scholarly journals Comparing the flow dynamics and particle settling in full-scale sedimentation tanks of different lengths

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 998-1006 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Arendze ◽  
M. S. Sibiya

The efficiency of sedimentation is dependent on settling tank design and operation, where the streamlined solid–liquid separation results in water of safe potable quality. It is therefore important that the tank design and operation are sufficiently optimised. Sedimentation tanks are commonly overdesigned, leading to unwarranted capital expenditure, and overloading. This study used computational fluid dynamics to model the current conditions of two full-scale sedimentation tanks of different lengths at a large drinking water treatment plant in South Africa, using the shear stress transport turbulence model. The flow dynamics and the polyelectrolyte flocculated particle settling efficiency between the short tank and the long tank were compared. Recirculation zones near the inlet were pronounced in the short tank, which resulted in particles being drawn towards the outlets. The flow in the long tank isolated the inlet and outlet, with low particle volume fractions and particle velocities at the weirs. The particle removal in both tanks was greater than 99%; however, removal was higher in the long tank (99.86%), hence it was more efficient despite greater infrastructure cost. Computational fluid dynamics modelling is a tremendous operational tool which can review the performance of alternative tank designs and provide valuable input into future design.

2021 ◽  
Vol 234 ◽  
pp. 109160
Author(s):  
Islam Almallah ◽  
Jason Ali-Lavroff ◽  
Damien S. Holloway ◽  
Michael R. Davis

Author(s):  
Glen Snedden ◽  
Dwain Dunn ◽  
Grant Ingram ◽  
David Gregory-Smith

As turbine manufacturers strive to develop machines that are more efficient, one area of focus has been the control of secondary flows. To a large extent these methods have been developed through the use of computational fluid dynamics and detailed measurements in linear and annular cascades and proven in full scale engine tests. This study utilises 5-hole probe measurements in a low speed, model turbine in conjunction with computational fluid dynamics to gain a more detailed understanding of the influence of a generic endwall design on the structure of secondary flows within the rotor. This work is aimed at understanding the influence of such endwalls on the structure of secondary flows in the presence of inlet skew, unsteadiness and rotational forces. Results indicate a 0.4% improvement in rotor efficiency as a result of the application of the generic non-axisymmetric endwall contouring. CFD results indicate a clear weakening of the cross passage pressure gradient, but there are also indications that custom endwalls could further improve the gains. Evidence of the influence of endwall contouring on tip clearance flows is also presented.


1999 ◽  
Vol 40 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 81-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Brouckaert ◽  
C. A. Buckley

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies of a secondary clarifier at Durban's Northern Wastewater Treatment Works, and of a clarifier at the potable water treatment plant at Umzinto, a small town near Durban, have been undertaken with a view to improving their load capacities. In both cases the units are located in relatively old treatment plants, which face continually increasing loads due to population growth. Increasing the capacity of existing equipment, rather than installing new equipment, constitutes an efficient use of development capital. Although the two clarifiers have considerable design differences, the CFD studies indicated remarkably similar circulating flows, which concentrate up-flow near the outer wall of the clarifier in the region of the clarified water overflow weirs. Baffles were designed to disrupt the circulation so as to distribute up-flow over a wider area, thereby reducing the maximum vertical velocities. In the case of the wastewater secondary clarifier, the modification has been implemented, and evaluated in comparative tests involving an otherwise identical unmodified clarifier. In the case of the potable water clarifier, the modification has still to be implemented.


2006 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
pp. 257-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.D. Jensen ◽  
P. Ingildsen ◽  
M.R. Rasmussen ◽  
J. Laursen

Aeration tank settling is a control method allowing settling in the process tank during high hydraulic load. The control method is patented. Aeration tank settling has been applied in several waste water treatment plants using the present design of the process tanks. Some process tank designs have shown to be more effective than others. To improve the design of less effective plants, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling of hydraulics and sedimentation has been applied. This paper discusses the results at one particular plant experiencing problems with partly short-circuiting of the inlet and outlet causing a disruption of the sludge blanket at the outlet and thereby reducing the retention of sludge in the process tank. The model has allowed us to establish a clear picture of the problems arising at the plant during aeration tank settling. Secondly, several process tank design changes have been suggested and tested by means of computational fluid dynamics modelling. The most promising design changes have been found and reported.


2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Klinksieg ◽  
T. Dockhorn ◽  
N. Dichtl

Full-scale and lab-scale research experiments were conducted to determine the phosphorous precipitation efficiency of iron hydroxide sludge from drinking water treatment. During full-scale investigations at a wastewater treatment plant, ferric sludge was added to the inflow of the primary settling tank in a first experimental phase and to the inflow of the aeration tank in a second phase. In the outflow of the mechanical stage and in the outflow of the biological stage, a reduction of the PO4-P concentrations could be observed. The concentration of COD, the SVI and the filament abundance were not changed significantly by adding the ferric sludge to the wastewater treatment plant. In lab tests, improved precipitation efficiency of the ferric sludge could be achieved by using anaerobic conditions and acid pulping. The research showed that the wastewater treatment process can benefit from the reuse of ferric sludge from drinking waterworks and that this also presents an inexpensive recycling option for these sludges.


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