Flow hydraulic simulation through two sand traps, using Ansys fluent

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics is a tool that allows to simulate and observe the behavior of any fluid, based on a physical, hydraulic, and hydrodynamic analysis. This research analyses the behavior of the flow in a sand trap, which is a structure used to remove sand particles with a minimum size of 0.10 mm, prior to treatment in a drinking-water plant. The objective of this study is to determine the highest efficiency between two sand traps, one with a double smooth screen and the other with a double perforated screen (with diffusers), based on the simulation and analysis behavior of the flow inside each sand trap. The methodology used includes the traditional design of each unit based on Hazen’s model and Stokes viscosity law, to later carry out the numerical model simulation from Ansys Fluent (pre-processing, processing, and post-processing). The result shows that perforated double screen sand trap generates a removal efficiency of 78%, while the smooth double screen 28%. In addition, other four units of interleaved screens are proposed, in these cases efficiencies of up to 50% are observed and it is shown that it is necessary to implement at least two perforated screens (with diffusers) to guarantee an efficiency greater than 70%. Hydraulic simulation has a broad impact on infrastructure works and consulting.