Computational fluid dynamic prediction of the residence time of a vortex separator applied to disinfection

A Hydrodynamic Vortex Separator (HDVS) has been modelled using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in order to predict the residence time of the fluid at the overflow and underflow outlets. A technique which was developed for use in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) was used to determine the residence time and the results have been compared with those determined experimentally. It is shown that in using CFD, it is possible to predict the mean residence time of the fluid and to study the response to a pulse injection of tracer. It is also shown that it is possible to apply these techniques to predict the mean survival rate of bacteria in a combined separation and disinfection process.

Computational fluid dynamic prediction of the residence time distribution of a prototype hydrodynamic vortex separator operating with a base flow component

A hydrodynamic vortex separator (HDVS) has been modelled using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in order to accurately determine the residence time of the fluid at the two outlets of the HDVS using a technique that was developed for use in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). The results have been compared with experimental data [1]. It is shown that, in using CFD, it is possible to study the response to a variety of inputs, and also to determine the mean residence time of the fluid within the separator. Although the technique used for determining the residence time was developed for use in HVAC, it is shown here to be applicable for the analysis of hydraulic systems, specifically, wastewater treatment systems.