Factors Affecting the Efficiency of Hydraulic Flushing in Storm System for Sedimentation Control: A Review

Hydraulic flushing using flushing device is cost effective in removing sediment deposition in sewer system. This technique is especially popular in European countries in controlling sedimentation in closed conduit system. The quick release of large water volume leads to a flush wave under high turbulent flow mimicking dam break phenomenon to flush out the sediment accumulated in sewer. A brief discussion on the factors affecting the efficiency of hydraulic flushing are presented in this paper. These factors can be divided into sewer characteristics, sediment characteristics, flushing device characteristics and environmental factors. Each factor will determine the design of the flush device system. Recommendations of risk assessment techniques that help to establish the failure modes in the sediment flushing system for possible practices, assessing the impact, and planning for corrective actions were also presented. This review would be helpful to support project managers and engineers to establish control plan on the design of hydraulic flushing device for sewer system.

Keywords:

Hydraulic Flushing , Risk Assessment , Sedimentation , sewer , Uncertainty