Abstract

The research presented in this study focuses on the evaluation of flow and scalar transport characteristics of small disinfection systems, primarily through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and physical conservative tracer studies overcoming the traditional "black box" approach of disinfection tank design based on theoretical detention time (TDT). Original research was performed on a series of pressurized tanks systems and on two differing open surface tank systems. CFD allowed for evaluation of the systems' respective flow characteristics which govern the transport of any quantity. Residence time distribution (RTD), or flow-through, curves measuring the effluent concentration of a passive scalar or conservative tracer provide a physical measure of the hydraulic mixing efficiency. The series of pressurized tank systems exhibited significant regions of turbulent mixing and recirculation corresponding to a relatively low hydraulic efficiency. Both open surface tank systems showed highly uneven flow paths and corresponding low hydraulic efficiencies. The research presented in this study provides an extensive evaluation for the flow and scalar characteristics of the described small public drinking water disinfection systems. © 2011 ASCE.

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Disinfection; Hydraulics; Water distribution systems; Water treatment

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-078441173-5

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2025 American Society of Civil Engineers, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

21 Jul 2011

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