Abstract
Effluent discharge mixing and dispersion have been studied for many decades. Studies began with experimental investigations of geometrical and concentration characteristics of the jets in the near-field zone. More robust experiments were performed using Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) systems starting in the 20th century, which led to more accurate measurement and analysis of jet behavior. The advancement of computing systems over the past two decades has led to the development of various numerical methods, which have been implemented in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes to predict fluid motion and characteristics. Numerical modeling of mixing and dispersion is increasingly preferred over laboratory experiments of effluent discharges in both academia and industry. More computational resources and efficient numerical schemes have helped increase the popularity of using CFD models in jet and plume modeling. Numerous models have been developed over time, each with different capabilities to facilitate the investigation of all aspects of effluent discharges. Among these, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and Large Eddy Simulations (LES) are at present the most popular CFD models employing effluent discharge modeling. This paper reviews state-of-the-art numerical modeling studies for different types and configurations of discharges, including positively and negatively buoyant discharges, which have mostly been completed over the past two decades. The numerical results of these studies are summarized and critically discussed in this review. Various aspects related to the impact of turbulence models, such as k-ε and Launder-Reece-Rodi (LRR) models, are reviewed herein. RANS and LES models are reviewed, and implications for the simulation of jet and plume mixing are discussed to develop a reference for future researchers performing numerical investigations on jet mixing and dispersion.
Highlights
Increasing population and industrial growth have meant a global increase in effluent discharge in water bodies
Ref. [56] calculated the free jet concentration and comparing this to the modeled confined jet concentration in this study shows that using the same Froude number gives a higher dilution at a certain point along the jet centerline in confined jets
Advances in computational resources and strength have led to an increase in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling of jet mixing and dispersion over the past two decades
Summary
Increasing population and industrial growth have meant a global increase in effluent discharge in water bodies. Industries located near shore that discharge significant volumes of thermal and saline effluent include desalination plants, mining operations, water treatment plants, and nuclear power plants. The direct discharge of wastewater into lakes, rivers, and seas can increase turbidity and change the ambient temperature [1]. Coastal waters receive concentrated salt brine as discharge from seawater desalination plants (Figure 1), chemical waste from biofouling (e.g., chlorine), and fertilizers. The water bodies that receive the industrial discharge are often very sensitive environments [3,4], and the design of the discharge facility to disperse effluent and reduce the concentration of effluents may help protect the receiving water body. Surface discharge discharge of of the desalination plant, plant, the the largest largest such
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