Analysis and quantification of erosion pattern due to sediment containing flow by experimental technique

Sediment erosion shortens the lifespan and efficiency of hydraulic turbines and create risks in their operation and maintenance. Various factors contribute to this erosion in turbine components. This paper presents the development and testing of an experimental setup (non-recirculating sediment laden) to measure erosion due to sediment particles in induced flow and the comparison between the experimental result and numerical simulation result. The developed apparatus enabled controlled variation of factors such as flow velocity, sediment concentration and impingement angle, offering a robust framework for experimental investigation. The test plate of four layered paint was tested in two setup conditions at 30° and 45°. Results revealed that tangential impacts at 30° caused greater material loss and surface abrasion compared to 45°; with weight loss of 0.32 g and 0.29 g respectively, over 60 minutes. Showing that the erosion rate is higher for the low specimen angle, highlighting the impact angle's role in erosion rates. These quantitative findings give some knowledge about the erosion mechanisms. In parallel with the experimental work, a numerical study was conducted to simulate the erosion process. The simulations were carried out using Ansys (CFX), two well-known erosion models, Finnie and Tabakoff, were employed to predict the erosion behaviour. The numerical result was compared with experimental observations to analyse the accuracy of the experimental setup. This comprehensive approach to studying sediment erosion offers a foundation for further research and experimentation. Future research is expected to build on these findings, contributing to the development of more erosionresistant components. Ultimately, this work aims to enhance the efficiency and durability of hydraulic turbines operating in sediment-laden environments, addressing the critical issue of sediment erosion and its impact on turbine performance.