Rapid Filling Analysis with an Entrapped Air Pocket in Water Pipelines Using a 3D CFD Model

A filling operation generates continuous changes over the shape of an air–water interface, which can be captured using a 3D CFD model. This research analyses influence different hydro-pneumatic tank pressures and air pocket sizes as initial conditions for studying rapid operations in 7.6 m long PVC pipeline with irregular profile, OpenFOAM software. The analysed scenarios were validated experimental measurements, where model was suitable simulating them. In addition, mesh sensitivity analysis performed. Air pressure patterns, water velocity oscillations, shapes interface analysed.