Beta Loop
Urban drainage and related pipeline systems are essential infrastructures. They handle drainage, sanitation, and environmental protection by collecting and returning water to natural bodies. However, many systems have reached their maximum capacity, are aging, and their condition is unclear. Also, anomalies, such as leaks, within pipeline networks can lead to substantial losses, unsafe situations, and adverse environmental impacts. Detecting and addressing them is thus of utmost importance.
The Beta Loop consists in of a 200 m DN100 PVC pipeline and a 4.8 m3 tank. Equipped with pressure, temperature, and flow sensors, the loop allows real-time characterisation of flow conditions. Researchers can modify pipe geometries to simulate various scenarios, explore rheological conditions (i.e., the flow and deformation behavior of fluids), and study effects like bends and inclinations. Additionally, the Beta Loop supports experiments with thixotropic slurry (a mix of kaolin clay and water) and enables gas injection for three-phase flow dynamics.
Previous research Beta Loop
Previous research with this facility has focused on the characterisation of transient phenomena for domestic slurries in vacuum sewer transport systems in a 5-year collaborative project between 'KennisProgramma', Dutch water industry consortium and TU Delft to evaluate the transport capacity for highly concentrated domestic slurries. For this research, we have also used ultrasonic transducers to measure velocity profiles in opaque flow conditions in collaboration with TU Delft.
Furthermore, by using the facility to study the rheology of non-Newtonian slurry flows in pressurised networks, it advances our understanding of sewage transport infrastructure and contributes to sanitation innovations. The flow loop is therefore an optimal tool for further investigations such as describing rheological properties of domestic slurries at different concentration-temperatures or creating guidelines and design protocols for highly concentrated sludge pressurised-vacuum transport in wastewater treatment and drainage operations.
