Computational investigations of baffle configuration effects on the performance of primary sedimentation tanks

Abstract

Abstract To increase the performance of a primary sedimentation tank (clarifier), it is essential to have a uniform and calm flow field. The use of suitable baffle configurations may help forming favourable flow field and increase the efficiency of the primary sedimentation tank. To find the proper position and height of a baffle in a rectangular primary sedimentation tank, computational investigations are performed. Also, laboratory experiments are conducted to verify the numerical results, and the measured velocity fields that were by acoustic D oppler velocimeter ( ADV ) are used. The results of computational investigations performed in the present study indicate that the favourable flow field (uniform in the settling zone) would be enhanced for the case that the baffle position and height provide small circulation regions volume, or the recirculation region forms a small portion of the flow field and dissipate the kinetic energy in the tank.