Hydrus-1D simulation of two-stage cross-flow pre-filtration of turbid river water

Abstract

Simulation is a modus operandi often used for imitating real-world processes. It involves a system and set of assumptions used for computing a numerical model, from which the outcome is an estimate of the true characteristics of how the system behaves. The intention of this research was to investigate the efficiency of fabric in two-stage cross-flow filtration using linen, crepe-backed satin, burlap and cotton fabric filter media. The results from previous pilot-scale experiments performed showed that linen fabric was the most effective medium at retaining particles. In continuation of this research, the aim of this paper was to utilize Hydrus-1D simulation software to simulate cross-flow filtration with fabric filter medium. This was done to further confirm the efficiency of cross-flow filtration, in particular with linen fabric filter media. Simulation entailed investigating fabric water content versus pressure head; bottom pressure head versus time; fabric water storage versus time; and cumulative infiltration versus time with both single and four layers of fabric filter media. Hydrus-1D simulation was productive since it confirmed that cross-flow filtration with linen fabric filter media has the potential of becoming a pre-filtration step in surface water treatment, further adding to the results obtained from previous pilot-scale experiments.