Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is gaining increased interest in wastewater treatment as we gain more understanding of how physical processes impact the performance of water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). Virtual design testing using CFDs extends testing freedom drastically, does not require real-life system modifications, and provides much more system understanding. This learning module provides several case studies of different projects where CFD was successfully used to improve performance or solve a problem.
At the conclusion of this learning module, participants will be able to
- list examples in which advanced 2-phase CFD (liquid/gas) was used to evaluate different design scenarios;
- summarize lessons from a case study looking at design of primary settling tanks (PST) influent baffles;
- describe how CFD modeling can be applied to PAA disinfection in baffled contact tanks;
- explain how CFD can solve pesky operational and maintenance issues, such as those in the case study that examined problems in the Nitrate Recycle (NRCY) and Anoxic Recycle (ARCY) systems;
- determine how to implement unsteady CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) methods to analyze flow behavior in hydraulic structures in the water and wastewater treatment; and
- recognize how utilizing computer-based design combined with physical based design can validate results and build trust for improvements.
