CFD-based process optimization of a dissolved air flotation system for drinking water production

Dissolved air flotation (DAF) has received more attention recently as a separation technique in both drinking water as well as wastewater treatment. However, the process as well as the preceding flocculation step is complex and not completely understood. Given the multiphase nature of the process, f...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Water science and technology 2020-04, Vol.81 (8), p.1668-1681
Main Authors: Satpathy, K, Rehman, U, Cools, B, Verdickt, L, Peleman, G, Nopens, I
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerodynamics
Air
Belgium
Computational fluid dynamics
Computer applications
Design
Design analysis
Design modifications
Design optimization
Drinking Water
Energy
Flocculation
Flotation
Fluid dynamics
Hydraulics
Hydrodynamics
Mathematical models
Multiphase flow
Numerical models
Performance enhancement
Scale models
Sedimentation & deposition
Separation techniques
Simulation
Stratified flow
Turbulence models
Wastewater treatment
Water Purification
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Dissolved air flotation (DAF) has received more attention recently as a separation technique in both drinking water as well as wastewater treatment. However, the process as well as the preceding flocculation step is complex and not completely understood. Given the multiphase nature of the process, fluid dynamics studies are important to understand and optimize the DAF system in terms of operation and design. The present study is intended towards a comprehensive computational analysis for design optimization of the treatment plant in Kluizen, Belgium. Setting up the modelling framework involving the multiphase flow problem is briefly discussed. 3D numerical simulations on a scaled down model of the DAF design were analysed. The flow features give better confidence, but the flocs escape through the outlet still prevails which is averse to the system performance. In order to improve the performance and ease of maintenance, design modifications have been proposed by using a perforated tube for water extraction and are found to be satisfactory. The discussion is further reinforced through validating the numerical model against the experimental findings for stratified flow conditions.
ISSN:0273-1223
1996-9732
DOI:10.2166/wst.2020.028