A Complete Evaluation of Ultraviolet System Hydraulics using Physical Modeling, Computaionla Fluid Dynamic Analysis and Full Scale Testing

A complete evaluation of ultraviolet (UV) system hydraulics has been performed by applying physical modeling, computational fluid dynamics and full scale testing at a treatment plant. The objective of the evaluation was to determine the optimal “hydraulic” design of the UV complex. Physical modeling was used as first step to identify most cost effective internal features to provide optimal flow distribution between UV channels. Few limitations such as the inability to simulate suspended solids and lack of fully turbulent flow conditions in some of the tested cases warranted the use of computational fluid dynamics to confirm physical modeling findings. The results obtained by CFD analysis were used to design the necessary features. Optimal internal features were constructed and full scale testing was performed to confirm physical and CFD modeling results. It was confirmed that recommended internal features provided optimal flow distribution between UV channels at a wide range of loading conditions