Computer Modeling of Circular Peripheral Feed, Peripheral Overflow Secondary Clarifiers

The fully mass conservative (FMC) clarifier model based on computational fluid dynamic theory combined with solids flux theory was used to provide a full and accurate picture of the hydraulic and solids regimes within secondary peripheral-feed, peripheral-overflow clarifiers. The model was first applied to an existing clarifier to verify the reliability of model predictions using field data for prediction of a slightly larger basin. Sensitivity tests were run to predict the effects of SVI, flow rate, MLSS, tank depth and skirt baffle depth. Major modeling results include effluent suspended solids, sludge draw-off concentration and solids inventory.