ABSTRACT
This work is focused on the study of bottom rack intake systems for discontinuous and torrential streams. The cases of clear water and water with gravel sediments have been analyzed. Different tests have been carried out to quantify the influence of the solids passing through the racks. Results of the wetted rack lengths and efficiency of racks are presented. The clear water cases have been modeled with computational fluid dynamics, and compared with the measured obtained in Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena. Experimental and numerical studies that characterize both, the clear water and the influence of solid load in the operation of the bottom racks, will allow to improve the existing design criteria.
