to the flow modeling efforts. The flow study included 2D and 3D numeric modeling, as well as scale physical modeling.
}', 13='{type=image, value=Image{width=2000,height=683,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/Clifty-Creek/Clifty-Creek-Site-Visit.jpg',altText=''}}', 14='{type=string, value=Field survey conducted prior to model testing}', 25='{type=number, value=0}', 27='{type=number, value=1}', 28='{type=number, value=0}', 29='{type=number, value=30}'}
Applied Data & Technology | Civil Infrastructure
Clifty Creek Power Plant Intake Modification
investigation of the hydraulic, thermal, and sediment dynamics within a cooling water intake forebay on the Ohio River, including both 3D numeric and physical modeling
As part of project/dam surrender and removal efforts at the Saccarappa Hydroelectric Project (Saccarappa), Alden provided S. D. Warren Company d/b/a Sappi North America (Sappi) with the final design and fish passage analysis for nature-like fishways in the upper channels at Saccarappa Falls. The final design involves reshaping the existing bedrock channel into a form that is more conducive to fish passage while mimicking the morphology of a natural bedrock channel. Alden provided agency consultation while developing the design and will ultimately provide construction support. The proposed design complements a proposed double Denil fishway over the lower portion Saccarappa Falls designed in partnership with Acheron Engineering.
Alden conducted a site visit and reviewed existing geotechnical, hydrologic, site constraints, and other site data prior to developing the final design for the nature-like fishways. The final design was achieved by way of iteration between a 3D CAD representation of the proposed bathymetric surface and a 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. Expected small-scale roughness of the channel bed was incorporated into the CAD surface through a novel texturizing technique based on a high resolution laser scan of the existing bedrock surface. The CFD model was used to simulate proposed conditions at four discrete design flow rates. Hydraulic data output by the CFD model (e.g., depth and velocity) informed subsequent improvements of the proposed surface in CAD. Sappi and agency review and feedback was provided at 30%, 60%, 90%, and final drafts of the design. Fish passage effectiveness of the final design was analyzed by Alden biologists and engineers using USFWS’s SMath models developed for assessing velocity impediments by estimating fatigue, survivorship, and work. Alden also provided engineering consultation and inspections to support project construction.
}', 13='{type=image, value=Image{width=2000,height=905,url='https://www.verdantas.com/hubfs/PROJECTS/Saccarappa-Falls-Nature-Like-Fishway-Design.jpg',altText=''}}', 14='{type=string, value=3D CFD modeling was used to aid in the design and evaluation of the nature-like fishway}', 15='{type=image, value=Image{width=1623,height=826,url='https://www.verdantas.com/hubfs/assets/news/saccarappa-dam-removal-iso-rendering.jpg',altText=''}}', 16='{type=string, value=CFD Modeling helped guide the engineering of two channels in the upper falls and the Denil ladder at the lower falls.}', 17='{type=image, value=Image{width=1500,height=750,url='https://www.verdantas.com/hubfs/IMAGES/Alden/Imported_Blog_Media/CFD-Nature-Like-Fishway.jpg',altText=''}}', 18='{type=string, value=CFD-based design provided an innovative approach to create the Nature-Like Fishway}', 25='{type=number, value=0}', 27='{type=number, value=1}', 28='{type=number, value=1633352533000}', 29='{type=number, value=350}'}
Applied Data & Technology | Civil Infrastructure | Natural Resources & Environmental Planning
Saccarappa Falls Nature-Like Fishway Modeling and Design
Innovative 3D CFD modeling was used to design a fishway to mimic natural bedrock following removal of tow spillway dams.