Effects of mainstream suspended sediment on parallel withdrawal in double lateral intakes

The hydrodynamic and sediment transport interactions in parallel lateral intakes remain poorly understood, posing challenges for sedimentation management. This study investigated the suspended sediment transport mechanisms associated with parallel lateral withdrawal using a validated discrete phase model. The results revealed that the suspended sediment motion followed a four-stage process, with the source intake dictated by the initial horizontal position of the particle. The deposition had a negative power-law relationship with the withdrawal flow ratio [Formula: see text]. Under a low [Formula: see text], wider spacing increased deposition differences between the two intakes, whereas under a high [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]), the spacing-induced differences diminished. The sediment withdrawal partitioning between intakes was exponentially related to [Formula: see text], owing to dynamic sedimentation shifts. The intake sediment capture ratios did not linearly follow the flow rate ratios. Moreover, the withdrawal flow ratio was identified as a crucial influencing factor. Specific sediment mitigation strategies were proposed for intake prioritization and operational control, considering varying working conditions. The study findings provide theoretical support for the regulation of water-sediment dynamics in parallel lateral withdrawal configurations.