Author(s): Celia Ortega Flores; Antonio Lastra De La Rubia; Jaime Botello Herranz; Monica Ortega Cano; Emilio Arenas; Carlos Tome; Juan Jesus Alonso
Linked Author(s): Antonio Lastra de la Rubia
Keywords: CFD accelerator decanter hydraulic optimization drinking water treatment
Abstract: The operation of an accelerator decanter is complex. In order to analyze it in detail and to be able to improve it, this work addresses the hydrodynamic optimization of the accelerator decanter at the Jarosa Drinking Water Treatment Plant (DWTP) through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The study considers the introduction of an external deflector and lamellar modules in improved configurations to overcome detected hydraulic limitations, such as high velocities at the base and imbalances in the lamellar modules. A detailed analysis of the methodologies used is presented, including geometric simplifications, complex mesh generation, and steady-state simulations. The results show a significant redistribution of the flow, with positive impacts on sedimentation and the quality of treated water. This approach allows for the establishment of guidelines for optimized design and operation in similar infrastructures.
Year: 2025