Effect of Anti-Vortex Plates on Critical Submergence at a Vertical Intake

One of the sources of disturbance at intakes is the occurrence of free-surface vortices with an air core. The most common solution for avoiding air-entrainment is the use of anti-vortex devices and, especially, plates for large pipe or shaft intakes. If plates are used, then, the geometry and position of them should be studied experimentally. Since only general guidance for use of plates is available, a study for the more precise placement of plates is needed. Hence, a comprehensive set of experiments have been carried out using rectangular plates with different dimensions and at various positions with respect to the vertical outlet pipe intakes and two different pipe diameters (D = 75 and 100 mm). The results of critical submergence with respect to the dimensions and positions of the plates are presented as graphs and equations. Thus, design guides and recommendations are provided.