Design optimization of suction chamber relying on environmental considerations

Abstract

Various systems and methods have been developed for the gathering of seawater. One of the most common methods is the use of offshore direct seawater intakes, such as suction chamber. Due to the location of these structures, they can influence marine life by suction of fish. In this research, by considering environmental issues and design parameters, the size of an initial case with a certain condition was optimized. By converting the square cross-section into a polygon and changing the dimensions, it was observed that in addition to the decrease of the structure's volume by 50%, the velocity distribution around the structure becomes more uniform and meets the criteria (entrance velocity > 0.15 m/s). This paper also suggests a flat plate at the inlet for the horizontal flow formation. It is capable of helping fish to react better and preventing them from entering the suction chamber. In this case, as the volume of structure decreased by 54%, the entrance velocity did not show any significant change. Furthermore, for reducing the size of the structure, by considering structural issues, this study recommends that the riser part of the model can be changed. Eventually, according to all parameters, a final model for these conditions was presented.