Validation CFD in ANSYS Fluent, Spring 2010

Validation Studies of Fluent Turbulence Models for Fluent Simulations of AguaClara Flocculators

Travis Stanislaus

Introduction:

The AguaClara water treatment project uses ANSYS Fluent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to simulate and analyze turbulent fluid flow in idealized models of flocculators in AguaClara water treatment plants. The flocculator simulations in Fluent are used to obtain turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate, ε, and energy loss coefficient, K, between baffle in the flocculator for AguaClara design equations that determine the height of the flocculator, H, the spacing between baffles, S, the quantity of baffles in the flocculator, and flocculation performance, Ѳε^(1/3) , Ѳ is the residence time between two baffles. The results from Fluent are used in the design of AguaClara facilities, so verification and validation of the Fluent flocculator model and simulation has been conducted continuously since the time AguaClara began using Fluent simulations. Verification is determination of the degree the model being simulated is an accurate representation of the developer’s description and solution to the model. Validation is determining if the model is an accurate representation of the real world physics and intended uses of the model.

Small Scale Plant Model, Spring 2015

Ed Cheng and Jenny (Ruoyu) Yin

Abstract:

The Small Scale Plant Model Team of Spring 2015 worked to design a clear and portable model of the AguaClara water treatment plant. The current small scale plant model is cumbersome to travel with and difficult to understand for those unfamiliar with AguaClara technologies. After repairing the previous model, the team identified promoting education and awareness the primary purposes of the new model. Representing the water treatment plant in a clear and critical way will be the main objective of the Small Scale Model Team. After a semester of material testing and prototypes, the new small scale model will be completed over summer and fall 2015.

Small Scale Plant Model, Fall 2014

Serena Takada and Nick Cassab-Gheta

Abstract

During the fall semester of 2014, the Small Scale Plant Model Team worked on repairing the current small scale plant model and began using AutoCAD to 3D print a small scale model of AguaClara plants. The purpose of using AutoCAD to print models of AguaClara plants, rather than using Rhinoceros 5, is to automate as much of the printing process as possible. The team evaluated multiple methods of converting a solid in AutoCAD to a meshed solid. In addition, the team looked into alternative printers that would be more compatible to printing using AutoCAD. Eventually, the team hopes to develop a system where anyone can request an STL file containing the design of the most up to date design of an AguaClara plant at any flow rate. Upon request, this STL file should be sent to any 3D print shop to be printed.

Ram Pump - Fall 2017

Priya Aggarwal, Will Lopez, Ana Ruess

Abstract:

The Fall 2017 Ram Pump subteam worked on mathematically modeling the ram pump’s mechanical behavior. Experiments conducted the previous semester proved that the ram pump does not operate as anticipated or desired. Ideally, modeling will explain this unpredicted behavior. With this knowledge, the team will be able to produce a more efficient and effective design. The team found a way to derive the forces involved in the pump, but more work needs to be done to determine what the optimal spring force is for the system.

Fluoride Auto - Fall 2018

Fluoride Automated System

Tigran Mehrabyan, Janak Shah, Samba Sowe

Abstract:

The Fluoride Auto subteam seeks to develop a sustainable, inexpensive fluoride removal system for implementation in upcoming AguaClara plants in India. Using the apparatus developed in previous semesters, the team continued running experiments testing how various concentrations of PACl affect fluoride removal. The team then analyzed the variability of the Langmuir isotherm generated by the summer 2018 Fluoride team. This analysis factored into the overarching goal of developing a model to predict an optimal coagulant dosage given both influent and target effluent fluoride concentrations.