Simulation of Grit Chambers

What are the benefits of hydrograv simulations?

  • Maximization of removal rates of grit particles and grease
  • Minimization of construction costs by efficiency increase (e.g. less construction volume)
  • Minimization of operational costs by optimization of the aeration
  • Determination of dynamic forces on installations
     

Example 1: Calibration and validation of the simulation models for aerated grit chambers

  • Measurements of the 3D-velocity by a high resolution acustic probe
  • Calibration and validation of model approaches, e.g. turbulence model, bubble size

Figure: Comparison of measured and simulated water velocities in the grit and grease basin of an aerated grit chamber.

Example 2: Streamlines visualize the flow patterns

  • Streamlines visualize the path of the flow and show areas with hydraulic deficits, e.g. short-circuit flow.

Figure: Streamlines with velocities vizualize the flow patterns.

Example 3: Investigation of geometrical changes

  • for example, investigation of the impact of a separation baffle between grit and grease basin
  • deterministic analysis of the removal rate of grit and grease

 

Figure: Aerated grit chamber with lamellae as a separting wall between grit and grease basin.

Figure: Aerated grit chamber without lamellae as a separting wall between grit and grease basin.
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Example 4: Verification of separation rates

  • simulation of test sand according to the German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste, DWA (2008): Arbeitsbericht des DWA-Fachausschusses KA-5 „Absetzverfahren“. Sandfänge – Anforderungen, Systeme und Bemessung. Korrespondenz Abwasser, Abfall 5/2008. S. 508 – 518.
  • Investigation of different classes of materials: sand, grease, organic substances

Figure: Grain distribution of sand. Left: at the inlet of the grit chamber. Right: Comparison between inlet and outlet of the grit chamber. Mesh width logarithmic.

Figure: Separation rate of different classes of materials.

 

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Example 5: Verification of dynamic forces

  • Determination of the hydrodynamic pressure on the basis of the flow velocity on the total surface of a separating wall pipes and determination of the force acting therefrom

Figure: Dynamic forces acting on separating wall pipes between grit and grease basin.