Improving Flow Distributions

in Treatment Plants
Using CFD Modeling
Fangbiao Lin, Ph.D., P. Eng.
Fangbiao.lin@stantec.com
October 24, 2012
Outline
Introduction
CFD 101
Flow Distribution in a Grit Chamber System
Flow Distribution in an Influent Channel to Filters
Summery
Flow Distribution between UV reactors
Mixing Zone/Diffusers
Mixing Performance of an Elevated Water Tank
Introduction
This presentation will demonstrate how CFD modeling
has been used to improve flow distribution in
treatment plants.
Show three project examples:
Humber Treatment Plant
Seymour-Capilano Treatment Plant
UV Disinfection Reactors
CFD 101
! CFD = Computational Fluid Dynamics
! CFD solves full sets of flow and turbulence
equations in three dimensional space; it is a 3D
virtual hydraulic modeling laboratory.
! CFD modeling is generally more complicated
than 1D and 2D modeling tools and involves
solid modeling, meshing, solving and results
post-processing.
! Key software: ANSYS FLUENT and FieldView
Understand problem and objectives
3D Geometrical model preparation
Mesh generation
Model setup and solution
Results analysis
CFD Modeling 101
Improve Flow Distribution to Grit Chambers
Uneven flow distributions to six grit chambers result in some
grit chambers over-loaded and some grit chambers under-loaded.
CFD Modeling of Existing System
CFD Modeling of Existing System
CFD Modeling of Existing System
CFD Modeling of Existing System
1 2 3 4 5 6
Case 2 10.9 15.8 17.1 5.7 -19.6 -29.9
-40.0
-30.0
-20.0
-10.0
0.0
10.0
20.0
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Flow Distribution through Grit Chambers
(Existing Condition)
Improve Flow Distribution to Grit Chambers
Add separation wall and chambers to improve flow distribution
CFD Modeling of Existing System
CFD Modeling of Existing System
CFD Modeling of Existing System
1 2 3 4 3 6
Case 2 10.9 13.8 17.1 3.7 -19.6 -29.9
Mod 2 -1.1 1.4 4.7 -3.2 -1.3 -0.3
-40.0
-30.0
-20.0
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20.0

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llow ulsLrlbuuon Lhrough CrlL Chambers
(8asellnes vs. ueslgn Modlcauons)
Improve Flow Distribution in an Influent
Channel
Uneven flow to 12 filters
Need to reduce hydraulic loss and increase flow capacity
Improve Flow Distribution in an Influent
Channel
Add flow training devices to improve flow distribution
Improve Flow Distribution in an Influent
Channel

Case No.
I
Influent Gates (m)

Baffle and Effluent
Gates (m)

FIF (m)

Total Losses
(m)

Baseline 1

0.289

0.190

0.323

0.802

Field
Measurement

0.289

0.183

0.263

0.735
Improve Flow Distribution in an Influent
Channel
Flow Distribution greatly improved
Hydraulic loss reduced from 1.46 m to 0.70 m
Flow Distribution in UV Piping
Predict Flow Distribution and Uniformity in UV piping
Flow Distribution in UV Piping
Predict Flow Distribution and Uniformity in UV piping
Mixing Zones/Diffusers
Truckee River Mixing Zone Study
Mixing Performance of a Water Tank
Mixing Performance of a Water Tank
Mixing Performance of a Water Tank
Summary
" CFD modeling is a cost-effective tool for solving flow problems
for water and wastewater engineering.
" Use of CFD modeling can greatly improve flow distributions in
treatment plants and achieve satisfactory hydraulics conditions
for pump stations, grit chambers, influent, effluent channels,
contactors, clarifiers, etc.
Contact me at Fangbiao.Lin@stantec.com for more information.
Improving Flow Distributions
in Treatment Plants
Using CFD Modeling
Fangbiao Lin, Ph.D., P. Eng.
Fangbiao.lin@stantec.com
October 24, 2012