Study on the hydraulic characteristics for anti-abrasion of Francis runner

It is general problem that the abrasion and cavitation occur in hydraulic turbine working in sandy rivers. In this paper, the flow characteristics of sandy water flow in the Francis runner have been analyzed. The new anti-abrasion Francis runner had been designed successfully. The new runner has operated in Jiuzixi Hydropower Station for four years without repairing. The capacity has raised 15.3% after using the new runner. The experiences showed that the analysis results and the runner design ideas are correct.