Geysering Generated by Large Air Pockets Released through Water-Filled Ventilation Shafts

One potential problem affecting below-grade storm-water storage tunnels is the occurrence of geysering, which is defined as the return of conveyed water to grade. Most investigations to date have linked this occurrence with inertial oscillation of the water within vertical shafts. Another mechanism that can lead to geysering is the release of air and water through ventilation towers. This study presents a systematic investigation on geysering caused by the release of large air pockets through partially water-filled ventilation towers. Parameters considered in the study included the water level in the ventilation tower, air-phase pressure head, and ventilation tower diameter. An important parameter in geysering was the diameter of the ventilation tower. A simplified numerical model was developed to simulate the experiments; it was able to reproduce the essential features of the experiments.