319 - CFD Simulation of Aeration and Mixing Process in a Waste Water Treatment Plant

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

9:45 AM – 10:00 AM CT

Room: S 102 C

Author(s)

Linlong Bian

Post doc
Florida International University

Co-Author(s)

Arturo S. Leon, n/a (he/him/his)

Associate Professor
Florida International University
Beichao Hu

Florida International University
Yovanni Catano, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, ENV SP

CFD Practice Leader
Black and Veatch
ZY

Zeda Yin

Ph.D Student
Florida International University

This research focuses on creating a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to forecast fluid flow behaviors and analyze the mixing process in a full-scale wastewater treatment facility. CFD has become an indispensable numerical tool for assessing, simulating, and modeling fluid dynamics in wastewater treatment systems. In our study, a three-dimensional (3D) multiphase flow CFD model is built. Water was identified as the primary phase which is modelled as the continuous phase, with air as the secondary which is modelled as the dispersed phase.
The shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model was chosen for its precision in predicting turbulence eddies in both free-flowing and wall-adjacent regions. To model the submersible agitators, a momentum source term strategy was adopted. A thrust analysis was also carried out to ensure the proper placement of the submerged agitators. The outcomes indicate that the minimum required water velocity can be achieved to keep solid particles suspended in the fluid, and the effective mixing was ensured.