Multiphase Flow Simulation Guides Wastewater Treatment Plant Design

Ronnie Berg, Tauw; Tony Flameling, Eindhoven Water Board, Netherlands

To improve the health of the Dommel river, an aeration unit has been added to the Eindhoven wastewater treatment plant to increase the oxygen level of the effluent before merging with the river. Before construction, a CFD model of a multiphase turbulent fluid flow was created to determine the best arrangement of aeration units and heights of sections of the adjustable dam for various river water levels. Simulation ultimately helped to enhance the quality of water in a cost-effective way to benefit the river's ecosystem and surrounding inhabitants.

CFD simulation results showing the velocity field of the treated water through the aeration system during dry weather.

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