Investigation of anaerobic zone short-circuiting using computational fluid dynamics

Flow characteristics of anaerobic zone was investigated using the computational fluid dynamics technique. The tank is an inlet/outlet baffle tank with two impellers to provide additional energy to prevent solid settlement. The turbulent flow was modelled using the standard k-e model and the rotation of the impellers was modelled using the multiple rotating frame of reference technique. The model simulated tracer results and was in reasonable agreement with measurement. Solid settlement was tracked using the Lagrangean disperse phase tehnique. Flow in anaerobic zone exhibited completely mixed behaviour with short-circuiting. A number of options were investigated. All exhibited the general completely mixed system, which resulted from the flow circulation around the central baffle. Some options, however, led to major short circuiting and were avoided. The function of the impellers was to maintain the flow circulation and to prevent solid settlement.