Investigating the Effect of Multiple Reference Frame Approach on the Modelling of an Oxidation Ditch

International Journal of Environmental Research volume 12, pages429–437(2018)Cite this article

Abstract

One of the common bioreactors in activated sludge process is oxidation ditch (OD). Since aeration and mixing are the main causes of alteration in flow field, study on hydrodynamics is essential for effective operation and optimization of an OD. Such study has become less-difficult and more cost-effective because computational fluid dynamics as a dominant tool to simulate the hydrodynamics has increasingly improved. Rotation of the impeller and mixer generates fluid flow, so selecting a model that outlines impeller rotation plays a vital role. Based on the proficiency of multiple reference frame (MRF) approach, the flow characteristics associated with several rotational parts can be investigated. However, in most of the previous studies on OD as a wastewater treatment equipment, there is no clear comment on the dimension of rotational zone required for the simulation; therefore, an exclusive investigation is essential and can be supportive for additional studies on processes with moving parts. In this paper, the influence of rotational zone proportions on the precision of OD simulation was analysed and four models were proposed and simulated by (or with) MRF approach. As a result of this investigation, the more the radius of rotating zone is, the greater the exactness of modelling is. Additionally, the semi-circle rotating zone in MRF approach is infeasible.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the support of Process Simulation Centre, at School of Chemical Engineering, and acknowledge the financial support of University of Tehran under Grant number 8104956/1/03.

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Affiliations

  1. UNESCO Chair on Water Reuse, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Avenue Enghelab, Enqelab Square, P.O. Box 11155-4563, Tehran, Iran

    Hossein Norouzi-Firouz, Mohammad-Hossein Sarrafzadeh & Reza Zarghami

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  1. Hossein Norouzi-Firouz
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  2. Mohammad-Hossein Sarrafzadeh
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  3. Reza Zarghami
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Correspondence to Mohammad-Hossein Sarrafzadeh.

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Norouzi-Firouz, H., Sarrafzadeh, MH. & Zarghami, R. Investigating the Effect of Multiple Reference Frame Approach on the Modelling of an Oxidation Ditch. Int J Environ Res 12, 429–437 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41742-018-0095-x

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Keywords

  • Wastewater treatment
  • CFD
  • Multiple reference frame (MRF)
  • Oxidation ditch