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Euler-Lagrange Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation of a full-scale unconfined anaerobic digester for wastewater sludge treatment
Dapelo, Davide Bridgeman, John
Dapelo, Davide
Bridgeman, John
Publication Date
2018-03
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© 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduced in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license.
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Accepted for publication
2017-08-15
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Abstract
For the first time, an Euler-Lagrange model for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is used to model a full-scale gas-mixed anaerobic digester. The design and operation parameters of a digester from a wastewater treatment works are modelled, and mixing is assessed through a novel, multi-facetted approach consisting of the simultaneous analysis of (i) velocity, shear rate and viscosity flow patterns, (ii) domain characterization following the average shear rate value, and (iii) concentration of a non-diffusive scalar tracer. The influence of sludge’s non-Newtonian behaviour on flow patterns and its consequential impact on mixing quality were discussed for the first time. Recommendations to enhance mixing effectiveness are given: (i) a lower gas mixing input power can be used in the digester modelled within this work without a significant change in mixing quality, and (ii) biogas injection should be periodically switched between different nozzle series placed at different distances from the centre.
Version
Accepted manuscript
Citation
Dapelo D and Bridgeman J (2018) Euler-Lagrange Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation of a full-scale unconfined anaerobic digester for wastewater sludge treatment. Advances in Engineering Software. 117: 153-169.
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Article