CFD simulations of single-phase flow in settling tanks: comparison of turbulence models

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the present work, single-phase CFD simulations are performed to study flows in the rectangular and circular settling tank. The three-dimensional flow was studied for the predictions of the velocity profiles in the settling tank. The performance of seven different types of turbulence models, standard k-ε model, low Re k-ε models such as AKN model, CHC model and Abid Model, k-ω model, low Re k-ω model and RSM model has been evaluated for the prediction of flow fields. The CFD model is validated with previously published experimental data. The comparison of velocity profiles, turbulent kinetic energy, turbulent Reynolds number and vorticity are presented. The predictive ability of Abid model is better than other models for prediction of the flow field for both rectangular and circular settling tank. The absolute error for the velocity predictions in the case of the low Re k-ε model is around 30% less as compared to the other models. The better prediction using the low Re k-ε models is attributed to the damping functions used in the model.