CFD Modeling Optimizes the Design of Primary Settling Tanks at MWRDGC’s Calumet Water Reclamation Plant
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's Calumet Water Reclamation PlantChicago, Illinois
As part of an ongoing capital improvement plan, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) plans to construct twelve 47.2 m (155-ft) diameter circular primary settling tanks (PST) at its Calumet Water Reclamation Plant (CWRP). The new PSTs are intended to receive flows up to 75,700 m3/h (480 mgd). Due to the magnitude of the proposed facilities, the MWRDGC partnered with the design consultant and researchers at the University of Illinois to use computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modeling of the PSTs in order to optimize the design of the tanks. A three dimensional, multi-phase, turbulent flow model was developed. The model was used to optimize the arrangement of the inlet pipe and feedwell to maximize removal efficiency. In addition, the model allowed the design team to select a tank sidewater depth and tank diameter that are estimated to save the MWRDGC $2 million in construction cost without adversely affecting performance. Source: WEFTEC 2008 Proceedings
Metric Used:
Posted: August 27th, 2010 | Filed under: Waste Water Treatment | Tags: Cost Savings, Increased TSS Removal Efficiency, Optimize Inlet and Feedwell Dimensions, Plant Optimization | No Comments »