Abstract

A novel approach using a hybrid combination of internal baffles and industrial packing material is investigated in order to optimize the hydraulic residence time of a 1,500-gal rectangular concrete tank. Hydraulic residence time, which is commonly classified using the baffling factor (BF), was determined from residence time distribution curves obtained using both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and physical tracer studies. CFD simulations were used to model two scenarios. The first scenario was a base system consisting of an unbaffled concrete tank, and the second scenario was a two-baffle system. Computational simulation results were experimentally validated via tracer studies on a full-scale prototype. Modifications to the two scenarios were then experimentally implemented by locally placing random packing material at regions of high velocity and flow separation. Associated results highlight that the hybrid combination of baffling and packing material yielded substantial gains in the BF over systems using only internal baffles or only inlet modification.

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Publication Status

Full Access

Keywords and Phrases

Baffling factor; Computational fluid dynamics; Contact tank hydraulics; Drinking water; Random packing material

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1551-8833; 0003-150X

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2025 John Wiley & Sons, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Dec 2015

Download

Full Text Link

Share

 
COinS