Optimization of mechanical accelerated clarifier based on numerical simulation of flow field

Abstract

In this article, the numerical simulation of a mechanical mixing process typical of that in water treatment has been performed and optimization of process parameters is achieved. First, the prediction capability of the numerical calculation method is verified through laboratory experiments. Then, the index of turbulence intensity and mixing effect is presented. Finally, optimization of design and operational parameters is carried out based on the maximization of two indices while minimizing power consumption in an actual water treatment plant. The results have shown that the nature of the flow field has a strong influence on the mixing effect. Moreover, the index of turbulence intensity and mixing effect was shown to provide a feasible approach to the optimization of design and operational parameters. For the mechanical accelerated clarifier in the actual water treatment plant, the optimal paddle diameter, submerged depth, and rotational speed were 0.8 m, 1.25 m, and 40 r/min, respectively.