Journal of Environmental Engineering · 1987 · 219 citations · 8 references
EngineeringCivil EngineeringHydraulicsWater Resources EngineeringWater-efficient DesignResidence Time DistributionShallow Water EffectsBasin Performance ModelingHydraulic EfficiencyHydraulic Efficiency AnalysisHydraulic Performance AssessmentHydraulic Residence TimeResidence Time
The study derives equations to predict hydraulic efficiency t¯/T and guide designers on how much to increase ideal retention time. These equations model the effects of length‑to‑width ratio, wind, and depth on hydraulic efficiency. Analysis of basin data shows that length‑to‑width ratio is the strongest determinant of hydraulic efficiency, with wind and depth also influencing it; increasing the ratio and mitigating wind effects with baffles—typically two baffles achieving an L/W of 5–10—improves efficiency.
An analysis of data from a variety of basins showed that the strongest influence on hydraulic efficiency, t¯/T, was that of the lengthto‐width ratio, L/W. Wind and depth also had some influence. Equations were derived to show these influences and to predict t¯/T, so designers can know how much to increase the ideal retention time. The L/W ratio can be increased, and the adverse effects of wind can be decreased, by the use of baffles. Two baffles, producing an L/W ratio of 5–10, are usually sufficient.
8