Model test based study on icing process of long-distance water channel operating at low temperature environment

The icing problem seriously affects the efficiency of channel water delivery in low temperature conditions. A low-temperature and long-distance channel model test platform was established to study the icing process. Through this model test platform, water temperature and formation of ice cover were tested and discussed. Furthermore, the relationship between border ice width and its influencing factors were studied quantitatively. The test results show that through the recirculating flume at a negative temperature environment, the model test platform can simulate the icing process under a long-distance water delivery situation. The water temperature decreases with the increase of delivery distance and operating time. The formation of ice cover begins from the growth of border ice; however, the static formation of ice cover is rapid, but the dynamic formation of ice cover shows an obvious process of border ice lateral growth. An equation for border ice width and ice concentration was established for prediction.